Illinois crime-fighter and anti-corruption political crusader Andy Martin says the Mark Kirk military fiasco is becoming the biggest political disaster in Illinois history. Martin says the Kirk collapse is unfolding in “slow motion” because Chicago media are so heavily invested in Kirk’s earlier lies.
Tea Party “Terminator” Andy Martin says Mark Kirk is about to become the biggest political fiasco in Illinois history
Andy says the Illinois Republican Party’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy about Mark Kirk’s flawed character will end in disaster
Martin says the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times are playing “leapfrog” with their stories exposing Kirk as a phony
The Decatur Republican Party office that removed its Kirk poster will not be the last
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN /2010
“The Name You Can Trust”
Republican for U. S. Senator
30 E. Huron Street, Suite 4406
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(866) 706-2639
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com
www.IllinoisHighSpeedTrains.com
Andy Martin’s anti-Kirk blogs:
www.DefeatMarkKirk.blogspot.com;
www.ContrarianCommentary.typepad.com/DefeatMarkKirk/
www.MarkKirk.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Andy Martin says the political “crash” of Mark Kirk is unfolding in slow motion due to the fact that Chicago media and “Combine” Republicans are so heavily invested in Kirk’s candidacy
(CHICAGO)(June 13, 2010) Mark Kirk is becoming the biggest political catastrophe in Illinois political history. Bigger than the Jack Ryan meltdown in 2004. Bigger than Adlai Stevenson’s collapse in 1986. But, unlike Ryan’s fall from grace, Kirk’s implosion is unfolding in slow motion. Why?
Kirk’s demise is a slow-motion video because the local media are so heavily invested in Kirk. During the February primary, media effectively “locked out” other candidates and covered only Kirk. The local media bias and moral corruption was despicable. WLS' "Don and Roma," for example, invited only Kirk on the air. Constantly. Now Don and Roma look like the jerks they really are. Even Channel 7, which provided a debate for senate candidates, used the debate to attack the one candidate running truthful ads exposing Kirk’s maladies (yours truly).
Republican Party leaders were bribed with $50,000 of Kirk's cash. Sleazy Kirk stooge Pat Brady defended Kirk from the truth.
The truth about Kirk was too toxic for media to report and too devastating for Republicans to believe in February.
Now the truth about Kirk is now becoming lethal to Kirk himself.
On Thursday, the Chicago Sun-Times picked up a story from a blog which contained actual Department of Defense documents exposing Kirk for misusing his military uniform to conduct “partisan activity.” Those documents are the proverbial “smoking gun.” I will be surprised if the documents do not become a devastating ad. They are documents convicting Kirk. DOD documents.
Scooped by the Sun-Times, the Tribune is firing back today with a major story that Kirk’s “deployments,” which he brazenly trumpeted for years, were all imaginary. The Pentagon does not consider weekend warriors “deployed” when they activate briefly for training periods:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/elections/
ct-met-senate-kirk-giannoulias-20100612,0,2203077.story
Of course, none of this “news” is “new.” I disclosed all of it in what I called “Bunker Buster” ads in January. But politicians and reporters thought they could get away with perpetrating the biggest fraud in political history: Mark Kirk as the “great warrior.” They pretended not to hear my ads or see my documents. Instead, their primary election reporting parroted Kirk’s “misremembrances.”
Now the same media are destroying Kirk. Republicans are holding back, but not for long.
A sign of the times: a Decatur Republican headquarters pulled Kirk’s poster:
http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?
show=localnews&pnpID=469&NewsID=981648&CategoryID=569&on=1
Finally, the war in Afghanistan is not going well. I will have more to say about that in later columns. As a candidate, I opposed the expansion in Afghanistan. I knew what was coming. Unlike Kirk, I had actually been in harm's way in Afghanistan. I have the experience Kirk only dreams about.
Republicans, with Kirk at the front of the parade, were enthusiastic cheerleaders for the misadventure in Afghanistan. He has not even begun to pay the price for that bad judgment.
When the public finally wakes up and realizes what a disaster Afghanistan has become, Kirk and Obama will ride into the sunset together.
“Veterans” have just begun to mobilize against Kirk. Kirk’s supporters are slowly slipping away, silently in the night. Their own campaigns are endangered by any visible backing for Kirk. Kirk is a disgrace. Ordinary, rank-and-file Republicans are slowly realizing their colossal error in nominating Kirk.
“Don’t ask, don’t tell” may be the prevailing “Republican Party” wisdom about the Kirkster today. But the Decatur Republican headquarters’ missing sign is a telling indication of what Illinois republicans have in their future. It ain’t pretty.
Why do I claim Kirk is going to be the biggest disaster? Bigger than Ryan, etc? Because Kirk could drag down the Republican Party’s statewide ticket with him, in a year when Republicans nationally are winning. You heard it here, first.
------------------------------------
Andy Martin is a legendary Chicago muckraker, author, Internet columnist, radio talk show host, broadcaster and media critic. He has over forty years of broadcasting background in radio and television and is the dean of Illinois media and communications. He is currently promoting his best-selling book, Obama: The Man Behind The Mask and his Internet movie "Obama: The Hawai'i years." Andy is the Executive Editor and publisher of www.ContrarianCommentary.com. Martin comments on regional, national and world events with more than four decades of experience. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law and is a former adjunct professor of law at the City University of New York.
UPDATES: www.twitter.com/AndyMartinUSAwww.facebook.com/AndyMartin Andy's columns are also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
contrariancommentary.typepad.com[NOTE: We try to correct any typographical errors in this story on our blogs; find our latest edition there.]
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639 or CELL (917) 664-9329E-MAIL: AndyMart20@aol.com © Copyright by Andy Martin 2010
----------------------------
Showing posts with label Robert Gates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Robert Gates. Show all posts
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Andy Martin: New York news conference explains “back story” of Chicago Sun-Times article on Mark Kirk
(NEW YORK) (June 10, 2010) New York: Andy Martin explained today at a New York news conference the significance and back story to the latest “explosion” in the Mark Kirk military fraud scandal
The Chicago Sun-Times carries a story Thursday about Department of Defense (“DOD”) accusations on December 9, 2009 that Kirk had unlawfully engaged in “partisan political activities.” That accusation was triggered by materials Andy Martin submitted to DOD on August 1, 2009 as part of his Freedom of Information Act filings at DOD. In other words, Martin's complaints to DOD about Kirk’s unlawful activities triggered an investigation that culminated in the Undersecretary’s accusations against Kirk contained in DOD’s December 9, 2009 letter.
Andy Martin continues to be the driving force behind forcing Mark Kirk out of politics. Andy had not previously released his original August 1, 2009 complaints/FOIA demands to DOD which triggered Kirk’s problems with DOD. These letters are now on the internet. “I said last week there was more to come about Kirk, and it is still coming,” Martin says. “No one believed me in January. Maybe people are believing now.”
The Chicago Sun-Times carries a story Thursday about Department of Defense (“DOD”) accusations on December 9, 2009 that Kirk had unlawfully engaged in “partisan political activities.” That accusation was triggered by materials Andy Martin submitted to DOD on August 1, 2009 as part of his Freedom of Information Act filings at DOD. In other words, Martin's complaints to DOD about Kirk’s unlawful activities triggered an investigation that culminated in the Undersecretary’s accusations against Kirk contained in DOD’s December 9, 2009 letter.
Andy Martin continues to be the driving force behind forcing Mark Kirk out of politics. Andy had not previously released his original August 1, 2009 complaints/FOIA demands to DOD which triggered Kirk’s problems with DOD. These letters are now on the internet. “I said last week there was more to come about Kirk, and it is still coming,” Martin says. “No one believed me in January. Maybe people are believing now.”
Andy Martin: CIA must release Mark Kirk “detail” files
Andy Martin told a Palm Beach news conference today he has asked the CIA, Department of Defense and Navy Department to release any files which corroborate Mark Kirk’s claims that Kirk was “detailed” to the CIA. Martin has filed formal Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) requests with the agencies.
New York [CHICAGO] NEWS CONFERENCE: Thursday, June 10th
Chicago crime fighter Andy Martin blows open the Mark Kirk military fraud scandal with dramatic new disclosures
Tea Party sympathizer Andy Martin explains the context in which the Department of Defense in December, 2009 accused Kirk of “partisan political activities” in military uniform
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN /2010
“The Name You Can Trust”
Republican for U. S. Senator
30 E. Huron Street, Suite 4406
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(866) 706-2639
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com
www.MarkKirk.us
www.IllinoisHighSpeedTrains.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ATTENTION DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THURSDAY NEWS CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK
Andy Martin explains why the Department of Defense in December, 2009 accused Mark Kirk of unlawful political activity; Martin had been filing charges against Kirk with DOD since August
Martin says the latest DOD documents are the “smoking gun” that will end Kirk’s candidacy and career
(CHICAGO)(June 10, 2010) Chicago crime fighter and anti-corruption crusader Andy Martin will hold a New York news conference today, Thursday, June 10th to place the Chicago Sun-Times story on the Department of Defense’s accusations against Mark Kirk’s “illegal political activities” in uniform in context:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/2376694,mark-kirk-military-deployment-document-061010.article
“The Sun-Times has picked up Department of Defense (“DOD”) documents from the web site www.Nitpicker.blogspot.com,” Martin says. “But no one knew of my clandestine activity behind the scenes until today.
“Why did the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense accuse Mark Kirk of illegal ‘partisan political activities’ while in uniform? It was because of my earlier complaints to DOD, and the accusations I made against Kirk in my FOIA (“Freedom of Information Act”) activity. I will post these documents separately before my New York news conference Thursday.
“I made my initial FOIA request to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on August 1st. Likewise, I sent Mark Kirk a letter on August 1st asking him to waive his rights under the Privacy Act. He refused. But Kirk knew as early as August 1, 2009 that I was seeking his military records. Between August 1, 2009 and today’s date I have engaged in spirited correspondence with DOD.
“DOD Undersecretary Gail McGinn was obviously aware of my efforts to secure the release of Kirk’s records. I had been tipped off that there was unhappiness within the Pentagon at Kirk’s grandstanding, and was advised to file a FOIA request, which I did.
“Thus, Undersecretary’s McGinn’s accusations of unlawful ‘partisan political activities’ in uniform was triggered by my ongoing comments to DOD
“Mr. Kirk’s statement Wednesday night implicitly acknowledges that within his campaign I am seen as the devil that will not let go. Kirk is obsessed with me. Kirk’s own statement Wednesday evening mentions my radio ads, as he did when he falsely claimed at the Union League Club he had been ‘fighting for [Andy Martin’s] freedom’ in Afghanistan. Kirk knows I have been hounding DOD to tell the truth. I have also filed a DADT complaint against Kirk with the Navy.
“It is unseemly that Kirk now claims his ‘private’ records have been compromised, when he used DOD secrecy to conceal his own criminal activity. Using federal property for political activity is a criminal act. Instead of filing his own FOIA complaint, Kirk should grant the waiver I asked for and direct the release of all of his military records. Kirk has been using federal secrecy laws to cover up his fraudulent activity in uniform.
“The reason the Sun-Times story and the Nitpicker blog entry appear out of context in so far as Undersecretary Gail McGinn’s accusations of unlawful partisan activity by Kirk (all political activity in uniform is unlawful) of December 9, 2009 is because prior to today (June 10th) no one in the media or public knew I had been clandestinely orchestrating DOD investigations against Kirk since August 1, 2009.
“I am usually known as a man who is pretty quick with a news release. But because I was aware of the explosive nature of the DOD allegations against Kirk, I did not issue a news release on August 1st. I planned to use my information about Kirk’s military fraud in campaign advertising. So we kept the FOIA activity embargoed. I held the ‘military imposter’ story until I began running radio ads exposing Kirk as a military fraud in January, 2010. My radio advertisement which exposed Kirk as a military masquerader is still available to be heard on my web site:
http://www.andyforussenator.com/andys_ads.htm
“I ran ads exposing Mark Kirk as a military fraud and I also posted a letter from DOD on my web site www.markKirk.us dated October 28, 2009 [which letter I had also kept under wraps in 2009] disclosing a lack of any DOD records to document Kirk’s imaginary claims about his military service in Afghanistan:
http://www.markkirk.us/images/kirk_letter.pdf
“Mr. Kirk is an evil man who has habitually lied to the people of Illinois about his military service. I repeat what I have previously stated: his decades long exaggerations are clinically significant evidence of a mental disorder. I am delighted to have been the man who started the ball rolling to drum him out of the military service and politics. He is a disgrace to the Republican Party,” Martin will state in New York City.
“The documents were posted on my web sites; the ads were broadcast on radio stations across the State of Illinois. Where were the media? Where were Republican Party leaders? They were too busy attacking and smearing Andy Martin to search for the truth about Mark Kirk. They are all getting what they deserve.
“Ironically, in response to my initial disclosures, WBBM-AM put up its own web site ‘Who is Andy Martin?’ instead of one ‘Who is Mark Kirk?’ Who knew who Kirk was? Except the old Internet Powerhouse; I knew.
“Now that I am releasing my documents from August, 2009 which were sent to Secretary of Defense Gates, the media and people of Illinois can see ‘the rest of the story’ and understand why Undersecretary McGinn attacked Kirk in December, 2009.
“Mark Kirk? R.I.P. Bye, bye Markie. Good riddance to the Kirkster. Maybe he can move in with his butt boy Mark Foley and the two of them can live happily ever after.”
-------------------------------------
Martin’s latest anti-Kirk blogs:
www.DefeatMarkKirk.blogspot.com;
www.contrariancommentary.typepad.com/defeatmarkkirk/
------------------------------------
June 10th NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO:
ContrarianCommentary.com Executive Editor Andy Martin
WHAT:
Internet powerhouse Andy Martin explains why the Department of Defense accused Mark Kirk of illegal “partisan political activities” in military uniform
WHERE:
909 Third Avenue, public sidewalk in front of FDR Station, New York (under the “909” canopy in case of rain)
WHEN:
Thursday, June 10, 3:00 P. M.
MEDIA CONTACT:
GENERAL: (866) 706-2639 CELL (917) 664-9329;
WEBSITE: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
-----------------------------Andy Martin is a legendary Chicago muckraker, author, Internet columnist, radio talk show host, broadcaster and media critic. He has over forty years of broadcasting background in radio and television and is the dean of Illinois media and communications. He is currently promoting his best-selling book, Obama: The Man Behind The Mask and producing the new Internet movie "Obama: The Hawai'i years." Andy is the Executive Editor and publisher of www.ContrarianCommentary.com. Martin comments on regional, national and world events with more than four decades of experience. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law and is a former adjunct professor of law at the City University of New York.
UPDATES: www.twitter.com/AndyMartinUSAwww.facebook.com/AndyMartin Andy's columns are also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
contrariancommentary.typepad.com[NOTE: We try to correct any typographical errors in this story on our blogs; find our latest edition there.]
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639 or CELL (917) 664-9329E-MAIL: AndyMart20@aol.com © Copyright by Andy Martin 2010
----------------------------
New York [CHICAGO] NEWS CONFERENCE: Thursday, June 10th
Chicago crime fighter Andy Martin blows open the Mark Kirk military fraud scandal with dramatic new disclosures
Tea Party sympathizer Andy Martin explains the context in which the Department of Defense in December, 2009 accused Kirk of “partisan political activities” in military uniform
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN /2010
“The Name You Can Trust”
Republican for U. S. Senator
30 E. Huron Street, Suite 4406
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(866) 706-2639
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com
www.MarkKirk.us
www.IllinoisHighSpeedTrains.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ATTENTION DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THURSDAY NEWS CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK
Andy Martin explains why the Department of Defense in December, 2009 accused Mark Kirk of unlawful political activity; Martin had been filing charges against Kirk with DOD since August
Martin says the latest DOD documents are the “smoking gun” that will end Kirk’s candidacy and career
(CHICAGO)(June 10, 2010) Chicago crime fighter and anti-corruption crusader Andy Martin will hold a New York news conference today, Thursday, June 10th to place the Chicago Sun-Times story on the Department of Defense’s accusations against Mark Kirk’s “illegal political activities” in uniform in context:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/2376694,mark-kirk-military-deployment-document-061010.article
“The Sun-Times has picked up Department of Defense (“DOD”) documents from the web site www.Nitpicker.blogspot.com,” Martin says. “But no one knew of my clandestine activity behind the scenes until today.
“Why did the Deputy Undersecretary of Defense accuse Mark Kirk of illegal ‘partisan political activities’ while in uniform? It was because of my earlier complaints to DOD, and the accusations I made against Kirk in my FOIA (“Freedom of Information Act”) activity. I will post these documents separately before my New York news conference Thursday.
“I made my initial FOIA request to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on August 1st. Likewise, I sent Mark Kirk a letter on August 1st asking him to waive his rights under the Privacy Act. He refused. But Kirk knew as early as August 1, 2009 that I was seeking his military records. Between August 1, 2009 and today’s date I have engaged in spirited correspondence with DOD.
“DOD Undersecretary Gail McGinn was obviously aware of my efforts to secure the release of Kirk’s records. I had been tipped off that there was unhappiness within the Pentagon at Kirk’s grandstanding, and was advised to file a FOIA request, which I did.
“Thus, Undersecretary’s McGinn’s accusations of unlawful ‘partisan political activities’ in uniform was triggered by my ongoing comments to DOD
“Mr. Kirk’s statement Wednesday night implicitly acknowledges that within his campaign I am seen as the devil that will not let go. Kirk is obsessed with me. Kirk’s own statement Wednesday evening mentions my radio ads, as he did when he falsely claimed at the Union League Club he had been ‘fighting for [Andy Martin’s] freedom’ in Afghanistan. Kirk knows I have been hounding DOD to tell the truth. I have also filed a DADT complaint against Kirk with the Navy.
“It is unseemly that Kirk now claims his ‘private’ records have been compromised, when he used DOD secrecy to conceal his own criminal activity. Using federal property for political activity is a criminal act. Instead of filing his own FOIA complaint, Kirk should grant the waiver I asked for and direct the release of all of his military records. Kirk has been using federal secrecy laws to cover up his fraudulent activity in uniform.
“The reason the Sun-Times story and the Nitpicker blog entry appear out of context in so far as Undersecretary Gail McGinn’s accusations of unlawful partisan activity by Kirk (all political activity in uniform is unlawful) of December 9, 2009 is because prior to today (June 10th) no one in the media or public knew I had been clandestinely orchestrating DOD investigations against Kirk since August 1, 2009.
“I am usually known as a man who is pretty quick with a news release. But because I was aware of the explosive nature of the DOD allegations against Kirk, I did not issue a news release on August 1st. I planned to use my information about Kirk’s military fraud in campaign advertising. So we kept the FOIA activity embargoed. I held the ‘military imposter’ story until I began running radio ads exposing Kirk as a military fraud in January, 2010. My radio advertisement which exposed Kirk as a military masquerader is still available to be heard on my web site:
http://www.andyforussenator.com/andys_ads.htm
“I ran ads exposing Mark Kirk as a military fraud and I also posted a letter from DOD on my web site www.markKirk.us dated October 28, 2009 [which letter I had also kept under wraps in 2009] disclosing a lack of any DOD records to document Kirk’s imaginary claims about his military service in Afghanistan:
http://www.markkirk.us/images/kirk_letter.pdf
“Mr. Kirk is an evil man who has habitually lied to the people of Illinois about his military service. I repeat what I have previously stated: his decades long exaggerations are clinically significant evidence of a mental disorder. I am delighted to have been the man who started the ball rolling to drum him out of the military service and politics. He is a disgrace to the Republican Party,” Martin will state in New York City.
“The documents were posted on my web sites; the ads were broadcast on radio stations across the State of Illinois. Where were the media? Where were Republican Party leaders? They were too busy attacking and smearing Andy Martin to search for the truth about Mark Kirk. They are all getting what they deserve.
“Ironically, in response to my initial disclosures, WBBM-AM put up its own web site ‘Who is Andy Martin?’ instead of one ‘Who is Mark Kirk?’ Who knew who Kirk was? Except the old Internet Powerhouse; I knew.
“Now that I am releasing my documents from August, 2009 which were sent to Secretary of Defense Gates, the media and people of Illinois can see ‘the rest of the story’ and understand why Undersecretary McGinn attacked Kirk in December, 2009.
“Mark Kirk? R.I.P. Bye, bye Markie. Good riddance to the Kirkster. Maybe he can move in with his butt boy Mark Foley and the two of them can live happily ever after.”
-------------------------------------
Martin’s latest anti-Kirk blogs:
www.DefeatMarkKirk.blogspot.com;
www.contrariancommentary.typepad.com/defeatmarkkirk/
------------------------------------
June 10th NEWS CONFERENCE DETAILS:
WHO:
ContrarianCommentary.com Executive Editor Andy Martin
WHAT:
Internet powerhouse Andy Martin explains why the Department of Defense accused Mark Kirk of illegal “partisan political activities” in military uniform
WHERE:
909 Third Avenue, public sidewalk in front of FDR Station, New York (under the “909” canopy in case of rain)
WHEN:
Thursday, June 10, 3:00 P. M.
MEDIA CONTACT:
GENERAL: (866) 706-2639 CELL (917) 664-9329;
WEBSITE: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
-----------------------------Andy Martin is a legendary Chicago muckraker, author, Internet columnist, radio talk show host, broadcaster and media critic. He has over forty years of broadcasting background in radio and television and is the dean of Illinois media and communications. He is currently promoting his best-selling book, Obama: The Man Behind The Mask and producing the new Internet movie "Obama: The Hawai'i years." Andy is the Executive Editor and publisher of www.ContrarianCommentary.com. Martin comments on regional, national and world events with more than four decades of experience. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law and is a former adjunct professor of law at the City University of New York.
UPDATES: www.twitter.com/AndyMartinUSAwww.facebook.com/AndyMartin Andy's columns are also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
contrariancommentary.typepad.com[NOTE: We try to correct any typographical errors in this story on our blogs; find our latest edition there.]
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639 or CELL (917) 664-9329E-MAIL: AndyMart20@aol.com © Copyright by Andy Martin 2010
----------------------------
Andy Martin: Mark Kirk should “put up or shut up” on his CIA claims
Palm Beach news conference today: Political columnist and reformer Andy Martin is asking the Central Intelligence Agency to release Congressman Mark Kirk’s “CIA file.” The controversial congressman who has been caught in a myriad of lies about his background has claimed to have been “detailed to the CIA.” Martin is asking the CIA to release Kirk’s records, if any exist. Kirk’s CIA claims maybe just another Kirk lie.
Martin returns to Illinois next week to continue his campaign against Kirk.
PALM BEACH [CHICAGO] NEWS CONFERENCE: Wednesday, June 9th
Chicago crime fighter Andy Martin asks CIA, Navy to release “Kirk ‘CIA’ files”
Tea Party sympathizer Andy Martin says the CIA and Navy should verify or deny Kirk’s claim that he was “detailed” to the CIA
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN /2010
“The Name You Can Trust”
Republican for U. S. Senator
30 E. Huron Street, Suite 4406
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(866) 706-2639
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com
www.MarkKirk.us
www.IllinoisHighSpeedTrains.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ATTENTION DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WEDNESDAY NEWS CONFERENCE IN PALM BEACH
Andy Martin asks CIA and Navy Department to confirm or deny Mark Kirk’s claims he was “detailed” to the CIA
(CHICAGO)(June 9, 2010) Chicago crime fighter and anti-corruption crusader Andy Martin will hold a Palm Beach news conference today, Wednesday, June 9th to release his request to the Central Intelligence Agency and Navy Department for serial dissembler Mark Kirk’s “CIA files.”
Martin has repeatedly chided the media for failing to pursue and verify Kirk’s claims that he was “detailed” to the CIA by the Navy. Now Martin has filed his own FOIA requests.
“How can the truly ‘lamestream’ media leave Kirk’s CIA claims hanging out there without any attempt to verify or confirm them?” Martin will ask.
“Since Kirk now claims he wants to be ‘precise’ about military language, the term to be ‘detailed’ means to be assigned. What evidence is there to support Kirk’s claim? Are we facing yet another whopper Mark Kirk lie?”
Kirk claimed he was “detailed” to the CIA:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2004_record&page=H4866&position=all
VIDEO: http://ellenofthetenth.blogspot.com/2010/06/misrememberances-and-exaggerations-week.html
[Although we have been independently aware of Kirk’s CIA claims, we credit Ellen’s Illinois Tenth Congressional District Blog as the source of the foregoing hyperlinks.]
Martin’s latest anti-Kirk blogs:
www.DefeatMarkKirk.blogspot.com;
www.contrariancommentary.typepad.com/defeatmarkkirk/
------------------------------------
June 9th news conference details:
WHO:
Illinois corruption-fighter and Internet Powerhouse Andy Martin
WHERE:
Sidewalk (public) news conference, in front of 95 N. County Road, Palm Beach, FL (U. S. Post Office)
WHEN: Wednesday, June 9th 4:00 P.M.
WHAT:
Chicago crusading crime fighter Andy Martin asks CIA, Navy to release the “Mark Kirk CIA file”
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639; Cell (917) 664-9329
WEBSITE: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
-----------------------------
Andy Martin is a legendary Chicago muckraker, author, Internet columnist, radio talk show host, broadcaster and media critic. He has over forty years of broadcasting background in radio and television and is the dean of Illinois media and communications. He is currently promoting his best-selling book, Obama: The Man Behind The Mask and producing the new Internet movie "Obama: The Hawai'i years." Andy is the Executive Editor and publisher of www.ContrarianCommentary.com. Martin comments on regional, national and world events with more than four decades of experience. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law and is a former adjunct professor of law at the City University of New York.
UPDATES: www.twitter.com/AndyMartinUSAwww.facebook.com/AndyMartin Andy's columns are also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
contrariancommentary.typepad.com[NOTE: We try to correct any typographical errors in this story on our blogs; find our latest edition there.]
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639 or CELL (917) 664-9329E-MAIL: AndyMart20@aol.com © Copyright by Andy Martin 2010
----------------------------
Martin returns to Illinois next week to continue his campaign against Kirk.
PALM BEACH [CHICAGO] NEWS CONFERENCE: Wednesday, June 9th
Chicago crime fighter Andy Martin asks CIA, Navy to release “Kirk ‘CIA’ files”
Tea Party sympathizer Andy Martin says the CIA and Navy should verify or deny Kirk’s claim that he was “detailed” to the CIA
NEWS FROM:
ANDY MARTIN /2010
“The Name You Can Trust”
Republican for U. S. Senator
30 E. Huron Street, Suite 4406
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
(866) 706-2639
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com
www.MarkKirk.us
www.IllinoisHighSpeedTrains.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ATTENTION DAYBOOK/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
ANNOUNCEMENT OF WEDNESDAY NEWS CONFERENCE IN PALM BEACH
Andy Martin asks CIA and Navy Department to confirm or deny Mark Kirk’s claims he was “detailed” to the CIA
(CHICAGO)(June 9, 2010) Chicago crime fighter and anti-corruption crusader Andy Martin will hold a Palm Beach news conference today, Wednesday, June 9th to release his request to the Central Intelligence Agency and Navy Department for serial dissembler Mark Kirk’s “CIA files.”
Martin has repeatedly chided the media for failing to pursue and verify Kirk’s claims that he was “detailed” to the CIA by the Navy. Now Martin has filed his own FOIA requests.
“How can the truly ‘lamestream’ media leave Kirk’s CIA claims hanging out there without any attempt to verify or confirm them?” Martin will ask.
“Since Kirk now claims he wants to be ‘precise’ about military language, the term to be ‘detailed’ means to be assigned. What evidence is there to support Kirk’s claim? Are we facing yet another whopper Mark Kirk lie?”
Kirk claimed he was “detailed” to the CIA:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?dbname=2004_record&page=H4866&position=all
VIDEO: http://ellenofthetenth.blogspot.com/2010/06/misrememberances-and-exaggerations-week.html
[Although we have been independently aware of Kirk’s CIA claims, we credit Ellen’s Illinois Tenth Congressional District Blog as the source of the foregoing hyperlinks.]
Martin’s latest anti-Kirk blogs:
www.DefeatMarkKirk.blogspot.com;
www.contrariancommentary.typepad.com/defeatmarkkirk/
------------------------------------
June 9th news conference details:
WHO:
Illinois corruption-fighter and Internet Powerhouse Andy Martin
WHERE:
Sidewalk (public) news conference, in front of 95 N. County Road, Palm Beach, FL (U. S. Post Office)
WHEN: Wednesday, June 9th 4:00 P.M.
WHAT:
Chicago crusading crime fighter Andy Martin asks CIA, Navy to release the “Mark Kirk CIA file”
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639; Cell (917) 664-9329
WEBSITE: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
-----------------------------
Andy Martin is a legendary Chicago muckraker, author, Internet columnist, radio talk show host, broadcaster and media critic. He has over forty years of broadcasting background in radio and television and is the dean of Illinois media and communications. He is currently promoting his best-selling book, Obama: The Man Behind The Mask and producing the new Internet movie "Obama: The Hawai'i years." Andy is the Executive Editor and publisher of www.ContrarianCommentary.com. Martin comments on regional, national and world events with more than four decades of experience. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law and is a former adjunct professor of law at the City University of New York.
UPDATES: www.twitter.com/AndyMartinUSAwww.facebook.com/AndyMartin Andy's columns are also posted at ContrarianCommentary.blogspot.com; contrariancommentary.wordpress.com.
contrariancommentary.typepad.com[NOTE: We try to correct any typographical errors in this story on our blogs; find our latest edition there.]
MEDIA CONTACT: (866) 706-2639 or CELL (917) 664-9329E-MAIL: AndyMart20@aol.com © Copyright by Andy Martin 2010
----------------------------
Andy Martin renews demand for Mark Kirk’s complete military records 2010
Andy Martin’s 2010 demands for U. S. Navy disclosure of Mark Kirk’s military files
ANDY MARTIN
Republican for U. S. Senator/2010
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
FOIA Compliance Operations:
P. O. Box 1851
New York, NY 10150-1851
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
Please donate:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
Blogs:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com
www.MarkKirk.us
June 9, 2010
FOIA
CIA
Washington, DC 20505
via fax (703) 482-1739
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (“FOIA”) REQUEST
CONCERNING CONGRESSMAN MARK KIRK
1. FOIA Request
Mark Kirk has recently been exposed as the greatest military intelligence fibber of all time. See, e.g.:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/ns/msnbc_tv-rachel_maddow_show/#37563940
Kirk also claims he was “detailed to the CIA”:
http://ellenofthetenth.blogspot.com/2010/06/misrememberances-and-exaggerations-week.html
I have no idea whether Kirk was/is telling the truth about his detailing to the CIA. “Detail” to me means assigned in some form or fashion. While any substantive intelligence Kirk may have acted on may be privileged, or subject to a “Vaughn” Index, the fact of Kirk’s activity in conjunction with the CIA is not privileged. There should be a substantial paper trail if Kirk was in fact “detailed.”
In view of Kirk’s other lies and defalcations, I ask the CIA to immediately disclose any documentation for Kirk’s claims that he was “detailed to the CIA.”
In addition, any contacts Kirk or his congressional office may have had with the CIA are also not privileged.
I respectfully request full FOIA compliance and disclosure and a detailed Vaughn Index for any claims of non-disclosure.
2. Time is of the essence
Time is obviously of the essence. I would therefore ask that the agency proceed expeditiously with this matter.
Thank you for your prompt response to this FOIA request. I will do my best to cooperate with you.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
AM:sp
W/attachment (Cong. Rec.)
----------------------------------------------------------
ANDY MARTIN
Republican for U. S. Senator/2010
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
FOIA Compliance Operations:
P. O. Box 1851
New York, NY 10150-1851
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
Please donate:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
Blogs:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com
www.MarkKirk.us
June 9, 2010
Mr. David Martinez
DOD Office of Freedom of Information
The Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1155
via fax (to come)
with copies to:
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
DNS-36
2000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, DC 20350-2000
via fax (to come?)
U. S. Central Command
CCJ6-DM (FOIA)
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
McDill Air Force Base, FL 33612-5510
via fax (to come?)
Department of the Air Force
HAF/ICIOD (FOIA)
1000 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330-1000
via fax (to come?)
Commandant of the Marine Corps (ARSE)
Headquarters USMC
2 Navy Annex
Washington, DC 20380-1775,
via fax (to come?)
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (“FOIA”) REQUEST
CONCERNING CONGRESSMAN MARK KIRK
Dear Mr. Martinez,
Office of CNO, DNS-36,
Department of the Air Force HAF/ICIOD (FOIA),
Commandant of the Marine Corps (ARSE), and
U. S. Central Command CCJ6-DM (FOIA):
By this letter, I am responding to you as well as resubmitting my original FOIA request last year to the Chief of Naval Operations, USAF, CMC and U. S. Central Command per our earlier correspondence.
Mark Kirk has recently become the biggest liar in American military history. It is time for the Navy Department, DOD and USAF to stop the cover-up and concealment of Kirk’s records and provide ALL of Kirk's service records.
In particular, Kirk has claimed he was “detailed to the CIA” (see attached). I would like you to release all of Kirk’s CIA file that reflects “detailing” from the navy to the CIA, if any, as well as any and all Kirk files that were previously denied disclosure and withheld in 2009.
THE KIRK SCANDAL IS A MAJOR EMBARRASSMENT TO DOD AND IT IS NOT GOING AWAY.
KIRK HAS BEEN MASQUERADING FOR YEARS AND DOD DID NOTHING TO STOP HIS SHENANIGANS
Last year you tried to obstruct my FOIA requests. Recently, Navy people have also “warned” Kirk the media were seeking FOIA access to his records.
Do you have fax numbers or e-mail addresses for the Navy Department, USAF, CMS and CENTCOM? If so, I would appreciate it if you would provide them to me so I may expedite my request to those subdivisions of DOD with a fax or e-mail.
Here are my responses to the specific questions you previously provided:
1. Scope of Search – CIA vs. DOD vs. CNO vs. USAF vs. CMC vs. CENTCOM
While your DOD search may be limited to nine years, the CNO and Marine Corps FOIA searches would have to extend to the time Mr. Kirk has served in the Navy, or approximately 20 years. Unlike the USAF, CENTCOM or DOD, Navy/CMC records clearly go back further to his original date of service.
Your letter did not mention any offices which are run by DOD for congressional liaison. Does your research include a search of these records as well?
2. Cost of FOIA searches (all agencies listed above)
a. Request for FOIA cost waiver
Mr. Kirk is a candidate for United states Senator. He has prominently and repeatedly claimed his military service as a basis for his election. He has repeatedly staged brief periods of “activation” and used these “activations” to promote his political activity.
Last week Kirk was involved in a political fracas (in which I had no role and only learned about from the media, but whose disclosure is clearly encompassed within my FOIA request) for abusing secrecy at the Pentagon, apparently during another “activation.” I believe a public interest FOIA waiver is therefore fully applicable to any search costs at any and all of the above agencies.
b. Agreement to pay costs
Your request that I agree to an amount in advance that I am willing to pay to obtain FOIA access contradicts my understanding of how FOIA works. My understanding, based on decades of my own FOIA litigation and searches, is that you provide a preliminary estimate of the cost of the file search, and I can then elect to proceed. By asking me what I can afford to pay in advance, you are essentially putting the cart before the horse.
We are dealing here with important public records concerning a candidate for the U. S. Senate, who claims to be the "only congressman mobilized in harm's way since World war II." Therefore, the Navy Department, USAF, Marine Corps, CENTCOM and DOD have de facto become a part of Kirk’s campaign by virtue of his actions, not mine.
I do not expect the FOIA costs to be significant, because the records cannot be that voluminous. Moreover, DOD and its sub-agencies are known for keeping good files on congressional liaison, so the information I seek is clearly encompassed in some master or easily retrievable location(s). I don’t expect you to have to search very hard or very long for files on a sitting congressman who has constantly interfaced with DOD and the additional agencies listed above as recently as last week.
Let’s not be disingenuous about this FOIA request.
Please provide preliminary estimates of the cost. This is directed at all of the above agencies.
3. Presidential directive
My understanding is that President Obama has tasked all executive departments, including CNO, USAF, Marine Corps, CENTCOM and DOD with expansive, expeditious and good faith compliance with FOIA. My request is fully compliant with the President’s directive.
4. Time is of the essence
Time is obviously of the essence. I would therefore ask that all of the above agencies proceed expeditiously with this matter.
Thank you for your prompt response to this FOIA request. I will do my best to cooperate with you.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
AM:sp
W/encl. to CNO, USAF, CMC and CENTCOM
(copy of original FOIA letter)
ANDY MARTIN
Republican for U. S. Senator/2010
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
FOIA Compliance Operations:
P. O. Box 1851
New York, NY 10150-1851
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
Please donate:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
Blogs:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com
www.MarkKirk.us
June 9, 2010
FOIA
CIA
Washington, DC 20505
via fax (703) 482-1739
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (“FOIA”) REQUEST
CONCERNING CONGRESSMAN MARK KIRK
1. FOIA Request
Mark Kirk has recently been exposed as the greatest military intelligence fibber of all time. See, e.g.:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/ns/msnbc_tv-rachel_maddow_show/#37563940
Kirk also claims he was “detailed to the CIA”:
http://ellenofthetenth.blogspot.com/2010/06/misrememberances-and-exaggerations-week.html
I have no idea whether Kirk was/is telling the truth about his detailing to the CIA. “Detail” to me means assigned in some form or fashion. While any substantive intelligence Kirk may have acted on may be privileged, or subject to a “Vaughn” Index, the fact of Kirk’s activity in conjunction with the CIA is not privileged. There should be a substantial paper trail if Kirk was in fact “detailed.”
In view of Kirk’s other lies and defalcations, I ask the CIA to immediately disclose any documentation for Kirk’s claims that he was “detailed to the CIA.”
In addition, any contacts Kirk or his congressional office may have had with the CIA are also not privileged.
I respectfully request full FOIA compliance and disclosure and a detailed Vaughn Index for any claims of non-disclosure.
2. Time is of the essence
Time is obviously of the essence. I would therefore ask that the agency proceed expeditiously with this matter.
Thank you for your prompt response to this FOIA request. I will do my best to cooperate with you.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
AM:sp
W/attachment (Cong. Rec.)
----------------------------------------------------------
ANDY MARTIN
Republican for U. S. Senator/2010
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
FOIA Compliance Operations:
P. O. Box 1851
New York, NY 10150-1851
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
Please donate:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
Blogs:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com
www.MarkKirk.us
June 9, 2010
Mr. David Martinez
DOD Office of Freedom of Information
The Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1155
via fax (to come)
with copies to:
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
DNS-36
2000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, DC 20350-2000
via fax (to come?)
U. S. Central Command
CCJ6-DM (FOIA)
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
McDill Air Force Base, FL 33612-5510
via fax (to come?)
Department of the Air Force
HAF/ICIOD (FOIA)
1000 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330-1000
via fax (to come?)
Commandant of the Marine Corps (ARSE)
Headquarters USMC
2 Navy Annex
Washington, DC 20380-1775,
via fax (to come?)
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (“FOIA”) REQUEST
CONCERNING CONGRESSMAN MARK KIRK
Dear Mr. Martinez,
Office of CNO, DNS-36,
Department of the Air Force HAF/ICIOD (FOIA),
Commandant of the Marine Corps (ARSE), and
U. S. Central Command CCJ6-DM (FOIA):
By this letter, I am responding to you as well as resubmitting my original FOIA request last year to the Chief of Naval Operations, USAF, CMC and U. S. Central Command per our earlier correspondence.
Mark Kirk has recently become the biggest liar in American military history. It is time for the Navy Department, DOD and USAF to stop the cover-up and concealment of Kirk’s records and provide ALL of Kirk's service records.
In particular, Kirk has claimed he was “detailed to the CIA” (see attached). I would like you to release all of Kirk’s CIA file that reflects “detailing” from the navy to the CIA, if any, as well as any and all Kirk files that were previously denied disclosure and withheld in 2009.
THE KIRK SCANDAL IS A MAJOR EMBARRASSMENT TO DOD AND IT IS NOT GOING AWAY.
KIRK HAS BEEN MASQUERADING FOR YEARS AND DOD DID NOTHING TO STOP HIS SHENANIGANS
Last year you tried to obstruct my FOIA requests. Recently, Navy people have also “warned” Kirk the media were seeking FOIA access to his records.
Do you have fax numbers or e-mail addresses for the Navy Department, USAF, CMS and CENTCOM? If so, I would appreciate it if you would provide them to me so I may expedite my request to those subdivisions of DOD with a fax or e-mail.
Here are my responses to the specific questions you previously provided:
1. Scope of Search – CIA vs. DOD vs. CNO vs. USAF vs. CMC vs. CENTCOM
While your DOD search may be limited to nine years, the CNO and Marine Corps FOIA searches would have to extend to the time Mr. Kirk has served in the Navy, or approximately 20 years. Unlike the USAF, CENTCOM or DOD, Navy/CMC records clearly go back further to his original date of service.
Your letter did not mention any offices which are run by DOD for congressional liaison. Does your research include a search of these records as well?
2. Cost of FOIA searches (all agencies listed above)
a. Request for FOIA cost waiver
Mr. Kirk is a candidate for United states Senator. He has prominently and repeatedly claimed his military service as a basis for his election. He has repeatedly staged brief periods of “activation” and used these “activations” to promote his political activity.
Last week Kirk was involved in a political fracas (in which I had no role and only learned about from the media, but whose disclosure is clearly encompassed within my FOIA request) for abusing secrecy at the Pentagon, apparently during another “activation.” I believe a public interest FOIA waiver is therefore fully applicable to any search costs at any and all of the above agencies.
b. Agreement to pay costs
Your request that I agree to an amount in advance that I am willing to pay to obtain FOIA access contradicts my understanding of how FOIA works. My understanding, based on decades of my own FOIA litigation and searches, is that you provide a preliminary estimate of the cost of the file search, and I can then elect to proceed. By asking me what I can afford to pay in advance, you are essentially putting the cart before the horse.
We are dealing here with important public records concerning a candidate for the U. S. Senate, who claims to be the "only congressman mobilized in harm's way since World war II." Therefore, the Navy Department, USAF, Marine Corps, CENTCOM and DOD have de facto become a part of Kirk’s campaign by virtue of his actions, not mine.
I do not expect the FOIA costs to be significant, because the records cannot be that voluminous. Moreover, DOD and its sub-agencies are known for keeping good files on congressional liaison, so the information I seek is clearly encompassed in some master or easily retrievable location(s). I don’t expect you to have to search very hard or very long for files on a sitting congressman who has constantly interfaced with DOD and the additional agencies listed above as recently as last week.
Let’s not be disingenuous about this FOIA request.
Please provide preliminary estimates of the cost. This is directed at all of the above agencies.
3. Presidential directive
My understanding is that President Obama has tasked all executive departments, including CNO, USAF, Marine Corps, CENTCOM and DOD with expansive, expeditious and good faith compliance with FOIA. My request is fully compliant with the President’s directive.
4. Time is of the essence
Time is obviously of the essence. I would therefore ask that all of the above agencies proceed expeditiously with this matter.
Thank you for your prompt response to this FOIA request. I will do my best to cooperate with you.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
AM:sp
W/encl. to CNO, USAF, CMC and CENTCOM
(copy of original FOIA letter)
Andy Martin sought Mark Kirk’s military records in 2009
Andy Martin’s original 2009 demands for Mark Kirk’s military files
ANDY MARTIN
Republican for U. S. Senator/2010
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
Please donate:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
Blogs:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com
www.MarkKirk.us
August 1, 2009
Honorable Robert Gates
Secretary of Defense
The Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301
via Certified Mail
with copies to:
OSD/JS FOIA Requester Service center
Office of Freedom of Information
1155 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1155
via fax (703) 696-4506
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
via fax (314) 801-9195
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (“FOIA”) REQUEST
CONCERNING CONGRESSMAN MARK KIRK
Dear Secretary Gates:
I am writing to request the military and military congressional files and records concerning Congressman Mark Kirk.
Let me begin by thanking you for your great service to the American people. I had the privilege of meeting you when you were Director of the CIA and I thought you were impressive then. I think you are guiding our forces exceptionally well during a difficult period in our military history.
Because of the sensitivity of a FOIA request directed at DOD concerning the military records of a member of congress, who is also my opponent in a primary election campaign for a United States Senate nomination, I felt that out of an abundance of caution this FOIA request should formally be directed to your attention.
In my opinion, Kirk’s military records fall into two classifications:
First, there are records which are “personal” to Congressman Kirk, which may be subject to FOIA or Privacy Act exclusions. (To avoid any confusion about secrecy, I have asked Congressman Kirk to waive any such defenses to disclosure; see enclosed letter.)
Second, DOD maintains congressional liaison files concerning contacts with and actions of members of congress. Thus, and in particular, when Congressman Kirk was on active duty in Afghanistan earlier this year, and apparently late last year, DOD’s congressional liaison officers would have routinely arranged, monitored, supervised and reported on his activities.
Because these files are DOD records and relate to service by a member of congress, I do not believe there are any FOIA or Privacy Act defenses to release of the congressional liaison materials.
Likewise, while Congressman Kirk was in Afghanistan his whereabouts, security and activity were under constant surveillance by the local commander and regional commander’s staff. These records are included in my FOIA request (although they may also be consolidated as part of the congressional liaison files) and, once again, I do not believe any privileges exist to bar immediate disclosure of such DOD files.
I do not know whether Congressman Kirk will seek to obstruct release of the foregoing files. Obviously, the processing of my FOIA request should proceed promptly while we await Kirk’s response to my request to him for a FOIA/PA waiver.
Because much of the FOIA material I am requesting arises in 2008-2009 (e.g., Kirk’s Afghanistan service) I would ask that these materials be disclosed expeditiously and on a piecemeal basis as the files become available.
I do not believe you should await a review of files for which there may be a privilege against disclosure, to delay expeditiously releasing the files for which there is no reasonable basis to bar disclosure, such as the independent military command and congressional liaison materials (see above).
Time is of the essence. Some of Kirk’s older records going back 20 years may take longer to produce; production may be disputed by Congressman Kirk. I do not believe there can be any dispute, however, as to prompt disclosure of military commander/command files and congressional liaison files concerning Congressman Kirk.
Thank you for your prompt response to this FOIA request.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
AM:sp
cc: Hon. Mark Kirk
----------------------
ANDY MARTIN
Republican for U. S. Senator/2010
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
Please donate:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
Blogs:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com
www.MarkKirk.us
August 10, 2009
Mr. David Martinez
DOD Office of Freedom of Information
The Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1155
via fax (703) 696-4506
with copies to:
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
DNS-36
2000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, DC 20350-2000
via fax (to come?)
U. S. Central Command
CCJ6-DM (FOIA)
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
McDill Air Force Base, FL 33612-5510
via fax (to come?)
Department of the Air Force
HAF/ICIOD (FOIA)
1000 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330-1000
via fax (to come?)
Commandant of the Marine Corps (ARSE)
Headquarters USMC
2 Navy Annex
Washington, DC 20380-1775,
via fax (to come?)
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (“FOIA”) REQUEST
CONCERNING CONGRESSMAN MARK KIRK
Dear Mr. Martinez,
Office of CNO, DNS-36,
Department of the Air Force HAF/ICIOD (FOIA),
Commandant of the Marine Corps (ARSE), and
U. S. Central Command CCJ6-DM (FOIA):
By this letter, I am responding to you as well as resubmitting my original FOIA request to the Chief of Naval Operations, USAF, CMC and U. S. Central Command per your e-mail of August 10th. I am also attaching a copy of my original FOIA request, which is incorporated by reference in this request to CNO, USAF, CMC and CENTCOM. I am assuming they will process my FOIA request as you have suggested (original FOIA request attached and incorporated by reference).
Do you have fax numbers or e-mail addresses for the Navy Department, USAF, CMS and CENTCOM? If so, I would appreciate it if you would provide them to me so I may expedite my request to those subdivisions of DOD with a fax or e-mail.
Here are my responses to the specific questions you provided:
1. Scope of Search – DOD vs. CNO vs. USAF vs. CMC vs. CENTCOM
While your DOD search may be limited to nine years, the CNO and Marine Corps FOIA searches would have to extend to the time Mr. Kirk has served in the Navy, or approximately 20 years. Unlike the USAF, CENTCOM or DOD, Navy/CMC records clearly go back further to his original date of service.
Your letter did not mention any offices which are run by DOD for congressional liaison. Does your research include a search of these records as well?
2. Cost of FOIA searches (all agencies listed above)
a. Request for FOIA cost waiver
Mr. Kirk is a candidate for United states Senator. He has prominently and repeatedly claimed his military service as a basis for his election. He has repeatedly staged brief periods of “activation” and used these “activations” to promote his political activity.
Last week Kirk was involved in a political fracas (in which I had no role and only learned about from the media, but whose disclosure is clearly encompassed within my FOIA request) for abusing secrecy at the Pentagon, apparently during another “activation.” I believe a public interest FOIA waiver is therefore fully applicable to any search costs at any and all of the above agencies.
b. Agreement to pay costs
Your request that I agree to an amount in advance that I am willing to pay to obtain FOIA access contradicts my understanding of how FOIA works. My understanding, based on decades of my own FOIA litigation and searches, is that you provide a preliminary estimate of the cost of the file search, and I can then elect to proceed. By asking me what I can afford to pay in advance, you are essentially putting the cart before the horse.
We are dealing here with important public records concerning a candidate for the U. S. Senate, who claims to be the "only congressman mobilized in harm's way since World war II." Therefore, the Navy Department, USAF, Marine Corps, CENTCOM and DOD have de facto become a part of Kirk’s campaign by virtue of his actions, not mine.
I do not expect the FOIA costs to be significant, because the records cannot be that voluminous. Moreover, DOD and its sub-agencies are known for keeping good files on congressional liaison, so the information I seek is clearly encompassed in some master or easily retrievable location(s). I don’t expect you to have to search very hard or very long for files on a sitting congressman who has constantly interfaced with DOD and the additional agencies listed above as recently as last week.
Let’s not be disingenuous about this FOIA request.
Please provide preliminary estimates of the cost. This is directed at all of the above agencies.
3. Presidential directive
My understanding is that President Obama has tasked all executive departments, including CNO, USAF, Marine Corps, CENTCOM and DOD with expansive, expeditious and good faith compliance with FOIA. My request is fully compliant with the President’s directive.
4. Time is of the essence
Time is obviously of the essence. I would therefore ask that all of the above agencies proceed expeditiously with this matter.
Thank you for your prompt response to this FOIA request. I will do my best to cooperate with you.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
AM:sp
W/encl. to CNO, USAF, CMC and CENTCOM
(copy of original FOIA letter)
------------------------------------
ANDY MARTIN
Republican for U. S. Senator/2010
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
Please donate:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
Blogs:
www.AndyforUSSenator.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.blogspot.com
www.AndyforUSSenator.wordpress.com
www.MarkKirk.us
August 1, 2009
Honorable Mark Kirk
U.S. Representative
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
via fax (202) 225-0837;
(847) 940-7143
Dear Representative Kirk:
The accompanying letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is self-explanatory. I have filed a Freedom of Information (“FOIA”) request for your military records and, more particularly, your recent service in Afghanistan.
I would respectfully request that you notify Secretary Gates that you are waiving any FOIA or Privacy act rights you may have so that your full records will be made available.
I will, of course, provide a reciprocal waiver so that you may request my military records and any other files that are declassified and subject to public disclosure.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
AM:sp
cc: Hon. Robert Gates
ANDY MARTIN
Republican for U. S. Senator/2010
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
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www.MarkKirk.us
August 1, 2009
Honorable Robert Gates
Secretary of Defense
The Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301
via Certified Mail
with copies to:
OSD/JS FOIA Requester Service center
Office of Freedom of Information
1155 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1155
via fax (703) 696-4506
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
via fax (314) 801-9195
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (“FOIA”) REQUEST
CONCERNING CONGRESSMAN MARK KIRK
Dear Secretary Gates:
I am writing to request the military and military congressional files and records concerning Congressman Mark Kirk.
Let me begin by thanking you for your great service to the American people. I had the privilege of meeting you when you were Director of the CIA and I thought you were impressive then. I think you are guiding our forces exceptionally well during a difficult period in our military history.
Because of the sensitivity of a FOIA request directed at DOD concerning the military records of a member of congress, who is also my opponent in a primary election campaign for a United States Senate nomination, I felt that out of an abundance of caution this FOIA request should formally be directed to your attention.
In my opinion, Kirk’s military records fall into two classifications:
First, there are records which are “personal” to Congressman Kirk, which may be subject to FOIA or Privacy Act exclusions. (To avoid any confusion about secrecy, I have asked Congressman Kirk to waive any such defenses to disclosure; see enclosed letter.)
Second, DOD maintains congressional liaison files concerning contacts with and actions of members of congress. Thus, and in particular, when Congressman Kirk was on active duty in Afghanistan earlier this year, and apparently late last year, DOD’s congressional liaison officers would have routinely arranged, monitored, supervised and reported on his activities.
Because these files are DOD records and relate to service by a member of congress, I do not believe there are any FOIA or Privacy Act defenses to release of the congressional liaison materials.
Likewise, while Congressman Kirk was in Afghanistan his whereabouts, security and activity were under constant surveillance by the local commander and regional commander’s staff. These records are included in my FOIA request (although they may also be consolidated as part of the congressional liaison files) and, once again, I do not believe any privileges exist to bar immediate disclosure of such DOD files.
I do not know whether Congressman Kirk will seek to obstruct release of the foregoing files. Obviously, the processing of my FOIA request should proceed promptly while we await Kirk’s response to my request to him for a FOIA/PA waiver.
Because much of the FOIA material I am requesting arises in 2008-2009 (e.g., Kirk’s Afghanistan service) I would ask that these materials be disclosed expeditiously and on a piecemeal basis as the files become available.
I do not believe you should await a review of files for which there may be a privilege against disclosure, to delay expeditiously releasing the files for which there is no reasonable basis to bar disclosure, such as the independent military command and congressional liaison materials (see above).
Time is of the essence. Some of Kirk’s older records going back 20 years may take longer to produce; production may be disputed by Congressman Kirk. I do not believe there can be any dispute, however, as to prompt disclosure of military commander/command files and congressional liaison files concerning Congressman Kirk.
Thank you for your prompt response to this FOIA request.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
AM:sp
cc: Hon. Mark Kirk
----------------------
ANDY MARTIN
Republican for U. S. Senator/2010
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
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www.MarkKirk.us
August 10, 2009
Mr. David Martinez
DOD Office of Freedom of Information
The Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1155
via fax (703) 696-4506
with copies to:
Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
DNS-36
2000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, DC 20350-2000
via fax (to come?)
U. S. Central Command
CCJ6-DM (FOIA)
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
McDill Air Force Base, FL 33612-5510
via fax (to come?)
Department of the Air Force
HAF/ICIOD (FOIA)
1000 Air Force Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330-1000
via fax (to come?)
Commandant of the Marine Corps (ARSE)
Headquarters USMC
2 Navy Annex
Washington, DC 20380-1775,
via fax (to come?)
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (“FOIA”) REQUEST
CONCERNING CONGRESSMAN MARK KIRK
Dear Mr. Martinez,
Office of CNO, DNS-36,
Department of the Air Force HAF/ICIOD (FOIA),
Commandant of the Marine Corps (ARSE), and
U. S. Central Command CCJ6-DM (FOIA):
By this letter, I am responding to you as well as resubmitting my original FOIA request to the Chief of Naval Operations, USAF, CMC and U. S. Central Command per your e-mail of August 10th. I am also attaching a copy of my original FOIA request, which is incorporated by reference in this request to CNO, USAF, CMC and CENTCOM. I am assuming they will process my FOIA request as you have suggested (original FOIA request attached and incorporated by reference).
Do you have fax numbers or e-mail addresses for the Navy Department, USAF, CMS and CENTCOM? If so, I would appreciate it if you would provide them to me so I may expedite my request to those subdivisions of DOD with a fax or e-mail.
Here are my responses to the specific questions you provided:
1. Scope of Search – DOD vs. CNO vs. USAF vs. CMC vs. CENTCOM
While your DOD search may be limited to nine years, the CNO and Marine Corps FOIA searches would have to extend to the time Mr. Kirk has served in the Navy, or approximately 20 years. Unlike the USAF, CENTCOM or DOD, Navy/CMC records clearly go back further to his original date of service.
Your letter did not mention any offices which are run by DOD for congressional liaison. Does your research include a search of these records as well?
2. Cost of FOIA searches (all agencies listed above)
a. Request for FOIA cost waiver
Mr. Kirk is a candidate for United states Senator. He has prominently and repeatedly claimed his military service as a basis for his election. He has repeatedly staged brief periods of “activation” and used these “activations” to promote his political activity.
Last week Kirk was involved in a political fracas (in which I had no role and only learned about from the media, but whose disclosure is clearly encompassed within my FOIA request) for abusing secrecy at the Pentagon, apparently during another “activation.” I believe a public interest FOIA waiver is therefore fully applicable to any search costs at any and all of the above agencies.
b. Agreement to pay costs
Your request that I agree to an amount in advance that I am willing to pay to obtain FOIA access contradicts my understanding of how FOIA works. My understanding, based on decades of my own FOIA litigation and searches, is that you provide a preliminary estimate of the cost of the file search, and I can then elect to proceed. By asking me what I can afford to pay in advance, you are essentially putting the cart before the horse.
We are dealing here with important public records concerning a candidate for the U. S. Senate, who claims to be the "only congressman mobilized in harm's way since World war II." Therefore, the Navy Department, USAF, Marine Corps, CENTCOM and DOD have de facto become a part of Kirk’s campaign by virtue of his actions, not mine.
I do not expect the FOIA costs to be significant, because the records cannot be that voluminous. Moreover, DOD and its sub-agencies are known for keeping good files on congressional liaison, so the information I seek is clearly encompassed in some master or easily retrievable location(s). I don’t expect you to have to search very hard or very long for files on a sitting congressman who has constantly interfaced with DOD and the additional agencies listed above as recently as last week.
Let’s not be disingenuous about this FOIA request.
Please provide preliminary estimates of the cost. This is directed at all of the above agencies.
3. Presidential directive
My understanding is that President Obama has tasked all executive departments, including CNO, USAF, Marine Corps, CENTCOM and DOD with expansive, expeditious and good faith compliance with FOIA. My request is fully compliant with the President’s directive.
4. Time is of the essence
Time is obviously of the essence. I would therefore ask that all of the above agencies proceed expeditiously with this matter.
Thank you for your prompt response to this FOIA request. I will do my best to cooperate with you.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
AM:sp
W/encl. to CNO, USAF, CMC and CENTCOM
(copy of original FOIA letter)
------------------------------------
ANDY MARTIN
Republican for U. S. Senator/2010
“He Works for the People of Illinois”
Suite 4406, 30 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-4723
Toll-free tel. (866) 706-ANDY
Toll-free fax (866) 707-ANDY
Web site: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-mail: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
Please donate:
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www.MarkKirk.us
August 1, 2009
Honorable Mark Kirk
U.S. Representative
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
via fax (202) 225-0837;
(847) 940-7143
Dear Representative Kirk:
The accompanying letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is self-explanatory. I have filed a Freedom of Information (“FOIA”) request for your military records and, more particularly, your recent service in Afghanistan.
I would respectfully request that you notify Secretary Gates that you are waiving any FOIA or Privacy act rights you may have so that your full records will be made available.
I will, of course, provide a reciprocal waiver so that you may request my military records and any other files that are declassified and subject to public disclosure.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
AM:sp
cc: Hon. Robert Gates
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