Andy Martin demands Pentagon investigation into Mark Kirk’s military fraud; Andy Martin submits new Freedom of Information demand to Pentagon on Mark Kirk [two letters]
CONTRARIANCOMMENTARY.COM
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Anthony R. Martin, J. D.
Executive Editor
June 16, 2010
Hon. Gordon S. Heddell
Department of Defense
Office of Inspector General
400 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, VA 22202-4704
via fax (703) 604-8567
Vice Admiral James W. Houck
Judge Advocate General
1322 Patterson Ave., Suite 3000
Washington Navy Yard, DC 20374-5066
via fax (703) 697-4610
Re: Violations of law by U. S. Navy Cdr. Mark Kirk and
other DOD/Navy personnel
Dear IG Heddell and
Admiral Houck:
I am writing to request an investigation of Mark Kirk by your offices and, if necessary, prosecution and disciplinary action against Mr. Kirk.
For the past decade Mark Kirk has been using the U. S. Navy as a political prop. (I have examples of his literature, and you can find them cached on the Internet.) He has used all of his “deployments” (as he calls them) to pose for pictures in Navy flight suits and flack jackets, which then appear on his political websites. Among his many media lies, he told the Chicago Sun-Times he was fired on by enemy forces while attached to a Dutch unit. He has claimed to have “fought in two wars.” He has claimed to have “deployed” to Afghanistan in 2008 and again in 2009, and after returning he has given “reports” to people who were invited to hear him because of his status as a political candidate, most recently at the Union League Club in Chicago in January.
Kirk has also “tweeted” from the Pentagon, claimed to be running an intelligence operation at the Pentagon and claimed to have won awards/medals that are nonexistent or exaggerated.
Although the media have not yet begun to investigate Kirk’s claim that he was “detailed” to the CIA, I have filed new FOIA requests to verify his “CIA” claims. Please ensure that these FOIA requests are not obstructed or nullified by any ongoing cover-up or corruption.
During the entire period of Kirk’s shenanigans the Navy did nothing to shut down his misbehavior.
Last year I filed Freedom of Information (“FOIA”) requests against Kirk with DOD, USN, USAF, USMC. The Navy provided a single sheet of paper in response. The Air Force refused to disclose if Kirk had traveled on congressional passes to Afghanistan and provided nothing. There was a complete stonewall, and a complete cover-up, from, end to end.
Earlier this week comments apparently originating in the OASD (PA) indicated Kirk had been warned in 2009 about engaging in politics on Navy time. Kirk has denied those accusations and admonitions. His brazenness is unlimited. As such, his lack of an apology makes him an unrepentant sham and thief of Navy valor. When someone refuses to apologize for breaking the law, the law must take even sterner and stronger steps to prosecute such an individual.
Your offices must investigate how the uniformed services, especially the Navy, and DOD were all conned by this military mountebank, and how and why a stonewall of silence was imposed when I sought to access Kirk’s records pursuant to FOIA. The very purpose of the FOIA statute was corrupted and perverted to shield Kirk. Why? Why is DOD violating FOIA when President Obama has asked for more disclosure, not less?
Kirk’s travel accommodations and records, for example, were hardly secret or privileged. The Pentagon has offices which routinely engage in congressional liaison and keep records of their contacts and actions with senators and representatives. Why were those records not turned over to me under FOIA? There was corruption, and there was a cover-up.
I would like those records now.
Was it because of fear of congressional retaliation by Kirk, or fear of embarrassment to the Navy that triggered the cover-up/stonewall? Your offices need to find out. Why was only one sheet of FOIA paper was provided in 2009? The Department of Defense was utterly and completely compromised and corrupted.
Kirk should be drummed out of the service for his egregious misconduct spanning at least a decade.
Kirk also appears to have corrupted the “efficiency report” process. Kirk’s defense this week to allegations that he was admonished is that there is nothing to confirm those admonishments in his ER’s. Why not? Did his reviewing officers know he had been admonished in preparing his ER’s? Or was ER fraud a small part of the larger overall cover-up? You need to find out.
I question whether military officers should be preparing ER’s on senators and representatives. The conflict of interest is obvious and unavoidable. Maybe we also need legislation.
I am sure your offices have experienced prosecutors and investigators. You know where you have to go to look into Kirk's antics, and you know why. Kirk has stained the Navy, stained DOD and embarrassed the entire Pentagon, all in a time of war when brave men and women are in harm's way every day.
Kirk is perhaps the greatest military imposter since Senator Joe McCarthy who campaigned for office as “Tail Gunner Joe” even though he never had been a “tail gunner.” McCarthy was a complete fraud, and so is Mark Kirk.
It has never been my privilege to serve on active duty in uniform. But I have been alongside men who have. I have seen them die. I know the risks men and women take every day. I know how lives are endangered and lost. The idea that a congressional clown could appropriate the valor of our heroes for his own crass political prospects is sickening.
You need to act decisively not only because Kirk broke the law and should be prosecuted, but as a warning to other thieves and frauds who engage in similar misconduct. Hang Kirk out as an example to others who may be tempted to engage in stolen valor and military fraud. And do so decisively and promptly.
I am happy to meet with you in Washington or Arlington if my presence will be of any assistance. My worldwide audience and the American people are waiting for your response.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
CCC.AM:sp
-----------------------------------------
CONTRARIANCOMMENTARY.COM
Independent Worldwide News and Opinion
New York-London-Washington-Chicago-San Francisco-Palm Beach
"The Internet Powerhouse"
Headquarters mail:
Post Office Box 1851
New York, NY 10150-1851
Tel. (866) 706-2639
Fax (866) 707-2639
Web: ContrarianCommentary.com
E-mail: AndyMart20@aol.com
Anthony R. Martin, J. D.
Executive Editor
June 16, 2010
Major April Cunningham
OASD (PA)
The Pentagon
Washington, DC
via fax (703) 697-3501
FOIA REQUEST RE CONGRESSMAN/USN MARK KIRK
Dear Major Cunningham:
As you are probably aware, remarks you made to one of my fellow bloggers about Navy officer Mark Kirk have been widely carried by the Associated Press as well as other bloggers.
This letter is a two-part request: first, I would like copies of any materials in your office, OASD (PA), on which your statements to nitpicker.blogspot.com were based. Second, pursuant to FOIA I would like to request all of Mark Kirk’s DOD records within the Navy, Air Force, USMC and elsewhere. All of these records are obviously subject to the FOIA jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense.
Indeed, in view of the growing congressional and political scandal over Mr. Kirk’s unlawful behavior, I believe Secretary Gates himself should be involved in ordering a “clean breast” and full disclosure of all of Kirk’s files. There has obviously been a cover-up in the past.
My contemporaneous complaint to the DOD IG and USN JAG are self-explanatory.
1. FOIA release of the documents on which your remarks to nitpicker.blogspot.com was based
When you apparently spoke to nitpicker.blogspot.com, I assume (i) you were authorized to do so and (ii) you based your own comments on documents in your possession. Pursuant to FOIA I would like to request copies of all of the Kirk documents on which your nitpicker comments were based, or any other Kirk records in the possession of OASD (PA). At a minimum, if you discussed documents, or if your discussion was based on Kirk documents, there was a FOIA waiver as to any materials which you used in your public dissemination.
2. General Mark Kirk FOIA request - renewed
Lat year, I submitted detailed FOIA requests to DOD, USN, USMC and USAF. Except for one page from USN, I was unlawfully stonewalled. Since then the controversy has exploded. The time for stonewalling is obviously over. Due to the national scandal over Kirk’s misbehavior, the OASD (PA) is obviously the place to coordinate release of FOIA materials.
I am therefore renewing my 2009 and 2010 FOIA requests through this letter.
I filed a FOIA request earlier this month renewing my 2009 requests, as well as a new FOIA request for any of what Mark Kirk claims are his “detailed to the CIA” materials if any exist (Kirk claims the Navy “detailed him to the CIA”).
The Kirk Pentagon fraud and cover-up scandal has become the most egregious example of military fraud in over a half century. The public’s interest in full disclosure now completely overrides any privacy interests which Kirk may have had. He has been exposed as a liar and fraud. The cover-up, and Kirk’s use of military secrecy to defraud the public, must end.
Pursuant to FOIA I am formally and legally requesting, and I would like DOD, USN, USAF to release, any and all records in their possession concerning Mr. Kirk or, in the alternative, to prepare and provide a detailed and explicit “Vaughn Index” for any information which is not disclosed.
For example (1), there have to be records on how Mr. Kirk got to Afghanistan in December, 2009 and again 2009. Did he travel on a USAF congressional plane? Navy plane? There is no basis on which to conceal these records any longer. They are absolutely subject to full FOIA disclosure.
For example (2), were there prior complaints about Kirk? When and where? Were there admonishments, or internal memos within DOD? We need full disclosure and documentation of any discussions of Kirk’s politically suspect behavior. Information concerning violations of laws and regulations is not subject to secrecy under any interpretation of FOIA.
Full disclosure is particularly important because earlier this week, in response to your own disclosures, Kirk denied he had been admonished and said his ER’s were “clean.” Why were his ER’s clean? Is there is a major military/congressional scandal here? I think so. Was the Navy “scrubbing” Kirk’s files because he was a congressman? Because of fear of retaliation? For example (3), a Navy officer “tipped off” Kirk when media filed earlier FOIAs. Is that type of “head’s up” usual under FOIA, or just a “congressional privilege?” Was there a memo on the head’s up? Please turn it over.
You full cooperation, and the full cooperation of DOD and Secretary Gates, will be sincerely appreciated. I only want the truth and the facts about Mark Kirk. Nothing less, and nothing more.
Respectfully submitted,
ANDY MARTIN
CCC:AM:sp
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Chicago news conference today: Andy Martin opens “Kirk Week” with charges of a Pentagon cover-up
Internet Powerhouse and Illinois political reformer Andy Martin will hold a “Bunker Buster” Chicago news conference today to announce that he has filed charges against Mark Kirk with the U. S. Navy JAG and DOD IG. Martin says there was a Navy/Pentagon cover-up of Kirk’s false military claims. Martin charges that that the Navy “corrupted” the Freedom of Information Act to conceal Kirk’s illegal politic activity while in uniform. Martin was the first person to expose Kirk’s fraudulent military claims in a series of radio ads and news conferences in January of this year. Chicago media ignored Martin’s evidence until it surfaced in the Washington Post. “Kirk Week” is Martin’s continuing effort to drive Mark Kirk out of politics.
“Bunker Buster” CHICAGO NEWS CONFERENCE today: Wednesday, June 16
Illinois corruption fighter Andy Martin says there has been a Navy Department “cover-up” of Mark Kirk’s false military claims
Martin opens “Kirk week” with a news conference filing charges against Kirk with the Navy JAG and DOD IG
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 CHICAGO
Andy Martin asks for a Navy JAG and DOD IG investigation of the Pentagon/Navy cover-up of Mark Kirk’s fraudulent military claims
Martin says Navy officials covered-up Kirk’s lies because of fear of congressional retaliation by Kirk
(CHICAGO)(June 16, 2010) Illinois corruption fighter and former Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a “Bunker Buster” Chicago news conference Wednesday, June 16th to announce he has filed charges with the U. S. Navy JAG office and Department of Defense (“DOD”) Inspector General seeking an investigation of the cover-up by the Navy of Mark Kirk’s false military claims.
Kirk falsely claimed to have been “deployed” in Afghanistan, twice; to have won medals he did not receive; and to have seen “combat” when he was always under protective custody as a congressman
Today’s news conference opens “Kirk Week” as Martin will attack Kirk with new disclosures on a daily basis.
“When I filed my Freedom of Information (“FOIA”) requests last year the Navy failed to comply with the statute and disclose Mark Kirk’s disciplinary record for conducting politics in uniform. There was an effort by the Navy to ignore and/or cover-up Kirk’s decade-long false claims of military valor and ‘combat’ service. The Navy and DOD corrupted FOIA to cover-up for Kirk. An investigation is essential.
“Kirk’s office claims that Navy efficiency reports (“ER’s) did not mention his admonition for violating federal law by engaging in political activity in uniform. Were Kirk’s superior officers afraid to tell the truth in the ER’s because Kirk was a congressman? Were the ER’s also falsified?
“The Kirk case has left a stain and a stench over the Pentagon. It is time for some fresh air; it is time for Pentagon officials to start telling the truth and nothing but the truth about Mark Kirk.
“I have filed my investigative demands, and I will release copies of these at today’s news conference.”
Martin was the first person to run radio ads starting December 28, 2009 noting that there were “rumors” concerning Kirk’s sexuality. Martin disclosed in January that Kirk was a military imposter and posted on his web site www.markKirk.us a document from DOD confirming that Kirk’s claim to have been “deployed” in Afghanistan was false.
“If the slimy leaders of the Illinois Republican Party think they can pretend Kirk is not destroying the entire statewide ticket, they’re wrong, Martin says. “I intend to see that Kirk is run out of politics. Kirk is a disgrace to the Republican Party; any ‘Republican’ who supports Kirk (are you listening slimy Pat Brady) is also a disgrace to the Republican Party,” Martin says. “The Republican Party falsely claims to be committed to ethical government in Illinois. As long as Mark Kirk is a candidate the party's claim is a lie.”
Martin’s radio ad exposing Kirk as a military fraud can be heard on the Internet:
http://www.andyforussenator.com/andys_ads.htm
Martin’s radio ad exposed the political coverup by the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times of Kirk’s false military claims; both newspapers endorsed the military imposter.
Kirk also claims to have been “detailed” by the Navy to the CIA. Martin has filed a FOIA demand to expose whether Kirk’s claim is true or false. Mainstream media have, once again, ignored Kirk’s claim of being “detailed” to the CIA. Once again, Martin is fighting for the truth.
Martin has been a leading corruption fighter in Illinois for over forty years.
------------------------------------
June 16th news conference details:
WHO:
Former U. S. Senate candidate and Internet Powerhouse Andy Martin
WHERE:
Sidewalk news conference, SE corner of Huron and Wabash,
Chicago (weather permitting)
WHEN: Wednesday, Jun 16th 4:00 P.M.
WHAT:
Former U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin says the Navy Department “covered up” Mark Kirk’s false military claims; Martin is seeking an investigation by the Navy JAG and DOD IG
MEDIA CONTACT:(866) 706-2639; Cell (917) 664-9329
WEBSITE: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
-----------------------------
Andy Martin is the legendary New York and Chicago-based 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 investigative 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 (LaGuardia CC, Bronx CC).
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
----------------------------
“Bunker Buster” CHICAGO NEWS CONFERENCE today: Wednesday, June 16
Illinois corruption fighter Andy Martin says there has been a Navy Department “cover-up” of Mark Kirk’s false military claims
Martin opens “Kirk week” with a news conference filing charges against Kirk with the Navy JAG and DOD IG
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 CHICAGO
Andy Martin asks for a Navy JAG and DOD IG investigation of the Pentagon/Navy cover-up of Mark Kirk’s fraudulent military claims
Martin says Navy officials covered-up Kirk’s lies because of fear of congressional retaliation by Kirk
(CHICAGO)(June 16, 2010) Illinois corruption fighter and former Republican U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin will hold a “Bunker Buster” Chicago news conference Wednesday, June 16th to announce he has filed charges with the U. S. Navy JAG office and Department of Defense (“DOD”) Inspector General seeking an investigation of the cover-up by the Navy of Mark Kirk’s false military claims.
Kirk falsely claimed to have been “deployed” in Afghanistan, twice; to have won medals he did not receive; and to have seen “combat” when he was always under protective custody as a congressman
Today’s news conference opens “Kirk Week” as Martin will attack Kirk with new disclosures on a daily basis.
“When I filed my Freedom of Information (“FOIA”) requests last year the Navy failed to comply with the statute and disclose Mark Kirk’s disciplinary record for conducting politics in uniform. There was an effort by the Navy to ignore and/or cover-up Kirk’s decade-long false claims of military valor and ‘combat’ service. The Navy and DOD corrupted FOIA to cover-up for Kirk. An investigation is essential.
“Kirk’s office claims that Navy efficiency reports (“ER’s) did not mention his admonition for violating federal law by engaging in political activity in uniform. Were Kirk’s superior officers afraid to tell the truth in the ER’s because Kirk was a congressman? Were the ER’s also falsified?
“The Kirk case has left a stain and a stench over the Pentagon. It is time for some fresh air; it is time for Pentagon officials to start telling the truth and nothing but the truth about Mark Kirk.
“I have filed my investigative demands, and I will release copies of these at today’s news conference.”
Martin was the first person to run radio ads starting December 28, 2009 noting that there were “rumors” concerning Kirk’s sexuality. Martin disclosed in January that Kirk was a military imposter and posted on his web site www.markKirk.us a document from DOD confirming that Kirk’s claim to have been “deployed” in Afghanistan was false.
“If the slimy leaders of the Illinois Republican Party think they can pretend Kirk is not destroying the entire statewide ticket, they’re wrong, Martin says. “I intend to see that Kirk is run out of politics. Kirk is a disgrace to the Republican Party; any ‘Republican’ who supports Kirk (are you listening slimy Pat Brady) is also a disgrace to the Republican Party,” Martin says. “The Republican Party falsely claims to be committed to ethical government in Illinois. As long as Mark Kirk is a candidate the party's claim is a lie.”
Martin’s radio ad exposing Kirk as a military fraud can be heard on the Internet:
http://www.andyforussenator.com/andys_ads.htm
Martin’s radio ad exposed the political coverup by the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times of Kirk’s false military claims; both newspapers endorsed the military imposter.
Kirk also claims to have been “detailed” by the Navy to the CIA. Martin has filed a FOIA demand to expose whether Kirk’s claim is true or false. Mainstream media have, once again, ignored Kirk’s claim of being “detailed” to the CIA. Once again, Martin is fighting for the truth.
Martin has been a leading corruption fighter in Illinois for over forty years.
------------------------------------
June 16th news conference details:
WHO:
Former U. S. Senate candidate and Internet Powerhouse Andy Martin
WHERE:
Sidewalk news conference, SE corner of Huron and Wabash,
Chicago (weather permitting)
WHEN: Wednesday, Jun 16th 4:00 P.M.
WHAT:
Former U. S. Senate candidate Andy Martin says the Navy Department “covered up” Mark Kirk’s false military claims; Martin is seeking an investigation by the Navy JAG and DOD IG
MEDIA CONTACT:(866) 706-2639; Cell (917) 664-9329
WEBSITE: http://www.AndyforUSSenator.com
E-MAIL: AndyforUSSenator@aol.com
-----------------------------
Andy Martin is the legendary New York and Chicago-based 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 investigative 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 (LaGuardia CC, Bronx CC).
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
----------------------------
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Andy Martin: a Mark Kirk political catastrophe is looming in Illinois
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
----------------------------
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
----------------------------
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
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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)
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