McHenry County Blog

Look at what I saw on the way to Wonder Lake last weekend.

Two political signs left over from the February 5th primary.

Let’s see.

That was two months ago.

And they are still up.

One is Republican.

From 8th congressional district primary candidate Kirk Morris.

He came in second.

The other is for 8th district Congresswoman Melissa Bean.

Wouldn’t you think that members of the Democratic and Republican Parties would have picked them up by now?

It’s not like they are hidden away on some back road.

They are on the south side of Route 120 on Thompson Road.

Maybe the political class doesn’t realize that signs such as these bring disrespect upon party activists and their candidates.

I wonder if they will still be up when my in-laws return from Florida and we have our first family gathering in Wonder Lake.

Look at what I saw on the way to Wonder Lake last weekend.

Two political signs left over from the February 5th primary.

Let’s see.

That was two months ago.

And they are still up.

One is Republican.

From 8th congressional district primary candidate Kirk Morris.

He came in second.

The other is for 8th district Congresswoman Melissa Bean.

Wouldn’t you think that members of the Democratic and Republican Parties would have picked them up by now?

It’s not like they are hidden away on some back road.

They are on the south side of Route 120 on Thompson Road.

Maybe the political class doesn’t realize that signs such as these bring disrespect upon party activists and their candidates.

I wonder if they will still be up when my in-laws return from Florida and we have our first family gathering in Wonder Lake.

Some may not know what opposition research is.

It’s what the Clinton’s are famous for.

You dig up unfavorable parts of an opponent’s background and release it when it will do your candidacy the most good.

Think “slum lord” Tony Rezko’s connection to Barack Obama being tossed out in the South Carolina Democratic Party primary election in which Clinton is having big problems.

That came out in a Democratic Party debate.

Obama’s retorted that Clinton had been on the board of Wal-Mart, a company much maligned by unions who would organized its workers.

It was designed to damage the chances of Barack Obama’s winning that election.

Below McHenry County Blog presents some opposition research on 8th district Republican Party congressional candidate Steve Greenberg below. 

It comes from the campaign of Kirk Morris, as you can see at the bottom.

Dear Member of the Media,

You may have rec'd this e-mail yesterday, but some recipients may not have gotten the text in the e-mail. To remedy this situation, I've attached a 4th document that has the text of this email included.

The 8th district Republican race hasn't garnered the attention of the 14th, but there are some interesting developments. Last week, the Greenberg campaign aggressively attacked Kirk Morris' credibility, intimating that the information on his BIO (see  www.kirkmorrisforcongress.com) was inaccurate.

In fact, everything on the website is accurate. The Greenberg Campaign is not only barking up the wrong tree, but should beware of the numerous inaccuracies on their own website. Please note the information below, as well as the attached documentation.

You should also know that Greenberg, putatively running as a "reformer," received $1,000 from  Illinois Republican insider Bob Kjellander, and has refused to return it.  Greenberg is the ONLY candidate Congressional candidate Mr. Kjellander has funded this cycle.  This exposes Greenberg as a candidate of the party establishment.  This is the same Republican establishment that gave us Farm and Highway pork barrel spending, earmark abuse, The Foley Scandal, and of course, negative campaigning through character assassination over discussion of substantive issues.

Regarding such issues, we now have 2 local papers endorsing Greenberg calling him a "Social Moderate."  Yet, Greenberg is campaigning in the district as a staunch conservative.  We call on the newspapers that endorsed Greenberg to disclose all 3 of the candidates' questionnaires.  Is Steve Greenberg saying different things to different audiences?

The Kirk Morris for Congress campaign is sending this information to set the record straight on Steve Greenberg's own misrepresentations on his website.

____

The following are falsehoods told by the Greenberg campaign:

1. From Steve's Literature re: Locker Room Foundation
First, look at the printed (attached-click to enlarge) handout literature. Look under the heading: "A FAMILY MAN". In the last sentence, it says:
"He and Kristine are founders of the Locker Room Foundation, which provides families of fallen soldiers with financial assistance."

Second, look at the Articles of Incorporation for: "The Locker Room Foundation" On the last page, the first paragraph of the attachment, last sentence, there is listed the specific purpose of the corporation:
"Meeting with college alumni and booster clubs. 2 per week per college student volunteer."

A corporation cannot exceed its stated purpose without losing its tax exempt status. Further, in our polling of families of fallen soldiers, nobody has ever heard of the Locker Room Foundation. Nobody we know has heard of the Locker Room Foundation. We have a gold star family (outside of Kirk, who is ready to be interviewed), her name is Georgette Frank (224) 875-3669.

2. From the Greenberg website...
Steve serves on the board of Americans for Prosperity, a pro-jobs and pro-growth national organization."

If you look at the Americans for Prosperity site, you will see he is not listed:

He isn't on any board. I even checked on the Illinois division of the site, but didn't find his name.

3 From the Greenberg website, boasting of Steve Greenberg as a successful businessman:
"Steve also owns Herr's Pacific, a distributor of art materials and craft supplies. Through his companies, Steve has created hundreds of jobs in Illinois and across the country, and has learned first-hand how government policies can help small businesses."

However, the truth about Herr's Pacific can be found in the following article:
Herr's Pacific lays off workers
"Some employees who lost their jobs had worked at Herr’s Pacific for more than 20 years.

"A lot of people depended on those salaries. It’s been a livelihood for many," Skoog said. "It’s a very sad thing to have happen."

IKG Partners LLC, which consists of Bob Scott and his two brothers-in-law, Michael and Steven Greenberg, acquired Herr’s in 2001.

Shortly after that, IKG Partners LLC acquired Pacific Creatives in Orange, Calif., an art supply/craft wholesaler, and merged the two companies in Danville.

Michael Greenberg and Scott did not return phone messages left for them in Lincolnshire.

Herr's Pacific, as you can see from the above article, is also known as IKG Partners, LLC. The corporation, with all of its assumed names, is listed as "revoked" by the Secretary of State's website. The record of the Secretary of State, showing the revocation, is attached.


4. Steve Greenberg's campaign does not list the name "Goliath Falls" in any of his literature.

This business was started in 1999 and lasted until 2001. Attached are some documents regarding "Goliath Falls" and the initial cash put into the company in the amount of $4.5 million. The company failed in 2001, as the following article shows:

From the May Report
Many have speculated why such a great idea failed in just over a year. Goliath Falls was a B2B e-commerce company that gave independent retailers the buying power of the larger chain stores, thus allowing the little mom and pop stores to compete with the like of Walgreens and other "giants."

Goliath Falls started just about a year ago as the brainchild of Steve Greenberg. His family owns privately held Promotions Unlimited Corp (PUC) in Racine, Wisc. With an initial and substantial investment from his family, Goliath Falls became a reality. These family ties not only gave Steve the money he needed but gave him a "built-in" pool of customers. PUC highly promoted this venture to all their Ben Franklin stores as well as their other customers. Steve had 2,000 customers to start with before he even had a site. With thousands of other PUC customers to enroll later.

Goliath Falls had numerous investors including Compaq which gave them $10MM in cash and hardware. They hired Diamond Technology Partners to create their site, used InterWorld as their web platform, hired DDB to promote them, and hosted their site at Digex. They spared no expense to do things First Class. Their site went live on July 4th ("Independents" Day).

In the end Goliath Falls did themselves in. They wowed people with their flashy, expensive ads and site. Grew their staff very quickly. Paying some employees large signing bonuses. They even catered in meals for their staff two times a week. As part of their Compaq deal they gave customers a computer if the promised to spend $25K a year. Meanwhile they had trouble getting their products to customers in one piece, if at all. They were slow to bill customers, and even slower at collecting from them. They had lots of money going out and very little coming in.

So unless Steve Greenberg finds a miracle source of cash, Goliath Falls will be no longer."

Steve Greenberg is an empty suit  who has little or no accomplishments.  His campaign is based upon his parents money and a smooth tongue.

Bruno BehrendPress SecretaryKirk Morris for Congress

Some may not know what opposition research is.

It’s what the Clinton’s are famous for.

You dig up unfavorable parts of an opponent’s background and release it when it will do your candidacy the most good.

Think “slum lord” Tony Rezko’s connection to Barack Obama being tossed out in the South Carolina Democratic Party primary election in which Clinton is having big problems.

That came out in a Democratic Party debate.

Obama’s retorted that Clinton had been on the board of Wal-Mart, a company much maligned by unions who would organized its workers.

It was designed to damage the chances of Barack Obama’s winning that election.

Below McHenry County Blog presents some opposition research on 8th district Republican Party congressional candidate Steve Greenberg below. 

It comes from the campaign of Kirk Morris, as you can see at the bottom.

Dear Member of the Media,

You may have rec'd this e-mail yesterday, but some recipients may not have gotten the text in the e-mail. To remedy this situation, I've attached a 4th document that has the text of this email included.

The 8th district Republican race hasn't garnered the attention of the 14th, but there are some interesting developments. Last week, the Greenberg campaign aggressively attacked Kirk Morris' credibility, intimating that the information on his BIO (see  www.kirkmorrisforcongress.com) was inaccurate.

In fact, everything on the website is accurate. The Greenberg Campaign is not only barking up the wrong tree, but should beware of the numerous inaccuracies on their own website. Please note the information below, as well as the attached documentation.

You should also know that Greenberg, putatively running as a "reformer," received $1,000 from  Illinois Republican insider Bob Kjellander, and has refused to return it.  Greenberg is the ONLY candidate Congressional candidate Mr. Kjellander has funded this cycle.  This exposes Greenberg as a candidate of the party establishment.  This is the same Republican establishment that gave us Farm and Highway pork barrel spending, earmark abuse, The Foley Scandal, and of course, negative campaigning through character assassination over discussion of substantive issues.

Regarding such issues, we now have 2 local papers endorsing Greenberg calling him a "Social Moderate."  Yet, Greenberg is campaigning in the district as a staunch conservative.  We call on the newspapers that endorsed Greenberg to disclose all 3 of the candidates' questionnaires.  Is Steve Greenberg saying different things to different audiences?

The Kirk Morris for Congress campaign is sending this information to set the record straight on Steve Greenberg's own misrepresentations on his website.

____

The following are falsehoods told by the Greenberg campaign:

1. From Steve's Literature re: Locker Room Foundation
First, look at the printed (attached-click to enlarge) handout literature. Look under the heading: "A FAMILY MAN". In the last sentence, it says:
"He and Kristine are founders of the Locker Room Foundation, which provides families of fallen soldiers with financial assistance."

Second, look at the Articles of Incorporation for: "The Locker Room Foundation" On the last page, the first paragraph of the attachment, last sentence, there is listed the specific purpose of the corporation:
"Meeting with college alumni and booster clubs. 2 per week per college student volunteer."

A corporation cannot exceed its stated purpose without losing its tax exempt status. Further, in our polling of families of fallen soldiers, nobody has ever heard of the Locker Room Foundation. Nobody we know has heard of the Locker Room Foundation. We have a gold star family (outside of Kirk, who is ready to be interviewed), her name is Georgette Frank (224) 875-3669.

2. From the Greenberg website...
Steve serves on the board of Americans for Prosperity, a pro-jobs and pro-growth national organization."

If you look at the Americans for Prosperity site, you will see he is not listed:

He isn't on any board. I even checked on the Illinois division of the site, but didn't find his name.

3 From the Greenberg website, boasting of Steve Greenberg as a successful businessman:
"Steve also owns Herr's Pacific, a distributor of art materials and craft supplies. Through his companies, Steve has created hundreds of jobs in Illinois and across the country, and has learned first-hand how government policies can help small businesses."

However, the truth about Herr's Pacific can be found in the following article:
Herr's Pacific lays off workers
"Some employees who lost their jobs had worked at Herr’s Pacific for more than 20 years.

"A lot of people depended on those salaries. It’s been a livelihood for many," Skoog said. "It’s a very sad thing to have happen."

IKG Partners LLC, which consists of Bob Scott and his two brothers-in-law, Michael and Steven Greenberg, acquired Herr’s in 2001.

Shortly after that, IKG Partners LLC acquired Pacific Creatives in Orange, Calif., an art supply/craft wholesaler, and merged the two companies in Danville.

Michael Greenberg and Scott did not return phone messages left for them in Lincolnshire.

Herr's Pacific, as you can see from the above article, is also known as IKG Partners, LLC. The corporation, with all of its assumed names, is listed as "revoked" by the Secretary of State's website. The record of the Secretary of State, showing the revocation, is attached.


4. Steve Greenberg's campaign does not list the name "Goliath Falls" in any of his literature.

This business was started in 1999 and lasted until 2001. Attached are some documents regarding "Goliath Falls" and the initial cash put into the company in the amount of $4.5 million. The company failed in 2001, as the following article shows:

From the May Report
Many have speculated why such a great idea failed in just over a year. Goliath Falls was a B2B e-commerce company that gave independent retailers the buying power of the larger chain stores, thus allowing the little mom and pop stores to compete with the like of Walgreens and other "giants."

Goliath Falls started just about a year ago as the brainchild of Steve Greenberg. His family owns privately held Promotions Unlimited Corp (PUC) in Racine, Wisc. With an initial and substantial investment from his family, Goliath Falls became a reality. These family ties not only gave Steve the money he needed but gave him a "built-in" pool of customers. PUC highly promoted this venture to all their Ben Franklin stores as well as their other customers. Steve had 2,000 customers to start with before he even had a site. With thousands of other PUC customers to enroll later.

Goliath Falls had numerous investors including Compaq which gave them $10MM in cash and hardware. They hired Diamond Technology Partners to create their site, used InterWorld as their web platform, hired DDB to promote them, and hosted their site at Digex. They spared no expense to do things First Class. Their site went live on July 4th ("Independents" Day).

In the end Goliath Falls did themselves in. They wowed people with their flashy, expensive ads and site. Grew their staff very quickly. Paying some employees large signing bonuses. They even catered in meals for their staff two times a week. As part of their Compaq deal they gave customers a computer if the promised to spend $25K a year. Meanwhile they had trouble getting their products to customers in one piece, if at all. They were slow to bill customers, and even slower at collecting from them. They had lots of money going out and very little coming in.

So unless Steve Greenberg finds a miracle source of cash, Goliath Falls will be no longer."

Steve Greenberg is an empty suit  who has little or no accomplishments.  His campaign is based upon his parents money and a smooth tongue.

Bruno BehrendPress SecretaryKirk Morris for Congress

This past week 8th congressional district Congresswoman Melissa Bean got endorsed in her Democratic Party primary over peace candidate challenger Randi Scheurer.

In the Republican Party primary, benefits consultant Ken Arnold got the nod over his two opponents, Steve Greenberg and Kirk Morris.

Only one paragraph was dedicated to each endorsement, which was included with a bunch of other congressional endorsements.

There is a characteriture of Bean sitting at the back of the wagon. I have reproduced it large enough for you to see.

“8th: Democratic Rep. Melissa Bean, who describes herself as ‘moderate mainstream’ and a ‘fiscal conservative’ was first elected to congress in 2004. She authored and led passage of an Internet education safety program and co-sponsored initiatives to track sex offenders online. Bean, who has worked issues across the aisle, including transportation funding, is endorsed over Randi Scheurer, whose husband Bill Scheurer, ran against Bean as an independent.

“Vying in the Republican primary are businessmen Steve Greenberg, Kenneth Arnold and Kirk Morris. Notably, Morris’ son, a Marine, was killed in Iraq. Arnold is strong on policy, while Greenberg has greater financial backing. Arnold is endorsed over Greenberg, because brains should matter more than bucks.”

I would note that Bill Scheurer did not run as an independent. He created his own party, which he named the Moderate Party. I would also note that the editorial does not point out that both Scheurers ran to protest Bean’s position on the Iraq War.

So, what difference does the Sun-Times endorsement make?

I got it in 1980 when I ran against incumbent Robert C. McClory, but still lost the primary election, carrying only McHenry of the three county district that looking like a crane.

And, they endorsed me in spite of my opposition to gun control, as they did Lynn Martin.

For those interested in history, here was the endorsement:
OFFICE: U.S. House. Term, 2 years
Salary, $60,662.50

13th DIST. Republicans Robert McClory, Cal Skinner, Jr. Democrats
Edward J. LaFlamme, Michael Reese

Despite a sharp tongue that can wound needlessly and obtuseness on some public transit maters, state Rep. Cal Skinner Jr. has served Illinois well on such complex matters as school taxes and urban sprawl—and as an idea-generator.

Incumbent Rep. Robert McClory’s stewardship of his office has been amiable but increasingly listless. And his recent vote for pork-barrel water projects belies his claimed opposition to wasteful spending.

Skinner favors innovative use of alcohol to increase fuel supplies and practical deregulation of various industries as an anti-inflation measure. Both men agree on such key issues as the need to promote savings and investment, but we think Skinner offers more intelligent, vigorous representation.

That was the year I was driving a Pinto that used 85% alcohol and 15% water.

That is not a typo.

Elgin’s Herb Hanson and an Elgin policeman, whose name escapes me right now, invented it. It smelled like a still going down the street. This same time, GM and Ford were producing all-alcohol fueled cars in Brazil, but refused to do so in the United States.

It only broke down once…just east on Route 120 of where the highway turns south in Greenwood Township. Fortunately, the very surprised farm family living on the northwest corner or Route 120 on Charles Road took pity and let me call Gravers in Woodstock to tow it in and give me a ride back to 360 S. Madison Street, Woodstock.

Lynn Martin got endorsed to fill John B. Anderson’s seat in the same editorial. She won.

And, no.

My filing system is not good enough that I could have found this if I were looking for it. I was looking for a small black-on-yellow “Write-In Vance Roberts” sign that we used when he ran for the Crystal Lake city council.

Instead, I found this bad copy of a February 29, 1980 Sun-Times editorial, plus a Re-Elect Bob McClory yard sign.

Click on the editorials and you should be able to read them. The other images can also be enlarged the same way.

This past week 8th congressional district Congresswoman Melissa Bean got endorsed in her Democratic Party primary over peace candidate challenger Randi Scheurer.

In the Republican Party primary, benefits consultant Ken Arnold got the nod over his two opponents, Steve Greenberg and Kirk Morris.

Only one paragraph was dedicated to each endorsement, which was included with a bunch of other congressional endorsements.

There is a characteriture of Bean sitting at the back of the wagon. I have reproduced it large enough for you to see.

“8th: Democratic Rep. Melissa Bean, who describes herself as ‘moderate mainstream’ and a ‘fiscal conservative’ was first elected to congress in 2004. She authored and led passage of an Internet education safety program and co-sponsored initiatives to track sex offenders online. Bean, who has worked issues across the aisle, including transportation funding, is endorsed over Randi Scheurer, whose husband Bill Scheurer, ran against Bean as an independent.

“Vying in the Republican primary are businessmen Steve Greenberg, Kenneth Arnold and Kirk Morris. Notably, Morris’ son, a Marine, was killed in Iraq. Arnold is strong on policy, while Greenberg has greater financial backing. Arnold is endorsed over Greenberg, because brains should matter more than bucks.”

I would note that Bill Scheurer did not run as an independent. He created his own party, which he named the Moderate Party. I would also note that the editorial does not point out that both Scheurers ran to protest Bean’s position on the Iraq War.

So, what difference does the Sun-Times endorsement make?

I got it in 1980 when I ran against incumbent Robert C. McClory, but still lost the primary election, carrying only McHenry of the three county district that looking like a crane.

And, they endorsed me in spite of my opposition to gun control, as they did Lynn Martin.

For those interested in history, here was the endorsement:
OFFICE: U.S. House. Term, 2 years
Salary, $60,662.50

13th DIST. Republicans Robert McClory, Cal Skinner, Jr. Democrats
Edward J. LaFlamme, Michael Reese

Despite a sharp tongue that can wound needlessly and obtuseness on some public transit maters, state Rep. Cal Skinner Jr. has served Illinois well on such complex matters as school taxes and urban sprawl—and as an idea-generator.

Incumbent Rep. Robert McClory’s stewardship of his office has been amiable but increasingly listless. And his recent vote for pork-barrel water projects belies his claimed opposition to wasteful spending.

Skinner favors innovative use of alcohol to increase fuel supplies and practical deregulation of various industries as an anti-inflation measure. Both men agree on such key issues as the need to promote savings and investment, but we think Skinner offers more intelligent, vigorous representation.

That was the year I was driving a Pinto that used 85% alcohol and 15% water.

That is not a typo.

Elgin’s Herb Hanson and an Elgin policeman, whose name escapes me right now, invented it. It smelled like a still going down the street. This same time, GM and Ford were producing all-alcohol fueled cars in Brazil, but refused to do so in the United States.

It only broke down once…just east on Route 120 of where the highway turns south in Greenwood Township. Fortunately, the very surprised farm family living on the northwest corner or Route 120 on Charles Road took pity and let me call Gravers in Woodstock to tow it in and give me a ride back to 360 S. Madison Street, Woodstock.

Lynn Martin got endorsed to fill John B. Anderson’s seat in the same editorial. She won.

And, no.

My filing system is not good enough that I could have found this if I were looking for it. I was looking for a small black-on-yellow “Write-In Vance Roberts” sign that we used when he ran for the Crystal Lake city council.

Instead, I found this bad copy of a February 29, 1980 Sun-Times editorial, plus a Re-Elect Bob McClory yard sign.

Click on the editorials and you should be able to read them. The other images can also be enlarged the same way.

A volunteer to 8th congressional district GOP primary candidate Kirk Morris sent me this press release about an award he received January 5th. Thought it might be of interest.

Citizen of the year for HIS service to veterans

Chicago – Gurnee resident Kirk Morris was honored by a Veterans Organization in Chicago for his work on behalf of Illinois veterans.

Morris is running for the Republican nomination for the Eighth Congressional District seat currently held by Democrat Melissa Bean. He faces Ken Arnold from Gurnee and Steve Greenberg from Buffalo Grove in the February 5, 2008 primary election.

Morris received the “Citizen of the Year Award” from the McCarthy Group in a ceremony held at St. Cajetan’s Church in Chicago on Saturday January 5th. The Group cited Morris for “his service above and beyond” the call of duty to Illinois veterans. The event was witnessed by more than 2,000 people who filled the pews.

Presenting the award to Mr. Morris was Mr. Allen Lynch, Medal of Honored recipient from Viet Nam who also lives in the Gurnee, IL area.

In a speech responding the award, Kirk Morris asked everyone in attendance to demonstrate their dedication to country by doing, instead of talking. “It is one thing to talk about what needs to be done, but without anyone taking action, talk will not help anyone without action,” said Morris.

The McCarthy Group was founded by Colonel Joseph McCarthy, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Iwo Jima. During World War II, McCarthy was a captain commanding a rifle company attached to the Second Battalion, 24th Marines, and led an assault team across exposed ground to wipe out positions holding up the advance of his company.

The same Marine Corps Unit is now a reserve unit headquartered in Chicago . The battalion has been activated for second tour in Iraq

Also receiving Honors Saturday, was Marine Sgt Brian Woznicki, who earned three Purple Hearts in his two deployments to Iraq . One such award was the result of injuries he sustained in Spring of 2004, the same place and time PFC Geoffrey Morris, son of Kirk Morris, was killed in Iraq.

Chicago Firemen also presented an Iron cross to Navy Chaplain 2nd Lt. John Conrae, who served with the Marines on two tours in Iraq and is headed back for another deployment by the end of January. The cross was cut from the iron beam from the former World Trade Center on September 12, 2001.

“This cross has a lot of emotion and meaning attached to it. I will carry this to the Battlefront far any all to see. What a wonderful symbol and memoriam for those that are taking the battle back to those that caused such great loss of life in NY on September 11th,” said Conrae.

The Chicago Police Drum and Bagpipe Corps added ceremonial and processional music to the event.

Link to photo’s of the event.

= = = = =
The caption to the photo is “Medal of Honor recipient Mr. Allen Lynch presenting Kirk Morris with the 1st ever citizen of the year award from Medal of Honor recipient Joseph McCarthy foundation.”

A volunteer to 8th congressional district GOP primary candidate Kirk Morris sent me this press release about an award he received January 5th. Thought it might be of interest.

Citizen of the year for HIS service to veterans

Chicago – Gurnee resident Kirk Morris was honored by a Veterans Organization in Chicago for his work on behalf of Illinois veterans.

Morris is running for the Republican nomination for the Eighth Congressional District seat currently held by Democrat Melissa Bean. He faces Ken Arnold from Gurnee and Steve Greenberg from Buffalo Grove in the February 5, 2008 primary election.

Morris received the “Citizen of the Year Award” from the McCarthy Group in a ceremony held at St. Cajetan’s Church in Chicago on Saturday January 5th. The Group cited Morris for “his service above and beyond” the call of duty to Illinois veterans. The event was witnessed by more than 2,000 people who filled the pews.

Presenting the award to Mr. Morris was Mr. Allen Lynch, Medal of Honored recipient from Viet Nam who also lives in the Gurnee, IL area.

In a speech responding the award, Kirk Morris asked everyone in attendance to demonstrate their dedication to country by doing, instead of talking. “It is one thing to talk about what needs to be done, but without anyone taking action, talk will not help anyone without action,” said Morris.

The McCarthy Group was founded by Colonel Joseph McCarthy, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Iwo Jima. During World War II, McCarthy was a captain commanding a rifle company attached to the Second Battalion, 24th Marines, and led an assault team across exposed ground to wipe out positions holding up the advance of his company.

The same Marine Corps Unit is now a reserve unit headquartered in Chicago . The battalion has been activated for second tour in Iraq

Also receiving Honors Saturday, was Marine Sgt Brian Woznicki, who earned three Purple Hearts in his two deployments to Iraq . One such award was the result of injuries he sustained in Spring of 2004, the same place and time PFC Geoffrey Morris, son of Kirk Morris, was killed in Iraq.

Chicago Firemen also presented an Iron cross to Navy Chaplain 2nd Lt. John Conrae, who served with the Marines on two tours in Iraq and is headed back for another deployment by the end of January. The cross was cut from the iron beam from the former World Trade Center on September 12, 2001.

“This cross has a lot of emotion and meaning attached to it. I will carry this to the Battlefront far any all to see. What a wonderful symbol and memoriam for those that are taking the battle back to those that caused such great loss of life in NY on September 11th,” said Conrae.

The Chicago Police Drum and Bagpipe Corps added ceremonial and processional music to the event.

Link to photo’s of the event.

= = = = =
The caption to the photo is “Medal of Honor recipient Mr. Allen Lynch presenting Kirk Morris with the 1st ever citizen of the year award from Medal of Honor recipient Joseph McCarthy foundation.”

In the 8th congressional district, the Chicago Tribune has endorsed incumbent Democratic Party U.S. Representative Melissa Bean and the best financed Republican—Steve Greenberg.

Here’s the text:

Melissa Bean has been a smart, centrist Blue Dog Democrat, willing to work across the aisle. She and 10th District GOP Rep. Mark Kirk teamed up recently to warn of the loss of federal transportation funds if Springfield doesn’t get its act together soon. Bean is endorsed over Randi Scheurer of Lindenhurst, whose husband ran against Bean as an independent in the 2006 general election.

In the Republican primary, Steve Greenberg, a businessman from Long Grove whose family supplies merchandise to small variety stores, is moderate on social issues, fiscally conservative and surrounding himself with good people. He is endorsed over businessmen Ken Arnold and Kirk Morris, both of Gurnee.

Expect to see the second paragraph on a Greenberg mailing soon.

Undoubtedly, Scheurer is disappointed that she was not identified as opposing Bean’s Iraq War stance.

In the 8th congressional district, the Chicago Tribune has endorsed incumbent Democratic Party U.S. Representative Melissa Bean and the best financed Republican—Steve Greenberg.

Here’s the text:

Melissa Bean has been a smart, centrist Blue Dog Democrat, willing to work across the aisle. She and 10th District GOP Rep. Mark Kirk teamed up recently to warn of the loss of federal transportation funds if Springfield doesn’t get its act together soon. Bean is endorsed over Randi Scheurer of Lindenhurst, whose husband ran against Bean as an independent in the 2006 general election.

In the Republican primary, Steve Greenberg, a businessman from Long Grove whose family supplies merchandise to small variety stores, is moderate on social issues, fiscally conservative and surrounding himself with good people. He is endorsed over businessmen Ken Arnold and Kirk Morris, both of Gurnee.

Expect to see the second paragraph on a Greenberg mailing soon.

Undoubtedly, Scheurer is disappointed that she was not identified as opposing Bean’s Iraq War stance.