Yes it is time for the "wingnuts" to shut their traps. If we are lucky, we live into our 80's. Life is too short, stop being negative. Republicans continually want to de-fund education and mental health. Listen to what Colin Powell said on Sunday...he wants his republican party back!! All this visciousness came out of the USA electing a black man for president. Keep McGrarty away from the schools and make sure his picture is posted in the office of the schools, this man is angry and he could snap at anytime. Also we should run public service ads educating people that if they own guns they should lock them up and keep them away from their children. I remember when I was a kid a public service announcement was made for curfew...it would say something like "It's 10:30pm, Do you know where your children are?" We the people need to educate the wingnuts like this angry man Mr. McGratry.

(720 ILCS 5/26-1) (from Ch. 38, par. 26-1)
Sec. 26-1. Disorderly conduct.
(a) A person commits disorderly conduct when he or she knowingly:
(1) Does any act in such unreasonable manner as to

alarm or disturb another and to provoke a breach of the peace;

Seems pretty simple to me.

Background checks should ABSOLUTELY be done on any parent or anyone working with children. The fact that doesn't happen is always shocking to me. Not just for situations like this, but um, if you look at the stories of child molesters MOST did anything they could to be near children -- even their own child's classmates, teammates, etc. The assumption of, "Oh, his/her child is a student, they must be okay to be here" absolutely needs to be challenged. I also don't believe parents really need to be in schools. I'm a parent volunteer from time to time but mostly so my kids don't ask, "Why don't you ever come to my school like all the other parents." When I went to elementary school in the 70s and early 80s I cannot remember any parents ever being in the school. And that was okay with everyone. It was a very successful school on all levels and kids never asked their parents "Why don't you ever come to my school." Why? Because it pretty much wasn't an option! It wasn't for safety then, as I'm pretty sure our doors were wide-open and anyone could enter at any time. It was because both the kids and the teachers were doing their jobs. Some parents are at school so much they don't need parent/teacher conferences. They already know just how Susie is doing. Catholic schools now do background checks for parents (yes, it's to look out for child predators after that sordid history). Public schools need to do so as well or eliminate parent volunteers.

You are doing the very thing this column complains about. Why are you so against Bible believing, gun owning, responsible citizens? While the place was wrong for him to say what he did, he has the right to do so. Just as you have the right to spew your hatred. People who hold to your ideology will reap the consequences.
You talk about Illinois loving Obama. Hmm, maybe that is because the food stamp rolls are the highest they have ever been. We have a huge number of illegal aliens. Do you think the bill to give them all drivers licenses plays into that? Good old Rahmy boy doesn't want to let a good crisis go to waste. Or what about that thorn in the side to everyone, Obamacare? Do you think people on food stamps and those here illegally wouldn't want that too? These are the people who voted for Obama, not the responsible people who actually enjoy their freedoms, and think for themselves. That is the key, they think for themselves. America was built on free thinking people's backs.
Sorry for you, that in third grade you still didn't know the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. That is the perfect argument against these schools, they cannot even teach the kids the correct words to say. How can we expect they will teach our children anything else. What were your parents doing?

"While the place was wrong for him to say what he did, he has the right to do so."

No, he does not. Freedom of speech doesn't mean you get to say anything you want to anywhere you want to. No one has the "right" to launch into a tirade in front of a class of kindergarteners inside an elementary school. If he were a "responsible citizen", he would have asked for a meeting with the principal or addressed a meeting of the school board about his concerns. He has no right to harangue the kindergarteners about it.

While I disagree with most of your commentary, I was very surprised that he wasn't arrested.

Seriously, maybe this McGroarty isn't a very good writer. When I read his comment I thought he was stating he was willing to re-enlist or go out and serve in the military again which may include shedding blood, because he was trying to show how strongly he felt about his country. And isn't the pledge given over the intercom? Surely it wasn't the kindergarten class that left it out, but perhaps the child over the intercom whose turn it was to lead the school in the pledge. I don't agree with his reaction, but your reaction? Throw him in jail for exercising his right for freedom of speech? You sound crazier than him. You wrote a long article using this man as a way to attack all conservatives. Shame on you! I don't think you should go to jail for it though. ;)

The man should have been arrested and he should not be allowed anywhere near a school. He is an adult, he should have voiced his concerns to the principal...if he were drunk he would have been arrested. Parents need to try to act like adults in front of their children, and that goes for the soccer and football field too!

Sherry -- it was afternoon K. It was probably just those classes. And, freedom of speech is all about context and place. You cannot go into government buildings to spout such things and likewise in today's climate of school violence, you cannot go spouting off in front of a group of 5 year olds in a building where they are to be safe and learning. It was very scary for those young children to see a man act that way and use language like that to their teacher. It shouldn't have happened.

Sherry -- drunk people in a mall disrupting the peace are taken away. (i.e., for much less than this). ????

While I do not agree with his behavior, or his methodology, I believe that he was correct in protesting the addendum to the Pledge of Allegiance, which should stand on its own.

Being a jerk isn't against the law. Having crazy ideas isn't against the law. He threw a fit in a school and wrote a crazy email. Arrest? Not sure for what unless it really is deemed threatening. We can't force him to change his opinions, such a country isn't what we want. Too many other nutty people out there share his same opinions so that he gets encouragement from others. Should they ban him from the school? Of course. Will they? Not sure. Should he apologize? Of course. Will he? Not sure. He does not yet see that his behavior, beliefs and acrimony towards his ex and society may cost him access to his children. The courts will look at this incident and his online postings and make a determination in the best interests of the children. Of course how he behaves in court and communicates with the judge matter too. I do not know him other than from this incident and reading his postings.
He did say on his site that he would never harm kids. Will hope that is true. Maybe court ordered counseling will help. We do have a problem in that we can't arrest people before they do something. Thinking they might is not probable cause. Could he go nuts and start something at the school? Possibly. Based on what others sometimes do is they takes their kids and run, hurt themselves and their kids or take it out on the ex. Hope he loves his kids and won't hurt them or their Mom. With an order of protection take away his guns? Hope that is possible.

Jeff, I don't usually give you the pleasure of responding to your diatribes, but I have to this time. Who was it again that you supported for County Board Chairman????

And, like it or not, you have to take the person and their actions in the totality of the circumstances. Here the totality includes a nasty custody battle and divorce and a history of extremist views. Let's call a spade a spade -- people with less than that going on in their lives have snapped, and the failure to recognize how inciteful his actions were the other day is a signal to many that further irrational behavior is possible.

Mr. McGroarty just issued a public apology on his open FB page.

If the report of Mr. McGroarty's actions in the Mill Creek School are at all accurate I think that it should be obvious that he frightened and confused group of children. That is, by definition, doing harm. The school and the parents are now left with the task of trying to remediate that.

Make no mistake, children of that age can be harmed by all sorts of inappropriate adult behavior. The consequences may not be immediately obvious but I think that it is reasonable to believe that this man's actions had a negative impact on some very young and impressionable minds.

I just hope and pray that all this will pass by and end peaceably and that no lasting damage was done.

As the parent of a student at Mill Creek, I too felt he should have been arrested. I had my kids recite the pledge the day after the "incident" and they did it perfectly. I did not teach them the pledge, MCES did! MCES has not changed one word in the pledge. Has anyone ever listened to 5-6 year olds recite anything? They make mistakes, don't say it in unison and can be difficult to understand. He should have behaved like an adult and asked to speak to the principal and if he didn't get a satisfactory response, move up the chain of command! There is no excuse for what he did! Did anyone notice on his FB page he didn't even say the pledge correctly!

This is exactly how individuals living on the edge slip through the cracks. Assuming this individual has no criminal record he could easily purchase a weapon. Knowing what you know about this incident, would you feel comfortable selling this person a gun? We talk about the problems of mental health and gun violence, yet we have no real solutions to the problem. Behavior, such as uncontrollable rage, in a kindergarten class no less, is chalked up to an exercise of free speech instead of evidence for the need of some kind of intervention. We might do better by charging someone with disorderly conduct or assault in these instances and then having the courts require psychiatric evaluation and treatment in lieu of a jail sentence or fine. I don't think we do the individual or society any good by just ignoring the problem or by trying to justify the person's actions. The real danger to life and liberty is not some kindergarten pledge, but rather the acceptance of violent reactions to situations as the price of maintaining our freedom.

Can't we leave politics out of this? I can't believe some of you are defending his "right" to do this in a public school classroom filled with young children. Shall we allow anyone to parade through our classrooms and rant about anything they like?

At the very least, ALL volunteers (including parents) should have a background check and complete a class in appropriate behavior around children.

Unfortunately this persons conduct had nothing to do with how the pledge was recited.

He could have been arrested if he was asked to leave and did not. He certainly should have been asked. If he was asked and did leave I don't see what the basis would be for an arrest. I did not read his subsequent written comments as threatening violence but as stating that he had served before and would serve again. So on that point I guess I am in the minority but sorry Jeff, being in the minority does not mean I am wrong and your are right on the interpretation. It means that it is subject to interpretation and reasonable people can disagree.

Also, being free to say something does not mean being free from the consequences of having said it. If you want to test this, next time you are in the security line at the airport joke about a bomb - or tell a teacher in clear language that if they don't do what you want you will hurt them.

As a parent of children that attend MCES I would be satisfied to see legal action taken against this parent and I'm trusting that the Kane County State's Attorney will do what they can. But what bothers me most is the speculation and untruths put out there in the public by people who were in no way involved in the situation. I know we all think we know the ins and out of the story because we have read every word on his Facebook page does that really mean you know the truth? MCES wants to nothing more to continue to provide a safe setting for our students to learn and become successful students. We also want to stop being the center of prying eyes, speculation and gossip. We all know that this is an unfortunate situation and at the center of this situation is innocent children. So instead of continuing to make judgments, furthering the gossip mill, how about we get back to our own lives and leave the professionals to handle the situation.

I am not sure the term "conservative" fits this individual. As much as I have argument with "conservatives" this person seems troubled and stressed. Keeping an eye out for him might be a good thing. Asking him if he needs help, might even be better.

Sherry sometimes it's not a mob mentality but rather reasonable majority prevailing. A majority is not always a mob. Sometimes it's a the mark of what is reasonable. It's how juries work, elections work, and how our legislative process works. He's not being "convicted" for his "ideas" but rather the manner in which he went about it. Even he has recognized his errors in that regard.

Anybody who questions this guys thought processes needs to read his very public - still! - Facebook page.

Please note a picture of a newspaper clipping posted in his "Photos" in 2011 - I believe he has an extended relation that works in high places... in Kane County government...

"Folks, this is what the conservative movement has become: a group of screeching, paranoid, bigoted, gun-addicted, homophobic, intolerant, terrified and obliviously self-important people who see every cloud as a threat to their sad and stilted existence."

Gee, painting with a pretty broad brush aren't you? Aside from the "gun-addicted and homophobic" part of your rant, I thought it sounded like you were describing the liberal movement.

This incident shouldn't be about right v. left. As an American who believes in the Constitution, I believe that it is everyone's right to believe and say what they want as long as it doesn't cause any harm. A person's right to liberty is only curtailed when it infringes on the liberty of others. The issue in this case is not what this man believes but how he went about expressing himself. He did it in an inappropriate manner, end of story. What he believes is his business. If you disagree with it or agree with it, show your feelings in the polls. Absolutely, express your opinions to each other in a respectful manner. But don't make this into something it isn't. As a parent, I am very disturbed by the incident, but I am not concerned about his beliefs. It doesn't change anything for me or how I raise my kids. He has a right to his opinions, just like I have a right to mine. One of the greatest things about this country is that we have that right. Stop obsessing about this man's beliefs. It's his right to have them and your right to disagree or agree with them. It is highly unlikely that anyone is going to change anyone else's beliefs and gain supporters by haranguing and personal attacks. He should be charged with disorderly conduct for his behavior and not his beliefs. Let the police determine if he is more of threat than simply using very bad judgment and having poor impulse control. Speculation without information does way more harm than good.

He did just apologize. Not sure how many mass murderers would do that. The Facebook page is a sign of how he thinks, his personal life is not in a good place with a divorce. Is there anyone that knows him and can vouch that he is stable?? Facebook friends that agree with his crazy ideas don't count:) What I don't think he realizes is that it is his actions plus the letter were bad, then when people review his site they get real scared and question his sanity. Too much survivalist, weapons, and conspiracy theory stuff makes one wonder. If you say control population he'll think genocide, no machine guns may mean no guns at all and no way to combat the government, government is going to take away all of our freedom.... a person can be well read and recite a whole bunch of books/facts but can still reach some crazy conclusions. He thinks kids say the Pledge wrong and it is the State indoctrinating our children for nefarious reasons and the start of the end of the free United States...

I was feeling bad for him and feeling like this was perhaps blown out of proportion, but I just looked over his FB page. He has irrational and intense fear (well before the incident in the classroom) and is certainly not someone you want influencing your children. Now I'm the one afraid of him: https://www.facebook.com/cmmcgroarty

I would really like the Republican party back, please. Fox news and right wing extremists are scaring the daylights out of people. Enough.

...and seriously? This was included in his "apology":

I’d also like to clarify that the “disturbance” where I told the children they shouldn’t promise to follow rules when they don’t know what the rules are and to ask their parents about the Nazis and why this lesson is important, did NOT include any profanity.

KLR,

That last paragraph is music to my ears!

Jeff

Some valid points if it wasn't also spewing political nonsense. Don't worry Jeff... One day everybody will learn better and have the same opinion as you.

1. McGoarty likely should have been arrested if his actions were deemed threatening. We don't need that in our schools. (Granted, it's difficult to know what exactly was said and what context it was said in). We should likely give our teachers enough room to make a little bit of a judgement call. Certainly enough to call the police if a situation develops.
2. Conservatives certainly don't agree with an adult frightening or cussing in front of children. Suggesting otherwise is delusional and self serving.
3. Switch it up Jeff - give us something fun rather than the same tune blog after blog. People want to like you... But it's like the one-dimensional soap opera that never develops. Throw a little bit of enlightened Jeff 2.0 out there.

Jeff, as usual, I loved the article and your willingness to lay it all out there! I also have children at MCES and am very concerned about this man's views and actions. I'm glad the district acted aggressively. I also agree that Martha, NOYB, J.C., Terry and klr made some great points, specifically the one most pertinent to the issue..background checks for volunteers. Some parents are in the school every day (which is more often than some employees are there) yet there are thorough criminal background checks done on all employees but not volunteers. It always surprised me, but now it concerns me. I also feel bad for his children. Hopefully, they are not being treated badly by their classmates because of something that is out of their control.

Typical paranoid, psychopathic, burned to the bone that there is a black Democrat (read "socialist") President, who, coincidentally, has a "Muslim" name. His children suffer, his community suffers, and all he needs to do is take his medication, see a therapist, and stop wasting his time w/ Fox News, Alex Jones, Rush Limbaugh & the like, who only exist to feed on & exploit said paranoia

“Colin says that god is important to him. He also says that people should not just blindly follow authority. He needs to make up his mind.”

They're kindergarteners. If you asked, I bet half of them think "4 witches stand" is in the pledge. Also, "invisible".

And some might say I pledge allegiance to the flag, and to the republic for Richard Stands.”

And others may say "with liberty and justice for owls"

and those that just want to end the pledge say "with liberty and that's just all".

C'mon Colin, wise up.

Thank you for saying what needed to be said. I greatly appreciate it. And I also thank those who have constructively responded. Jeff, you said it all

Jeff,
I agree with Sherry. I found your article extremist.
Are you now a liberal bully? ..put the guy in jail?
I think the police spoke to the guy, got the facts, and with the judicial system took the proper, cautionary response to keep the guy away from the school (no trespass order). They got the facts and acted, and I believe they took the correct action....I only say that because they did get all the facts, which we don't all have..
Also, Jeff, a plurality of Americans are not secessionist or extreme....more and more they're just sick of the Democrats and Republicans pulling the country apart. Did you write this article before your morning coffee or something?

Steve,

Coffee? Can you imagine me on caffeine?

Jeff

Jeff,
You and Colin are the reason there are so many people registering as independents. you are both extreme and use bully tactics. Colin seems to use the constitution as a shield even if he does not really know what it says. you seem to hide behind your employer to protect you from danger. Colin took his stances and violated the very principles by reacting inappropriately in front of children, I believe it is safe to assume that at least a couple of the kids were frightened by his actions. this is against the law.
You print in an article that he "launched into a four-letter-word tirade in front of his child’s kindergarten class." This statement has not been validated by any source as there has been no report of profanity or vulgarity. This is defamation of character, which is also illegal. as the pot has now called the kettle black maybe both of you should become educated and stop being so radical that everyone only reads your writings for the humor found in your stupidity.

In the interest of discouraging “bitter and overzealous” bloggers, I feel compelled to post my agreement with Sherry, Dave, Justin, and Steve. Ward's column is extreme in its attempt to smear "conservatives" and evidences a potentially dangerous level of hatred towards those unfortunate enough to wear that political label in Jeff Ward’s view. Thank goodness this ranting column was presented in the Patch and not some kindergarten class. Somewhat tongue in cheek, I will state my hope that the police are present to protect the innocent if Ward ever approaches a school or other public space, glassy eyed and mumbling semi-coherent phrases about “screeching, paranoid, bigoted, gun-addicted, homophobic, intolerant, terrified and obliviously self-important” conservatives.

this man needs to be permanently banned from school property and if his ex wants to make her tro stick, i would support that also. this is no time to mess around with threats, dont be fooled by his poor excuse of an apology. i will not subject my children to any risk in their school not even 1 in a million.

one more thing - the background check is a great idea. i bet most of us assumed it was done on all. i'd only suggest that an extensive background check be done now on the mcgroarty parent. ...and published for all parents to see

I was under the impression that it is state law that all volunteers have to have a background check.

Wow! Guilty until proven innocent? One so called conservative defines all conservatives?

JEFF WARD's article is proof in the pudding identifying the problem as being America's division between left and right, blame, finger pointing, denial and open minded disgust. Those who need to link violence to politics are part of the problem. Jeff is doing that here. Although the pledge parent appears to be a far right political fundamentalist, the truth is, he is an end of his rope psychotic whom cannot be trusted with children or authority figures. He believes everyone is his enemy and he will do anything to justify his own irrational thoughts and behavior. Stay away from this man, keep our children away from this man, or we will be wondering why no one warned us, no one cautioned us... It's not political. It's Sandy Creek, Aurora, Colorado, Virginia Tech, NIU on and on and on... Psycho's everyone of them.