Background/Security Check Questions

[Kittycat]

I'm debating some total nutcases on another site - I know futile, but we have independent lurkers.

They're rattling on about Obama not being able to pass a background check, and posted this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvROBLortBQ

I can't play it here, because of sound - but I'm really at my end with this issue. Can someone please help me form a coherent thought on this? I'm assuming that some form of clearance is required, given that he's on the Foreign Relations committee.

:help:

[WeDidIt]

1. Barack Obama already had a background check and passed with flying colors

It was necessary for him to be on the Foreign Relations Committee and the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.

Senators cannot serve on either committee without top secret security clearance.

[wmbrew0206]

2. That is not correct

Members of Congress do not go through a normal security clearence back ground check like members of the military or federal employees. Since they were elected by the people, the government cannot disqualify them from classified information.

Members of congress sign a pledge not to disclose classified information that they are briefed on. They do not go through a security background check.

[jberryhill]

3. The President does not need one

The President is the chief executive officer of the United States Government. Security clearances are issued on his/her authority. In order to become President, one must be a natural born citizen, over 35 years, and be elected by 270 electors chosen by the states.

Some alternatives are to succeed a sitting president, etc., but the notion that the President needs a security clearance is pretty funny.

[wmbrew0206]

4. If Obama was a military member or a federal employee, his connection with Ayers would

only slow down his clearance process but would not prevent him from getting one.

There are four things they look for in a background check:

1. Any family connections to foreign nationals (ie you have a mother in law in Russia)
2. Any unaccounted for period in your life that the government can't verify where you lived (aka you lived in China for two years and aren't telling them about it.)
3. Any addictions, drug use, or secrets in your past that someone knows about that they could put pressure on you to do something against the country to keep them from reveling it.
4. Any connection with a group that has "The ultimate goal of the overthrow of the government of the United States of America."

Obama has two of the four.

The family connection to foreign nationals would not be a big deal because Obama did not grow up with them nor is he close to them. This would not be a big deal.

The connection to Ayers would hold up the process since the government agency that does the background checks doesn't take this one lightly. They would check the association out. Once they took the time to see that Obama was not part of the group, obviously, and did not meet with Ayers on a regular basis, the investigation would finish up.

Obama would be able to get a clearance, but it would just take a little more time.

[SoxFan]

5. 4. Any connection with a group that has...

"The ultimate goal of the overthrow of the government of the United States of America."

[wmbrew0206]

6. Uh, No.

I'm pretty sure the AIP just wanted to suceed from the US, not over throw the actual government.

[SoxFan]

7. Uh, yes

From AIP founder Joe Vogler:

* "My government is my worst enemy. I'm going to fight them with any means at hand."

* "When the bureaucrats come after me, I suggest they wear red coats. They make better targets. Our goal is ultimate independence... we're ready to die."

* "The fires of hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hate for the American government and I won't be buried under their damn flag."

* "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her damned institutions."