Barack Obama would not qualify for High Security Clearance due to prior admitted drug use

See post | 11/29/2008 | Autumnraine

[autumnraine]

I have never posted a blogger thread, so forgive me if I am doing this wrong.

Ok, I was doing some investigation on a person who claimed that if they had to go through so much investigation to be given security clearance, there is no way Obama would have made it and Bush wouldn't have allowed him to get the briefings. I explained that by being elected President alone, that he gained security clearance of the highest level, which frightens me on a whole different level. But in my searchings, found some documents.

Ok, Barack admitted to using Cocaine and marijuana*. Barack uses as an excuse and a way to promote himself as "honest" by admitting this claiming that polls or focus groups shouldn't change who we are, but was he unaware of the pesky detail of national security clearance requirements?

Here is what the Federal Government has to say on this issue in the ADJUDICATIVE GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR ACCESS TO CLASSIFIED INFORMATION:

"(c) allegation or admission of criminal conduct, regardless of whether the person was formally charged, formally prosecuted or convicted;

Also; 25. Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include:

(a) Any drug abuse (see above definition);

(b) testing positive for illegal drug use;

Now, they allow for conditions that could mitigate security concerns including (a) so much time has elapsed since the criminal behavior happened, or it happened under such unusual circumstances that it is unlikely to recur or does not cast doubt on the individual's reliability, trustworthiness, or good judgment; and b) there is evidence of successful rehabilitation; including but not limited to the passage of time without recurrence of criminal activity, remorse or restitution, job training or higher education, good employment record, or constructive community involvement.

However, in the military guidelines, (which Barack would be a member of if becoming President) it does allow leeway for illegal drug use in the past: Although any use of illegal drugs without mitigating factors can result in a clearance denial; for most young people entering the US military, pre-service, low-level, recreational use of drugs will not present a significant problem. This is because the circumstances surrounding their use of drugs will mitigate the security concern (see the mitigating factors under Adjudicative Guidelines, Guideline H: Drug Involvement). The mere act of entering the US military usually demonstrates their intention not to use drugs in the future. They are removing themselves from the environment where drugs were used, distancing themselves from their former drug-using associates, placing themselves in an environment where they are subject to random drug testing, and hopefully they abstained from drug use at least during the period they were in the DEP.

Note that the SF86 is a beginning form for basic training, but a more in depth SF86*** is required if being investigated for Top Level Security Clearance.

So please find the case of JOHN R. ERCK in that the military denied him security clearance due to admittance of marijuana and cocaine use prior to the request for clearance. He petitioned to have the ruling overturned and was denied due to the following; (Criterion H)

Improper or illegal involvement with drugs, raises questions regarding an individual's willingness or ability to protect classified information. Drug abuse or dependence may impair social or occupational functioning, increasing the risk of an unauthorized disclosure of classified information.

Drugs are defined as mood and behavior altering:

(a) drugs, materials, and other chemical compounds identified and listed in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, as amended (e.g., marijuana or cannabis, depressants, narcotics, stimulants, and hallucinogens) and

(b) inhalants and other similar substances.

Drug abuse is the illegal use of a drug or use of a legal drug in a manner that deviates from approved medical direction.

Conditions that could raise a security concern and may be disqualifying include:

(1) Any drug abuse;

(2) Illegal drug possession, including cultivation, processing, manufacture, purchase, sale, or

distribution;

(3) Failure to successfully complete a drug treatment program prescribed by a credentialed medical professional. Current drug involvement, especially following the granting of a security clearance, or an expressed intent not to discontinue use, will normally result in an unfavorable determination.

However allowed that; Conditions that could mitigate security concerns include:

(1) The drug involvement was not recent.

Now according to (and I agree with) the blogger who said "Of far greater concern to the adjudicator are past and present associations and affiliations. These are clear indicators of an applicant's loyalty (or lack thereof) to the United States or of possible criminal activity. Just based on what we know of Obama's associations with Bill Ayers, Bernardine Dohrn, Rashid Khalidi and Tony Rezko, no adjudicator would seriously consider granting a clearance to Barack Obama. Throw in his early ties to the New Party and it's a deal-breaker. He probably wouldn't get a clearance for "classified", never mind "holy f**king shit! classified"."*****

So, here are some references to the issue of drug use.

Combined with the numerous dealings with characters he is reported to be involved with, I don't think in any way he would qualify for a security clearance on the level that President of the United States grants him.

In my opinion, this is an issue of national security and I am reminded of my mother in saying "If all your friends wanted to jump off a bridge..." when hearing how "The people have spoken". Well, as my mom would have said "If 52% of America wanted to jump off a bridge..."

[autumnraine]

*http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/02/AR2007010201359.html

**http://www.fas.org/sgp/isoo/guidelines.html

***http://lastpostpublishing.com/Documents/sf86(NEW).pdf

****http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/doha/industrial/98-0009.h1.html

*****http://thepoolbar.blogspot.com/2008/10/would-barack-obama-qualify-for-security.html

[autumnraine]

Here is my info, you can ping if you want. Not that it will do much good, but anyway...

[1rudeboy]

One way to avoid being unqualified with regard to security clearances is to get elected to be President.

[Mr. K]

His drug use is the least of my concerns. When I was young and stupid I tried drugs, and still made something of my life. (dont use anything now- not even alcohol)

[nuconvert]

“Barack Obama would not qualify for High Security Clearance due to prior admitted drug use”

Neither would Clinton. But we got him anyway

[SouthDixie]

Nor would he qualify for security clearance because of his alliances with William Ayers. Go figure.

[Twinkie]

Bill Clinton set many negative precedents - and the MSM backed him up to the hilt.

[angkor]

Just to be accurate:

The President *runs* the clearance enterprise.

All classification authorities extend from the President and are delegated by him to his authorized subordinates, and so on in turn.

There is, simply stated, no higher authority to deny clearance to any elected President.

[AngrySpud]

I do know he’d never be commissioned as a military officer, let alone get a high security clearnace.

[angkor]

Presumably the President can deny himself clearance, but it would be odd.

See my #8 above.

[autumnraine]

I posted that in the thread. That he doesn’t need a clearance, that being President alone is a clearance. But that is a frightening thought that to circumvent our national security, you get a mole.

[jimtorr]

Actually, since he has admitted to drug use, that would not be a direct dis-qualifier. His eligibility would be determined by the length of time since his last usage and the type of drugs. However, he likely would be disqualified because of his political campaign activity for his half-brother in Kenya. All the rest of his foreign family would be a problem, as well. Then there is his aunt, living illegally in Boston.

There is also the problem of the time he spent in school in Indonesia. Some agencies would have a problem with it, others would not.

[angkor]

I missed it, sorry.

Probably 50 percent of Congress couldn’t get clearance.

And like the President, they don’t need one.

Even those on the Intel committees.

[big'ol_freeper]

The President of the United States, once in office, does not require a security clearance. By virtue of his position and the will of the people he is authorized access to all secure information.

There have been many many presidents throughout the history of the United States who’s personal behavior, would have caused their incarceration at Ft. Leavenworth, KS under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or loss of their security clearance eligibility.

Having said that, as a former servicemember, I hate when scumbags get elected to office, whether it’s at the federal level, state level or local level.

[jimtorr]

The bottom line with Obama is that we will soon have a President who is subject to pressure and blackmail over his extended foreign family, who he does appear to have close and continuing ties with.

[They'reGone2000]

Code word: GOOD TIMES.

[classified]

Or Rashid Khalidi! O and Michelle at a Khalidi dinner...A picture before their makeovers....

http://hillbuzz.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/bho-khalidi-dinner3.jpg

[jimtorr]

There has been more that one congressman who has lost access to classified material. Leaky Leahy comes to mind.

He was a member of the senate intel committee, if not it’s chairman, when he blew an active intelligence source to the press.

[Doug TX]

When this topic comes up, I always recommend the book, “Unlimited Access”. It’s about a FBI agent assigned to the Clinton white house. He conducted dozens of background checks on personnel in the white house and explains the process and problems he had.

[omega4179]

Zero is not even qualified to be on the Bar in Illinois due to admitted drug use. Pothead President.