[Beckwith]

It is also my observation that security clearances are easy to get

Some are and some aren't.

But the key here is that the "local area commander" is ultimately responsible for issuing and revoking security clearances.

As Commander in Chief, Clinton could clear whomever he pleased.

[tlj18]

Let’s just say if I had the need to know, I am cleared to access a great deal of information. Virtually everyone I know in the military has a security clearance (because I work in MI). Some of whom wold surprise you to know they have a security clearance. I don’t know, but it seems to me that those in uniform have an easier time getting a security clearance than civilians. I only know one guy who didn’t get his security clearance, and that was because he lied at MEPS.