This one is about leadership traits and Obama's associations. Many of which would keep him from getting a security clearance because many of them have been involved in planning the overthrow of the government.
You may wish to examine the security clearance standards more closely. This canard was debunked by the St. Petersburg Times last October 10th (see politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/800/].
QUESTION: "List foreign national relatives whom you or your spouse are bound by affection, obligation, or close and continuing contact"
RESPONSE: Obama is not bound to his father or stepfather because both are deceased, nor is he bound "by affection, obligation, or close and continuing contact" to his relatives in Africa.
QUESTION: "Have you ever been an officer or a member or made a contribution to an organization dedicated to the violent overthrow of the United States Government and which engages in illegal activities to that end, knowing that the organization engages in such activities with the specific intent to further such activities? Have you ever knowingly engaged in any acts or activities designed to overthrow the United States Government by force?"
RESPONSE: Obama could truthfully answer "no," because he was neither a member nor contributed to such organizations. Neither serving alongside William Ayers, nor granting funding to Khaladi's group meets the disqualifying criteria. Associating with members of a disqualifying group does NOT disqualify a candidate for a security clearance, nor does his association with Rev. Wright or Frank Marshall Davis. Security clearance criteria evaluate the subject's participation in subversive organizations, not guilt by associating with members. Further, activity younger than 16 is specifically excluded from consideration (see tpub.com/content/aviation/14243/css/14243_219.htm).
The SF86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions, can be downloaded at opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/sf86.pdf. Question 29, Association Record, asks about disqualifying associations.
Then are we in agreement?
- Obama would not need to report those "questionable" associations because he was neither a member of, nor contributed to, disqualifying organizations.
Despite continuing right-wing disinformation, Barack Obama would meet the eligibility criteria for access to TS/SCI (SI/TK/G/B et al.) information. Despite continuing right-wing disinformation, his association with radicals does not render him ineligible for access. Despite continuing right-wing disinformation, candidates are assessed by examining THEIR actions, not the actions of their associates. Despite continuing right-wing disinformation, "guilt by association" is an invalid basis for adjudicating security clearances.