Obama administration application "invasive"

[SavageOrangeJug]

WASHINGTON — Want a top job in the Obama administration? Only pack rats need apply, preferably those not packing controversy.

A seven-page questionnaire being sent by the office of President-elect Barack Obama to those seeking cabinet and other high-ranking posts may be the most extensive — some say invasive — application ever.

The questionnaire includes 63 requests for personal and professional records, some covering applicants’ spouses and grown children as well, that are forcing job-seekers to rummage from basements to attics, in shoe boxes, diaries and computer archives to document both their achievements and missteps.

Only the smallest details are excluded; traffic tickets carrying fines of less than $50 need not be reported, the application says. Applicants are asked whether they or anyone in their family owns a gun. They must include any e-mail that might embarrass the president-elect, along with any blog posts and links to their Facebook pages.

The question in bold really jumped out at me.

The rest of the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/us/politics/13apply.html?no_interstitial

[hmanvolfan]

It would be great if there were no responses and Brack had to go out on the street to get a cabinet.

[MontereyVol]

does that mean prior military members are excluded in his administration?

[allvol123]

OK, if you have a Facebook page, that should be an instant disqualification for any position.

[hmanvolfan]

Originally Posted by MontereyVol

does that mean prior military members are excluded in his administration?

Good point. Will the military be relieved of their firearms?

[SavageOrangeJug]

“Every transition is cumulative,” said Michael Berman, a lawyer and lobbyist who worked in the transitions of both Mr. Clinton and President Jimmy Carter. After reviewing the Obama application, Mr. Berman added, “I am very happy I am not seeking a job in the federal government.”

I can't say as I blame him.

[emainvol]

Originally Posted by allvol123

OK, if you have a Facebook page, that should be an instant disqualification for any position.

We're not too far off from the "social networking" generation running the country.

[KB5252]

The portion in bold about guns bothers me. Often questions like this are asked so the administration does not look like hypocrites when they take a position on an issue. Does anyone think this may be a sign of things to come? Like maybe trying to crack down on gun ownership?

[UT IE 95]

So there is concern that an applicant to a presidential administration position is providing a complete and thorough application? An application to work at McDonalds is three pages long.

I guess taking a different approach and finding the best people is a different course than previous administrations just appointing their buddies.

Personally, it's good to see this. Weeds out the rift raft and such.

[KB5252]

Originally Posted by UT IE 95

So there is concern that an applicant to a presidential administration position is providing a complete and thorough application? An application to work at McDonalds is three pages long.

I guess taking a different approach and finding the best people is a different course than previous administrations just appointing their buddies.

Personally, it's good to see this. Weeds out the rift raft and such.

Why would it be important that Obama know if potentials exercised their constitutional right to own firearms though?

[MG1968]

Originally Posted by KB5252

Why would it be important that Obama know if potentials exercised their constitutional right to own firearms though?

because Obama doesn't want people who actually know what's in the Constitution as part of his administration.

[UT IE 95]

Originally Posted by KB5252

Why would it be important that Obama know if potentials exercised their constitutional right to own firearms though?

After reading the form, it is only asking to make sure the gun(s) is legally owned and registered. And follows up to make sure it hasn't been used to cause body or property damage.

I see no problem with those two very legitimate questions about a gun. Reading anything more than that into it is just looking for something to complain about.

[KB5252]

Originally Posted by UT IE 95

After reading the form, it is only asking to make sure the gun(s) is legally owned and registered. And follows up to make sure it hasn't been used to cause body or property damage.

I see no problem with those two very legitimate questions about a gun. Reading anything more than that into it is just looking for something to complain about.

I did not, if that is all that was asked I have no problem.

[UT IE 95]

Originally Posted by KB5252

I did not, if that is all that was asked I have no problem.

It's question 59. After reading through the whole document, I may take some of the questions to screen future hires myself.

[truefan]

Originally Posted by MG1968

because Obama doesn't want people who actually know what's in the Constitution as part of his administration.

You don't actually believe this, do you???? If so, then I can say you are 100% wrong.