Gun-ownership a possible disqualification in the Obama administration?

[windmillninja]

Would-be appointees quizzed on guns (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15835.html)

The 59th question asked of potential Obama staffers is causing some raised eyebrows.

Obama’s transition team declined to go into detail on why they included the question, suggesting only that it was done to ensure potential appointees were in line with gun laws.

“The intent of the gun question is to determine legal permitting,” said one transition aide.

But even some Democrats and transition experts are baffled by the inclusion of the question.

Tucked in at the end of the questionnaire and listed under “Miscellaneous,” it reads: “Do you or any members of your immediate family own a gun? If so, provide complete ownership and registration information. Has the registration ever lapsed? Please also describe how and by whom it is used and whether it has been the cause of any personal injuries or property damage.”

[AShannon04]

For security and legal reasons, I would think that'd be a legit question. :shrug:

[boykosaurus]

I strange but not inappropriate question.

[Adeniz19]

How is asking if you own a gun a possible disqualification? are you fucking stupid and just trying to find a reason to hate obama?

[windmillninja]

How is asking if you own a gun a possible disqualification? are you fucking stupid and just trying to find a reason to hate obama?

No. Thanks for playing.

[Tony Pascarella]

In the interest of full disclosure, how is that a bad question? Besides, it gives you a chance to explain a situation where state or local records might not tell the whole story just from a straight background check.

[AShannon04]

People (not just the OP) try to pull out the most random shit and make a big deal about it. Barack Obama will arguably become the world's most powerful man when he takes office in January. I know that if I were him and was interviewing/vetting people to become my employees, with whom I'd have direct contact, I want to know about every minute detail about their personalities and history.

He expressed uncertainty over why it was included but surmised it was out of an abundance of caution, a desire to avoid the spectacle of a Cabinet-level or other high-ranking appointee who is discovered to have an unregistered handgun at home.

“It’s the kind of thing that, if dug out, could be an embarrassment to the president-elect,” Light said.

Clay Johnson, deputy director of management at the Office of Management and Budget and the head of Bush’s 2000 transition, also didn’t quite understand the purpose of the question.

“It could be their way to say to prospects that they will have to answer all these questions sooner or later, so be prepared,” Johnson observed.

PR in politics is arguably as important as ever. Anything you have ever done wrong can and will be brought to light against you. Obama is just taking all necessary precautions, and I think to say that gun ownership is grounds for disqualification is highly presumptuous.

[windmillninja]

So, essentially, this is just the transition team proactively ensuring that applicants haven't broken any laws. That's all well and good, but why so specific? And since it's so specific, why stop at the gun thing?

[Tony Pascarella]

So, essentially, this is just the transition team proactively ensuring that applicants haven't broken any laws. That's all well and good, but why so specific? And since it's so specific, why stop at the gun thing?You're taking one question out of how many? I'm fairly certain that isn't the only question like that in the entire application.

[Posthardcore]

Who cares. If you have a permit then it shouldn't really matter.

[AShannon04]

So, essentially, this is just the transition team proactively ensuring that applicants haven't broken any laws. That's all well and good, but why so specific? And since it's so specific, why stop at the gun thing?

I'm betting they do a pretty in-depth background check to check for any past legal trouble, as well as in-depth financial/tax research.

Plus, almost anyone can easily and legally get a registered gun. I don't think having an illegal gun is as simple as merely "breaking the law". It implies something more than that.

[Adeniz19]

this thread brings the LOLs. you are seriously asking why they are being asked specifics in a vetting process!? not everyone runs things the way mccain does hahahahaha

[Tony Pascarella]

this thread brings the LOLs. you are seriously asking why they are being asked specifics in a vetting process!? not everyone runs things the way mccain does hahahahahaKinda what I was thinking but not willing to say. Haha. They're doing their homework; I can't fault or argue that, and if you have nothing to hide, neither should you. :shrug: