Like many people, I have been very angry since Jan 6. Only today, thanks to a very long walk, did I uncover what's at the heart of my anger.

A thread.

1/11

Standard Form 86, known colloquially by the shorthand "SF-86," is a 132-page background investigation form that everyone who works in NATSEC and holds a clearance must complete. Its purpose is to determine "suitability" for Federal employment. 2/

CFR defines "suitability" as "those determinations based on a person's character or conduct that may have an impact on the integrity or efficiency of the service." As such, the questions probe everything from bankruptcy to gambling to drug use to foreign travel. 3/

The final section of the SF-86 is the Association Record. It probes an applicant's history of associating with various groups, and it is entirely devoted to groups that have engaged in acts of terrorism, and acts that sought to overthrow the U.S. government by force. 4/

Question 29.3: "Have you EVER advocated any acts of terrorism or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. Government by force?"

Question 29.6: "Have you EVER knowingly engaged in activities designed to overthrow the U.S. Government by force?" 5/

You may be asking when I'm going to get to the point.

Here's the point.

Current and former NATSEC personnel who validated the baseless Electoral College challenge betrayed the trust our government placed in them. *I* felt betrayed. 7/

The SF-86 informs the bet our government places in the continual trustworthiness of its servants. When I received my clearance, I signed a form acknowledging that I had a weighty responsibility to use my best judgment in all things, across the board. 6/

It stands to reason that getting these cleared jobs is and should be hard. Our national security requires public servants who are discerning, far-sighted, courageous, and hard to mislead. That any fell for the bogus "electoral integrity" argument would be depressing enough. 8/

But to then hide behind the lie that it was entirely unknowable that the challenge could lead to what happened on January 6 either shows astonishing ignorance, or lack of moral courage. Either should be disqualifying for a job, a clearance, and the trust they represent. 9/

I have known public servants whose clearances were denied because they were in treatment for depression, others denied because of family in countries deemed enemies of the state. But because of our national fetish for both-sides-ism, spreading disinformation is tolerable? No. 10/

I am not calling for blood-letting, vengeance, or a purity test. What I'm calling for - what I am demanding - is that everyone ask themselves those SF-86 questions, have the courage to answer truthfully, and face your answers. Respect your nation enough for that. /end