Politics and Past Sexual Encounters

[kittykat]

It's really getting to the stage that nothing is private when you take a role in public office. First Rudd's staff all being interrogated on their sexual history, orientation and mishaps. Now the new Governor 'fesses up before he gets found out.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/080318/2/166tt.html

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/ ... public_rss

Where do you draw the line with people working in the public sector?

[BFG]

Because of the work my father did, myself and the rest of my family (as well as my father, obviously) had to do this. This was back in the '70s, no dramas and I've never seen any evidence of the information being used or even refered to in any of my dealings with the UK government.

Someone's prolly lost it....

Uh oh....

[kittykat]

So as an adult did they probe (uh hummm...) your sexual history?? Or just your dad and mum??

[BFG]

I was a minor (yes, yes, it was early '70s... ), but I discussed it with my sister and she said that they had been pretty "direct" with their questioning of her. Names and addresses of boyfriends etc.

I am not sure if they asked about her sexual history. We're not that close. We're not from Gloucestershire after all...

[Aliya]

Ooooooh what did your father do then???

[slinky]

Mr. S has a brother who had to get 'top secret' clearance for his job with a US govt. contractor. Not sure of the specifics they asked, but I know Mr. S's name and address had to be given - all family members were. Guess that must mean Mr. S was looked at (and probably me too, by default) however briefly. I'm sure they were just checking for criminal records or FBI files on family members. I'll have to ask him what all they wanted to know from him when I see him in a couple of weeks.

[Lichtgestalt]

There is a big difference if your private life gets investigated because you will get access to secrets or if you private life is scrutinized because the public has some hypocritic moral ideas.

[kittykat]

Good point Lichty. Some of this seems to be about stopping the lynch mob before they go on a witch hunt (ie the Governor) vs security clearance.

Either way I don't think I'd pass either test!! Lucky I'm in the private sector.

So BFG - did you have any sexual encounters to report in the 70's? And the Farrah Fawcett poster doesn't count as a "sexual" encounter.

[BFG]

I went to a boy's public school - of course I had sexual encounters to report...

Father was in the Ministry of Defence. If I tell you any more, I'll have to kill you...

[Zephyr]

So you're saying that all those homosexual encounters we hear about at English boys' public schools are true?

[Kooky]

Never accept a digestive biscuit from him, Zeph.

[BFG]

So you're saying that all those homosexual encounters we hear about at English boys' public schools are true?

You see, that's the difference between innuendo and Benny Hill...

[BoD]

Let's just say he didn't use any soap for 5 years..

[Possum]

Having an affair is not illegal but employing prostitutes is in many parts of the USA. I guess the major question is if someone shows a lack of integrity or is dishonest with those closest to them can others expect more.

[azzam]

Oh, I have direct experience of being dumped because of this kind of thing. F**#@9 ! - or not, as it happened.
Again, I would have to shoot you if I told you.

[kittykat]

I can see what Poss is saying totally - you break the law you should resign. But having an affair - so long as it doesn't affect your work is really your own business. But then look at the Mandy Rice/Christine Keeler affair (then they were call girls). If you are gay - well that is totally irrelevant surely. Looks like a witch hunt to me. I'll stay on the voter's side of the fence me thinks and just cast judgement on them all.

[Burbage]

Oh, I have direct experience of being dumped because of this kind of thing. F**#@9 ! - or not, as it happened.
Again, I would have to shoot you if I told you.

What a great idea! I never thought of that.

[Morrolan]

having affairs are a prerequisite for politicians in France and Italy...

[Possum]

Not true, Sarkozys popularity is now in free-fall.

[Fresh Mint]

I'm not expecting to run for public office ...

[Aliya]

No point by the time you finished telling them about your private life, you'd be too old to run

[Fresh Mint]

You're the first woman I've heard complain about me taking my time ...

[Aliya]

Maybe I was the only vocal one

[Morrolan]

Not true, Sarkozys popularity is now in free-fall.

but that's because he's a useless git, not because of his indiscretions.