It’s no secret that being wealthy affords the rich special treatment and privileges. These can range from access to better goods to legal exceptions. Even the US military has a soft touch with the rich.
Elon Musk currently holds a security clearance due to his involvement with Space X and NASA, however he is a known drug user. He smoked marijuana on the Joe Rogan Experience, yet it would appear that he still holds his security clearance.
Smoking marijuana is grounds for revocation of security clearances and ironically is a violation of Tesla’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. According to Presidential Executive Order 12564 dated September 15, 1986, The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public.
In light of this, I don’t take issue with Musk or anyone else smoking pot. I object to Elon and other billionaires receiving special treatment, especially when it comes to national security. Had a working class Federal employee or contractor smoked weed on YouTube, rest assured they’d have the security clearance revoked, they’d be fired and possibly face criminal liability.
The Department of Defense loses all credibility when they make these kinds of security exceptions. As such, I don’t trust their vetting process. Elon Musk must be held to the same standards as everyone else. His wealth doesn’t make him better at keeping government secrets.
Musk should have his security clearance revoked immediately and he should step down as CEO of Space X. Either that or the DOD should relax their policy on marijuana.
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