If you want to work for the new administration. . .

You must fill out a 63 page questionnaire that, according to Rich Galen, includes these requirements:

The very first question requires you to submit “all resumes or biographical statements” you’ve put out in the past 10 years. Who keeps those things?

Question four requires that you”chronologically list activities … from which you have derived earned income (e.g. self-employment, consulting activities, writing, speaking, royalties and honoraria) for the past ten years.”Are they kidding? Go back 10 years and reconstruct every speaking fee, every project, every consulting gig? Right.

Question eight: “Briefly describe any controversial matters you have been involved with during the course of your career.” What constitutes “a controversial matter?” And who is the Obama transition team “controversial matter” maven?

Question 10: “List and, if readily available, provide a copy of each book, article, column or publication … you have authored.” The problem with this one is it appears to be potentially a First Amendment issue. The Obama transition team must have not just a controversial matter maven, but a Democratic Orthodoxy referee.

Question 13 requests a copy of every e-mail, text message or instant message which “might be a cause for embarrassment for you, your family or the President-elect if made public.” Are you kidding me? Who HASN’T sent an e-mail, text message or instant message which “might be a cause for embarrassment?” In the past week!

It goes on and on in that vein including requiring a list of anyone you have ever had a close enough relationship with to be considered a “cohabitant.” . . .

The final question is the most insidious: “Provide any other information, including information about other members of your family, that could … be a possible source of embarrassment to you, your family or the President-elect.” Who doesn’t have someone in their family who doesn’t embarrass the rest of the family by simply being a member of their family? I know that in my family we have such a person. It’s me.

Would the best and the brightest want to go into public service if they had to fill out a form like that?