Would You Take A Bullet for _____?

My next door neighbor had a fund-raiser this morning for presidential candidate Barack Obama. About 200 people showed up to give him money (the speeding Suburban at right carries the arriving senator).

The place was abuzz with excited people, and also lots of security: police, highway patrol, and secret service personnel. They were all very courteous and professional.

I had a chance to talk with one agent, and ask him the question I'd always had in the back of my mind ever since I saw the 1993 Clint Eastwood/John Malkovich film In the Line of Fire. This was the question I asked:

"When you were applying for the Secret Service, did they ask you if you would be willing to take a bullet?"

And he said, "No, they don't ask that question." So there you have it!

Comments

[Dean Fuhrman]

For some reason I find that a major disappointment. Glad you were able to pin down an answer though.

[Roger von Oech]

Dean: All the security people were friendly and professional. But this was hardly a hostile locale. It was the end of a suburban cul-de-sac.

[CJ]

It's only after a lot of training that someone can answer that question. Anyone who can answer that question merely on a job application is naive, crazy or suicidal.

[Roger von Oech]

CJ: You're probably right. What I should have asked him was: "At any time during your training right up to the point of being administered the oath were you ever asked, 'Would you be willing to take a bullet for the person you were guarding?'"

[CJ]

Roger: Having a little background in this area, I will add that the 'pop' concept of taking a bullet (jumping in front of the target) is a borderline nonsensical ie - focusing on the bullet. The idea is to protect the subject or take out the attacker. Oh and if a secret service agent "takes a bullet" for the president - what about the second bullet, and the third? ; )

[Roger von Oech]

CJ: What you say makes sense. Big gulf between the "pop" view and what's actually going on!