The FBI's files on Steve Jobs • Hacker News Board

Re: The FBI's files on Steve Jobs

#61

Post by revscat » Thu, Feb 09, 2012, 4:11 PM UTC

rsmiller510 wrote: post #52

This is outstanding reporting requesting and staying on the request for information, and it's a fascinating look at Jobs and the government process of vetting White House appointments in 1991. Note that they are still obsessed with the idea of anyone belonging to or contributing to the Communist Party and even checked if had relatives in foreign countries who might have been Communists (they couldn't find any). I als…

> Note that they are still obsessed with the idea of anyone belonging to or contributing to the Communist Party and even checked if had relatives in foreign countries who might have been Communists (they couldn't find any).

Their continued focus upon past drug use is also anachronistic. I have not yet read the the document all the way thought, but so far they have mentioned it no fewer than a dozen times.

The FBI's priorities seem to be... dated. I wonder if they are still thus.

Re: The FBI's files on Steve Jobs

#62

Post by smountcastle » Thu, Feb 09, 2012, 4:13 PM UTC

shimon_e wrote: post #46

nilsbunger wrote: post #40

Cool, now I can apply for his social security benefits!

What is he entitled to?

I can't find a number from the SSA regarding how much a billionaire (or millionaire) would receive. But this report states that from 2004-2009 $9B was paid out to millionaires in social security benefits: http://www.coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?a=Files.Serve&...

"In fact, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) found that in 2009, 38,217 individuals with an AGI of $1 million or more received more than $1.142 billion in Social Security benefits." That seems to show that those millionaires received ~$30k each/year from social security. There must be a cap in place if true.

Re: The FBI's files on Steve Jobs

#63

Post by blario » Thu, Feb 09, 2012, 4:15 PM UTC

shimon_e wrote: post #45

samwillis wrote: post #19

"Has any of the following happened to you in the last 15 years? ... 5 - Left a job for other reasons under unfavorable circumstances Answered: Date: 09/85 Code: 5 Employer: Apple Computer"

Wasn't he fired?

it may have technically been a resignation. you know; that old political game...

the interviews show that everyone that knew and worked with him thought he resigned. only when they interviewed jobs did HE say he was fired.

Re: The FBI's files on Steve Jobs

#64

Post by canes123456 » Thu, Feb 09, 2012, 4:15 PM UTC

blario wrote: post #57

As to character, this is far more revealing than that sanctioned bio. I found the bio to be biased: the author never failed to use "genius" but as far for negative qualities, they were brushed aside. Roughly 40 interviews in this pdf, from close associates, friends, classmates, co-workers, and industry colleagues. Not for profit; only meant to give an accurate depiction. And people seem to have been very honest also;…

You are joking, right? His negative qualities are all over the bio. I also don't think any one would argue with Jobs being called a genius.

Re: The FBI's files on Steve Jobs

#65

Post by afterburner » Thu, Feb 09, 2012, 4:16 PM UTC

liber8 wrote: post #59

rsmiller510 wrote: post #52

This is outstanding reporting requesting and staying on the request for information, and it's a fascinating look at Jobs and the government process of vetting White House appointments in 1991. Note that they are still obsessed with the idea of anyone belonging to or contributing to the Communist Party and even checked if had relatives in foreign countries who might have been Communists (they couldn't find any). I als…

It seems so strange now, but remember, the Berlin wall only fell in November 1989. Even in 1991, the communist threat was still very much on people's minds.

Also, the people in charge of the FBI are old, and likely to have been the kind of people obsessing over this kind of stuff back in the day (during the cold war).

Re: The FBI's files on Steve Jobs

#66

Post by feralchimp » Thu, Feb 09, 2012, 4:20 PM UTC

johngalt wrote: post #4

From the background check interviews: " concluded the interview by stating that even though he does not consider Mr. Jobs to be a friend, he (Mr. Jobs) possesses the qualities to assume a high level political position. It was 's opinion that honesty and integrity are not required qualities to hold such a position."

I would pay money to have all these quotes attributed. Who went to college with Jobs?

Re: The FBI's files on Steve Jobs

#67

Post by yardie » Thu, Feb 09, 2012, 4:29 PM UTC

shimon_e wrote: post #45

samwillis wrote: post #19

"Has any of the following happened to you in the last 15 years? ... 5 - Left a job for other reasons under unfavorable circumstances Answered: Date: 09/85 Code: 5 Employer: Apple Computer"

Wasn't he fired?

No he was put in charge of the advanced research division. They basically stripped him of all managerial duties without firing him. When presented with his new position and title he was like, "F it, I'm outta here!"

Firing a company founder is probably the last thing any publicly traded would do. It's just not done. You'd have sympathetic stockholders rioting, the neutral ones now pissed at you, and every last member of the board fired as well.

Re: The FBI's files on Steve Jobs

#68

Post by swiecki » Thu, Feb 09, 2012, 4:30 PM UTC

Pg 43- "[REDACTED] commented that, although he does not consider Mr. Jobs to be a friend at this time, he considers Mr. Jobs to be a successful individual because he can delegate tasks to individuals."

I wonder who that woz?

Re: The FBI's files on Steve Jobs

#69

Post by Mvandenbergh » Thu, Feb 09, 2012, 4:32 PM UTC

smountcastle wrote: post #62

shimon_e wrote: post #46

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What is he entitled to?

I can't find a number from the SSA regarding how much a billionaire (or millionaire) would receive. But this report states that from 2004-2009 $9B was paid out to millionaires in social security benefits: http://www.coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?a=Files.Serve&... "In fact, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) found that in 2009, 38,217 individuals with an AGI of $1 million or more received more than $1.142 billi…

The cap is based on the maximum income that is subject to the payroll tax (up to $106,800). Income over that amount does not incur payroll tax and also doesn't contribute to payable social security benefits.

Re: The FBI's files on Steve Jobs

#70

Post by Mvandenbergh » Thu, Feb 09, 2012, 4:33 PM UTC

DarenThomas wrote: post #13

GreekOphion wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Those were all duplicates.

right. because, if they were deleted for other reasons like "being kept secret", it would have said so!

Yes, I've seen FOI'd files before with whole sections redacted for various reasons, including national security.