Are you serious? You think they'd knock on someone's door and start asking questions? And why would people even agree to talk to them? Especially relatives and friends.

...yes. that's exactly what they do.

Strange. Unless forced I would not discuss my friends / relatives with some weirdos. Not in my job description.

Ok, it sounds like you're not working a job relevant to national security?

Google/etc doesn't care who you are as long as you can make them profits - bad person, good person, etc. I'm glad to see that at least the government takes seriously the matter of who influences the system with so much power.

>"Ok, it sounds like you're not working a job relevant to national security?"

Nope. Never wanted to work in such areas. Prefer normal life.

>"...who influences the system with so much power."

You mean someone who uses private email server, keeps classified docs in wrong places (how is it even possible), says that it is all Russia's fault that Trump wins etc. etc. Yeah I feel so much safer.

You mean a system that has: - Executed US citizens, including children, without a trial - Operates and/or assists the operation of torture facilities in multiple countries and - Conducts mass surveillance without a warrant. Yes, it’s definitely a system that is picking effective people who will help further the goals of those in power without doubts.

In this case it wouldn't be 'some weirdos', it'd probably be US federal employees.

You'd be within your legal rights to turn them away, of course, but I also feel that it's easier to imagine doing that when one doesn't have three armed suits standing on the porch. I think the vast, vast majority of Americans would prefer just answering a couple questions about their neighbour as opposed to willingly putting themselves on the radar.

I'm not sure how much you've dealt with the feds, but in my experience they're not the kind of folks that like hearing "go away, I refuse to answer your questions."

>"I'm not sure how much you've dealt with the feds, but in my experience they're not the kind of folks that like hearing "go away, I refuse to answer your questions."

So you are telling that one can be harassed / threatened for unwillingness to discuss their friend's / relative's? Very nice. How about "we are a nation of laws"?

I was a reference for a friend in college that applied to intern at the CIA. I had someone in my dorm room asking me questions and there questions related to drug use.

My friend barely drank alcohol and never used illegal drugs, but the interviewer pressed a few times even saying things like “come on, not even once? everyone does in college”

As for why I agreed to talk? He wanted the position, so I was glad to help if I could.

In some cases yes, although depending on the clearance they might be ok with phone calls. In general relatives and friends are going to try and help their relative/friend get the job.

>"In general relatives and friends are going to try and help their relative/friend get the job."

If friend / relative warned / asked for it then sure.