Just one more thing that's been allowed to get way out of hand in Washington - the decennial Census. I have no problem with the headcount. It's provided for in the Constitution - Article I, Section 2 - strictly as a way of deciding representation in the House of Representatives. It doesn't establish who is to do it or that it be the largest statistical survey in the country.
The Constitution does say that it is to be conducted "in such Manner as they shall by Law direct." Congress has placed the responsibility for the Census in the Department of Commerce (part of the Executive Branch) except that this yeat the President tried to give it to ACORN. No agenda there, right?
All we need is a headcount. Instead, we learn what people eat for breakfast, how many doctor vists they have per year, how many miles they drive to work, how many computers they have, and so much more that most of don't care about or can live without.
Even if this information was important, it generally takes over 2 years for the final reports to be issued - although some rough aggregates of data are available sooner.
The Census has been spending money like they won't get another chance for 10 yeras. They have hired thousands of seasonal workers and sponsored the Super Bowl, a NASCAR vehicle, primetime commercials, newspaper ads, and so much more. Gee, I guess the Census really is good for the economy - except that they are spending our money in the first place.
The ads all have a consistent them. Participate in the Census so your community can get it's fair share of the money. Wrong. Participate so we as a nation can determine how to allocate the 435 House of Representatives districts.
The Washington Post even goes so far as to give the Census superhuman powers. It says that the Census will determine how more than $500 billion - that's a half a trillion, folks - in federal funds get allocated and spent around the countryside. The Census does no such thing. People using the headcounts or allocation formulas in entitlement programs may do so, but the Census does not.
Nevertheless, it's just a headcount. That all, and that's all that is needed. There are plenty of private research firms in this country that can provide demographic studies for more sophistictaed data, so let's them do it.
While it's the law that we have to comply withe the Census - or face a $100 fine that they admit they do not intend to enforce - the headcount is all that is really needed by the Constitution.
If we had fewer entitlement programs, the Census would not need to spend all this money - and neither would Congress.
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Great post! I just heard this morning that they have mis budgeted for the census and millions of dollars was already wasted. Someone needs to be accountable for our hard earned money....
Good post! I especially enjoyed the letter telling me I was going to be getting something in the mail from the Census. That was a nice bonus for someone, probably not the size of some of the AIG bonuses but certainly money spent unwisely.
I'm sick of the money being wasted... I'm really feeling sick about it!
Thanks!
Tom Davis
If you think the letters sent telling you to watch for a letter was ridiculous, how about the handheld computers that Census workers were supposed to use during this decennial? They didn't work...the sheer amount of waste that goes on under the Dept. of Commerce's nose is mind-boggling. While our US Post Office is bleeding revenue, Census workers Fed Ex paperwork back and forth from headquarters to field workers on a daily basis. There has got to be a better way to get that headcount!
Congratulations this post is now featured in the Silent Majority Group of Active Rain.
Steve,
By the way, ACORN closed its offices in Maryland. And, no, they did not just change their name.
I don't know who will help with the counting now!
I got my Census today! Filling out race, I am putting down "American."
I am torn between following the law or limiting myself to the Constitution and just giving them the data they actually need...
I think I will wait until they send someone out to the house, I feel a little lonely sometimes. :)
Lane - I gave them the data they actually need. That is all. The rest is entitlement mentality.
Our local AM radio is asking why they need our nationality in these times? Last time, they tried to strong-arm me into allowing them entry into a secure building....NOT!!!
Jay,
That works. :)
Steve
Lori,
The first rule of government is spend every cent in your budget and then ask for more. :)
Steve
Walter,
Yes that was a nice little expenditure for someone. :)
Steve
Tom,
We all feel terrible about it, but it won't stop under the current system. :)
Steve
Amy,
The Census was included in the Constitution just to determine fair representation in the House of Representative. It's grown enormously since then. :)
Steve
Nicholas,
Thanks for the feature. The more knowledge we have, the more power we retain. :)
Steve
Ron,
I'm sure we can get by. :)
Steve
Lane,
That is a tough call. I expect that there are a lot of people wrestling with the same question. :)
Steve
Larry,
Going that route, eventually you will not be counted at all. :)
Steve
Jay,
Nice touch. :)
Steve
Wallace,
It's all tied to the entitlement programs. :)
Steve