Well, tomorrow is the big day - Census Day, 2010 - April 1, 2010. No fooling!
I know the Census Bureau has spent an obscene amount of money promoting this, including a multi-million dollar Super Bowl ad, several prime-time ads (often several in the same time slot), sponsorshop of a NASCAR Sprint Cup car, mailing, banners, posters, and who knows what else?
I know one thing though. Anyone who has sent in their form already - as they have been requested to do - has violated the spirit of the Census, if not the law.
The first question clearly - and boldly states: "How many peiople were living or staying in this house, apartment, or mobile home on April 1, 2010?" You see, that can't be answered in advance. You may have a good idea, but nothing in life is guaranteed or predictable.
So all of you who answered in advance need to call or write or visit your local Census office and ask for your copy back so you can then truthfully submit it. This should go over well with the bureaucrats or seasonal hourly workers. If they ask for an explanation, tell them that you think you read the instructions wrong and may not have provided accurrate information.
We all know that too much is riding on this headcount. The Constitution only demands a Census for apportioning the seats in the House of Representatives and for taxation. However, over the years, Congress has overstepped its authority - as has the Commerce Department and the Administration - in tying the headcount to all types of entitlement and revenue sharing programs as well as making the Census the epitome of statistical demographic surveys.
Nevertheless, the first question is the only one that Constitutionally needs to be answered. All of the others are qualifiers of the first one. I'm not suggesting you omit them, just stating what I observe.
Rest up, my fellow Americans. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.
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© Steve Hoffacker, 2010. All Rights Reserved.
Thanks for the reminder. good post today.
Steve, I hope God treats the Government the same way he did King David when he called for a census of the Israelites. I gave it to my wife to do with it what she pleases...I for one won't be taking part.
Steve,
All I can think of is that these are the same people who will eventually be running health care in this country. I shudder to think.
Rich
Congratulations this post is now featured in the Silent Majority Group of Active Rain.
Steve.. I took a chance and guess what? I broke the law. I sent it in early. Guess what.. it is still the same number living in my house as it was last week.
I completed the form and it was no big deal to me. If they really wanted to know if I was white or black then I'm sure the CIA could figure that out also.
If the Govy really wanted more info on us, they already have it. The form had very few questions and I'm glad some Census worker will NOT be knocking on my door, so are my dogs :)
Patricia,
Thanks. :)
Steve
Craig,
I had a similar thought although the basic headcount is Constitutional. :)
Steve
Rich,
It's going to be an "us" versus "them." :)
Steve
Nick,
Thank you for the feature. Appreciate it. :)
Steve
Valerie,
You lucked out. Just the way they administered this. :)
Steve
Melissa,
I'm sure your participation is appreciated. :)
Steve
Steve- I have been randomly selected to participate in a follow up census questionnaire.
Will keep you updated. I received a letter urging me to provide more info when the follow up census paperwork arrives.
Steve,
I told my Mom, when she filled out the census, that she should wait until April 1 before mailing it.
She pointed out that they stressed that it be sent back immediately.
It is true that her information did not change, but she and anybody else who sent the form in prior to April 1 was not telling the truth, because nobody can predict the future.
This is what you get, when people with limited brain capacity, who also have an ulterior motive, try to develop a basic form for a basic procedure.
Melissa,
Ask for a check for your participation. :)
Steve
Ron,
I heard a commercial today that said it wasn't too late to send it back. Too late? Today is just the 5th. :)
Steve
Steve- That is funny, instead of a check I'll be sure to inform folks about the latest quiz.