Posted on 05/25/2010 11:02:41 AM PDT by X180A
I had a message on my answering machine asking that I call the Census Bureau and referencing a case number. When I called a machine answered and stated something to the effect that calls may be recorded for quality assurance purposes. Then an agent came on the line, asked for the reference number, and told me that they had some questions they wanted to ask me.
I told the lady on the line that, "I am happy to provide information but I do not consent to being recorded". She explained that recording was only for their internal quality assurance use. I said that I understood but that I still did not want to be recorded. She said that since she could not turn the recording feature off, that she was going to have to mark my file to indicate that I had refused to be interviewed.
Well, it went on from there. I explained that I was willing to submit to interview, that I would gladly clarify any information I had sent the Census Bureau, and that I would answer additional questions and provide whatever information she needed, BUT I would not consent to being recorded. She said she had to speak to a supervisor and then returned to the line to say there was no way to turn off recording and she would be forced to mark the the file reflecting that I was refusing to answer questions.
I asked to speak to the supervisor. A very nice lady came on and identified herself as a supervisor. Our conversation was similar to the one I had with the first lady. I made it clear again and again that I was willing to provide any information needed. She went on saying that they could not turn the machine off and that my file would be marked to indicate my refusal to be interviewed. I said that refusal to provide information is a crime and for her to note that I was refusing, when I was not, was perjurous and constituted false reporting. Then I pointed out that since I had already indicated I did not want to be recorded, if the recorder was still running they were violating federal law by continuing to record the very conversation we were having. She said she was going to get her supervisor.
A very polite gentleman came on the line and we resumed the discussion. He explained how they use the recordings for employee training and critique and how important it is to them. I explained that I was unwilling to be recorded, not because of some sinister reason, but because it is a matter of principle with me. He pointed out that they use a welcome greeting that informs callers that conversations may be recorded. I pointed out that such a message is required by federal law so that the caller has the option of consenting or not consenting to being recorded. He said that he had no mechanism by which to stop the recording. I reiterated several times that I was perfectly willing to provide answers and submit to interview and to mark the file otherwise was not accurate. I also mentioned that there were probably a lot of other people like me that did not want to be recorded but felt they had no choice. He said he would note the entire situation in the file and that he would inform his superiors to see what could be done.
and on your permanent record!
Catch X180A.
Tell them to send you the questions by email.
How do they interview a deaf or mute person?
Ask for that method.
You provide evidence of proper response to an illrgal government tactic.
You are now a public servant diseminating information for the common good.
2 questions:
Why’d you provide your phone # in your initial response?
Why’d you return the phone call?
since they can’t turn it off, they have the recording of your conversation as proof. all you have to do is try and get it.
good luck with that.
I hope he wasn’t already on double secret probation!
what state was this in?
Why did you call back?
I haven’t picked up my phone since the mid-80s
You know that the party at the other end of the line was the US Census how? I wouldn’t have even called them back. If they want to know let them come out in person w/ the proper credentials. Even then...
Tell me you didn’t give them your SS# or bank account information???
Sounds like a scam to me.
Well, if it came down to it any judge worth his salt would order them to produce said tape and you would prove you were not refusing.
But I doubt it would ever come to that.
Ask them if it is OK for you to record them.
Please help me re the census — a census worker came to my home yesterday and I noticed she was filling it out IN PENCIL !!
I protested and asked her to use ink. She said that the machine can read only the lead in the pencil. I replied that it was ridiculous and dangerous to fill out an official form in pencil because then anyone could erase and change the answers. She ssid she worked for the federal gov’t and that this was the way it was.
I told her that I didn’t care and to go away and come back with a pen.
Is this nuts, or what?
Good questions. I threw away my census form and refused to answer the door when the ACORN thugs came by.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.