Vanity - American Community Survey

[rock_lobsta]

I just got the American Community Survey in the mail earlier this week. I was curious if any FReepers have actually filled this out or had any related dealings with the Census people.

Personally, it reads as a huge invasion of privacy, and I'm leaning towards not filling it out. Other than my Constitutional requirement to participate in the Census every 10 years, I don't feel any obligation to disclose anything further.

So, any help from my FRiends out there would be much appreciated.

[buccaneer81]

American Community Survey: Must I respond?

Question

Do I have to respond to the American Community Survey / Puerto Rico Community Survey?

Answer

Yes. Respondents are required to answer all questions on the American Community Survey (ACS) to the best of their ability. Response to this and other Census surveys is required by law (Section 221 of Title 13, Chapter 7, United States Code). This chapter also contains information regarding offenses and possible penalties. According to Section 221, persons who do not respond shall be fined not more than $100. Title 18 U.S.C. Section 3571 and Section 3559, in effect amends Title 13 U.S.C. Section 221 by changing the fine for anyone over 18 years old who refuses or willfully neglects to complete the questionnaire or answer questions posed by census takers from a fine of not more than $100 to not more than $5,000. More information.

Your answers are very important because they represent the answers of many other similar households in your community. The data that you and others provide in response to this survey are required to manage or evaluate federal and state government programs. If you submit an incomplete form or provide data that are unclear, we may contact you by phone or in person to obtain or clarify the missing information.

The ACS is part of the Decennial Census Program. It is a survey that is sent to a small percentage of our population on a rotating basis. These data previously were collected only in census years in conjunction with the decennial census. Since the ACS is conducted every year, rather than once every ten years, it will provide more current data throughout the decade. The Census Bureau may use the information it collects only for statistical purposes. Title 13 requires the Census Bureau to keep all information about you, and all other respondents, strictly confidential. Any Census Bureau employee who violates these provisions is subject to a fine up to $250,000, a prison sentence up to five years, or both.

I would still throw it away. They want to come and get me, let them try.

[Dr. Sivana]

I received one a couple of years ago.

It was addressed “occupant” or some such, so I knew they would have a hard time proving whowas “supposed” to have filled it out.

After I set it aside, I received more notices in the mail (no phone numbers, unlisted). FInally, a lady came to the door. I answered. She told me who she was and started asking questions. At that point I started saying “I have nothing to say to you I have nothing to say to you I have nothing to say to you I have nothing to say to you I have nothing to say to you I have nothing to say to you Ihavenothingtosaytoyou Ihavenothingtosaytoyou IhavenothingtosaytoyouIhavenothingtosaytoyouIhavenothingtosaytoyouIhavenothingtosaytoyouIhavenothingtosaytoyou...”
Since I can go a VERY long time without taking a breath, but must’ve come across as slightly unhinged without actually doing anything that can be called threatening, she left. She came back another time, when I wasn’t home. My gentle wife simply stated, “I think you have the wrong person.” That was just as effective. They never came back. I got some nicely written letters, and an offer to work for them.

My understanding is that they won’t charge you (not worth their bother) unless you are a landlord denying access to the complex (gated community, etc.)

[Til I am the last man standing]

I got one and asked for advice from my fellow freepers. Here is the link to the posts:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2286506/posts

[Slings and Arrows]