Harassed by the U.S. Census: A Friend Tells Her Frightening Story

DebbiesSchlussel.com ^ | 8MAR2010 | Debbie Schlussel

[Jack Hydrazine]

Last summer, my friend was selected for the 'pilot program' for the U.S. Census and tells me the frightening story of how U.S. Census workers repeatedly harassed her because she refused to fill out the ten-page questionnaire (which asked detailed, intrusive questions about her insurance, her kids' schooling, how it was paid for and how they were transported there, etc.). Because she refused to fill out the form, a census worker visited her home over ten times, trying to threaten her into filling out the form. The census worker even put a copy of 'the law' in her mailbox, with something about being prosecuted highlighted. The census worker told my friend that her participation was necessary to determine government social services, to which my friend replied that she doesn't depend on the government and that they should pry into the lives of those who take welfare checks.

My friend, a teacher, wondered how a tiny requirement in the U.S. Constitution, requiring a count of American residents, resulted in Big Brother government suddenly demanding detailed personal information about her family. My friend repeatedly told the census worker, "We have four people in our household. That's all I'm required to tell you, and that's all you need to know." Unfortunately, shortly after that, my friend and her husband were audited by the IRS over an alleged discrepancy of $150. Here's more from my friend:

[Eleven Bravo 6 319thID]

I think there is a possible fine of $100 if you do not provide information. If you provide false information, the fine goes up to maybe $500.

[beethovenfan]

“What is Person One’s name?” best answer: Person One

[muawiyah]

Hey, DA, some of my ancestors had as many as 23 people in their immediate nuclear families ~ all present at one house.

They had no trouble answering those questions ~ I've even seen the original copies.

(BTW, if you're an Harrison-Adams descendant, that's who I'm talking about ~ Although the Presidents weren't all that prolific, John Adams' daughter and Harrison's son definitely FOUNDED as much as they could). Many of their children FOUNDED even more Founding!

[big tent]

That is almost as horrible as what they had to put up with in Cambodia, what with the death squads, the mass murder, the enslavement, the killing fields.

Sounds like it was harrowing and terrible, I hope they got through it all.

[Daffynition]

The census workers are welcome here in Maine....the red carpet is out. ;)

[Dudoight]

I had a black telephone repairman tell me when they asked his race on anything he always put ‘Human’.

[TheBattman]

They must be thinking about a house where 30 illegal aliens are hiding — I am sure they will be filling out the census form. (/sarc)

No sarcasm tag necessary -

Here in North Little Rock, Arkansas, there are colorful signs on many street corners in SPANISH encouraging everyone to participate in the Census...

[TheBattman]

What authority does the government have to do anything more than a head count? I haven’t seen such in the Constitution. But that is just a “living document” that can be “moulded” to fit the circumstances (aka - agenda) of the current administration.

All the government “needs” to know - how many people live here? Period. Anything more is a violation of privacy.

[blam]

"When the ask about race...check “other” and write in American"

I'm going to enter my DNA haplogroup; yDNA = R1b and mtDNA = 'V'.

[Drango]

I just send ‘em my whole genome and let ‘em figure it out.

[ChrisInAR]

Ms. Schlussel & Mr. Day are talking like one of those whacked-out Ron Paul supporters now. They know good & well that you have nothing to fear about the census unless you have something to hide.

What are you trying to hide, Jerry? < / sarc >

[SmartInsight]

Best thing is to mail back the census form, ASAP after you got it. I read that if they receive it, you will not be contacted by census workers, so if anyone comes to your door, claiming to be one, you can be sure they are fakes, don’t open the door, don’t talk to them.

There are many burgleries, where they come to your door, and push their way in, once you open it. This is a great opportunity for such criminals. If you get a real census worker, ask them to leave the form and go away, don’t open the door, because you just can’t be sure.

[Northern Yankee]

That was hilarious!

Nice start to the day.

[lysie]

LOL

Good morning.

[TADSLOS]

LOL!

[dearolddad]

When the ask about race...check “other” and write in American

I filled mine out as: Native American (I was borne in the USA)

[EdReform]

Constitutional Topic: The Census

THE 2010 CENSUS - How much information are you really required to give?

The Census has grown beyond it's bounds.

The Census Is Getting Personal (YouTube)

[The Bat Lady]

I plan to say how many and for the future geneologist I probably will give name, gender how many. BUT before I will talk to anyone I plan to ask them to fill out this info on them:

http://freedomlaw.com/PSQuestn.html

This is 2 pages about of their info, if they make it thru my questions (and show ID to prove it) then I will tell them two people live here. I doubt many would come back for the invasion of their privacy.

I will try to remember to record this and have my Constitution handy too.

[Jack Hydrazine]

Thanks for the info. Great stuff to have on hand when they show up.

[housemouse 1]

They are handing envelope packets to you with your address on it( no name) and asking you to fill it out and mail it in by april 1st. (Aprils fools / not) This nice senior came to my came to door this morinng, well i thank her, but they will only get , how many live here and there ages and thats it, if they get that.