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:

[BlackFemaleConservative]

Thanks for sharing this story. This Administration is clearly out of control. I believe the Census is supposed to be non-partisan, but I have gotten to the point that I do not trust this Admistration at all.

Best regards,

BFC