Posted on 03/19/2010 4:12:47 AM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
In the age of identity theft, privacy concerns and increasing public distrust of big government, the 2010 census has an image problem.
Never mind the U.S. Census Bureau's cool new Nascar sponsorship, or its friendly videos, multiple public service announcements, hot lines in six languages, traveling "Portrait of America" road tour, "director's blog," comic books and celebrity endorsements. Many Americans are still wary about that 10-question form waiting on the dining room table.
A Zogby International survey found this week, for instance, that half the respondents were not "confident" that their personal data they provide on the census would be kept confidential. Almost as many - 47 percent - were not convinced that public funds eventually stemming from the national population tally would ever benefit their community.
The poll revealed that most Americans - 87 percent - will dutifully send back their census form, though there was a partisan divide: 95 percent of Democrats will comply, compared with 80 percent of Republicans. But 14 percent also refuse to participate.
"The one-in-seven who are unsure or will not complete the census is very troubling," pollster John Zogby said, noting that privacy worries dominated the list of this group's concerns.
Likewise, a Pew Research Center poll this week revealed that 29 percent of the respondents were not confident their privacy would be protected by the Census Bureau; the figure rose to about a third among Republicans. A Rasmussen Reports survey uncovered real public skepticism: Only 25 percent of Americans overall think the final census count will accurately reflect the nation. The number rose to 55 percent among Republicans.
Along with delivering an earnest video message about civic obligation and the historic implications of the census from James Madison's colonial homestead Montpelier, Census Director Robert Groves tried to reassure the skittish.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
The gov’t get all this personal info (including Obamacare)
but will not release Pres_ _ent Obama’s (nonexistent) BC.
I'm not worried about the government giving away or selling my data, I'm worried about the government having it.
I sent mine back yesterday with the number of people living in my house and that's it. They don't need to know anybody's race or if we own the home outright or have a loan or claim some hispanic blood or anything else.
They only want the information so they can play play Social Engineering Stratego with us and I refuse to willingly participate.
No one trusts a two-bit tin pot.
We should all simply agree with the CommiecRATs that the released COLB forgery, is a true bc. It shows Dad to be Barack Hussein Obama, therefor Junior is NOT a Natural Born Citizen and is the Resident, not the President
got mine today. Looks like I got the short version. Seems innocent enough, I suppose.
LLS
True. My medical records got collected for stimulus, the IRS certainly knows all. Ethnicity ... American. And since they didn't ask citizen, legal resident, or illegal alien, the count is worthless for representation purposes.
They get a headcount from me.
“The one-in-seven who are unsure or will not complete the census is very troubling,” pollster John Zogby said, noting that privacy worries dominated the list of this group’s concerns.
What the heck is he expressing an opinion for? He is supposed to be an unbiased observer collecting information.
I am more incensed that we are encouraging illegal immigrants to “be counted”. How disgusting that representation numbers will be skewed by counting people who should not be here [but who admittedly drain the public coffers...also illegally].
More disturbing is that areas with extensive illegal immigrants will get increased congressional representation. In terms of determing congressional representation, actual US citizens have absolutely no more weight than illegals.
The Constitution writers apparently didn’t address that issue, probably thinking the Federal government was actually going to follow through with its duty to protect the states from invasion.
It probably does trouble... the Bummer.
The Gov’t has covered itself with so much s^%$ that Americans no longer respect or trust it
I must be the odd man out on this forum. I recieved my census form. It consisted of about 10 questions. I found none of them intrusive. All the information asked is already in someone’s files somewhere. Over the years I have filled out hundreds if not thousands of forms. Job applications, loan applications, school applications and medical records for that information to be available. The county knows if I own or rent my home. So what great secret am I suppose to hide from the government?
The census is mandated by the Consitution. Compared to census questions of the past this form is quite innocent.
Right on. At the very top it says that the census is to count every person in the united states. Then it goes on asking about race etc. It’s clearly illegal.
The only thing you have to do is input the names of the people that are living in that household. I’m not sure about the age and sex of each.
Exactly.
A census dude came to my home yesterday to hand delivered my "Resident" census form. I wouldn't take it so he humg it on the door knob. Told him four times that he was trespassing (I have signs all over) and he said he had the right to be on my property. I asked why was he delivering it since I thought it was to come in the mail. He said that the mailing addresses were messed up in the county I live in (Central NY - Gillibrand district) so that's why they're doing footwork.
I did get a kick watching him climb over a 100% fenced in property where no one lives and no one has lived there over 25 years. What a dedicated Acorn he is. LOL
I have stated my position. I am not going to argue with those of you that for whatever reason have decided to resist the census. More power to you, I think you are being foolish, but if you want this to be your battle go for it. Nothing I can say will convince you otherwise.
Who’s arguing? I stated my position and you did yours. Can we share a beer now?
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.