Census Reports Less Political Backlash Than Expected

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I'm very glad to hear of such a strong turn out. True, I wish it had been better, but I'm glad to hear that the census is going better than expected. I hope that the census takers who are deploying to complete the count find their work, for the most part, easy.
To anyone who scoffs at the idea of a census, I must remind you that your roll is not passive. If you do not step forward and be counted, you are not fulfilling one of the most basic and thanks to the new shorter form, least complicated parts of being a citizen. In order for a count of the magnitude of the census, it is each citizen's responsibility to submit their information.
Anyone who suggests that the census takers who must canvas neighborhoods trying to find the uncounted should be ignored, or that their jobs should purposely be made difficult are among my most hated types of people. That anyone should go out of their way to make anyone else's job more difficult is frankly disgusting.
Is it really so terrible to give some basic statistical data to a Constitutionally mandated Enumeration? (Article 1, Section 2, Clause 3 if you're looking for it.) As Americans, our first loyalty is to the document written in Philadelphia during a hot, horrible summer and ratified in 1788. We are all responsible for making sure our government works the way it was intended - with the full participation of the public.

Michelle of NJ 1:09AM May 03, 2010

I filled mine out as "Other: American", not euro-american, etc. Allthose xxx-americans need to go back to xxx country. We are Americans.

American Joe of OH 1:20PM May 01, 2010

We need to know how many people are in each state so that we are properly represented at the white house. But those that do not vote puts our representation in the favor of big business and corporations. We stay quiet while corporations pay off politicians who never intended to take a payoffs but get little or no response from the regular people he/she serves So a politician serves those that speaks there mind.
in a day of crowded and deficient meeting halls compared to population We need think tanks started by regular people, As many as possible starting at convenient times so everybody who wants can attend,
Each group should choose representatives that can attend city counsel meetings in your stead so there is somebody that can bring back the minutes and notes for all to see and the groups can discuss and everybody is better informed.
Not only are you better informed but you get to know your neighbours better and possibly solve other neighbourhood problems. If there are many groups you can choose to meet with them every three to six months to compare achievements and to discuss other goals. Competition does not belong in politics nevertheless a good debate is always good for the purpose of learning new ways and what our goals should be. We should not be stuck in the past neither should we jump into the future unprepared.
In 1979, Jimmy Carter, in a forward-looking move, installed solar panels on the roof of the White House. This symbolic installation was taken down in 1986 during the Reagan presidency. Why?
As Albert Einstein said: “We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them
I am still working on my own problems with what Albert Einstein said in the quote Above, How about you?
Don D. Brock

Don D. Brock of AZ 10:54AM May 01, 2010

I know, I can be frustrating. I almost feel sorry for my local census taker; but at least she's getting paid and the weather's been nice.
My job doesn't depend on the Census. Count me or don't; I still get up and go to work each day, still pay my taxes and all I demand in return is to be left alone.
"But the Census determines how many representatives your state gets!" So? I haven't voted for 12 years. The government doesn't represent me anyway, so why should I care how many thieves are in the den?
"But the Census helps plan how many beds for hospitals and such!" Central planning isn't something I'm interested in supporting. Civic planning should be a local affair, in my opinion. If they use Census data, that is their choice - but they don't have to.
"But it's your Constitutional duty!" Really? After reading the Constitution, I see that the Census is required - not my participation. Count me or don't. My role is passive - being counted. I'll make no special effort for it as the onus is on those conducting the Census.
"It's your patriotic duty!" I'm not a patriot. I can respect the passion of those that are, though I believe they are misguided into supporting a corrupt regime that undermines the very principles about which they are so patriotic.
"You can do JAIL time if you don't!" I don't think they've ever prosecuted someone for not participating, and if I were actually enough of a burr under their saddle that they did, I'd consider it an honor. All the more reason they wouldn't. Besides, there'd be some amusing stories: "I'm in for murder. What are you in for?" "Eh, didn't take the Census."

Rich of CO 12:04AM May 01, 2010

I'm a census taker and Let me tell you this... DO you even have a clue as to how frustrating, hard, time-consuming it is to visit the same house 6 TIMES yes we have to visit 6 times until we call you a loss. You may want to open that door because your job depends on it.

Cm of FL 9:51PM April 30, 2010

"Going forward, each census taker's visit costs almost $60, so opening doors on the first visit will help hold down the final census cost."
Another way of looking at it, is that by NOT mailing in census forms, you're helping to provide temporary employment for another American.
Failing to mail in your form could be interpreted as a patriotic thing to do.
I mean really, Congress has just spent trillions - what's another $60?

Rich of CO 5:37PM April 30, 2010