DescentBB

http://www.census.gov/acs/www/SBasics/index.htm

See also http://www.checkpointusa.org/Census/Census.htm

I got one in the mail -- massive amount of very personal questions that I'm supposed to answer under the threat of a fine up to $5000. Somehow that doesn't feel right, anyone here w/ experiences how to not answer to that thing ?

Sad. Very sad. Can you imagine what Ben Franklin or Thomas Jefferson would have said?

Kilarin wrote:Can you imagine what Ben Franklin or Thomas Jefferson would have said?

"Sociology? what's that?"

Demographic information such as this is critical in forming policies and seeing their results.

DC, this information based on zipcode is sufficient. Where I was born has NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. For one...

I like the fact that you have no choice...whatever happened to this country? They have no right to ask any of those questions...it's nobody's business what I do when and if I do it.

Zuruch wrote:They have no right to ask any of those questions.

I'm actually ok with them asking. I'm opposed to the idea that if you don't answer, it's a crime.

Looks like the constitution may help me here -- according to Article I, Section 2, Clause 3 the gov. can only ask for the number of persons living in a household..

I'm ok with some of the questions. I'm also OK with listing number of people in the house, not who they are. If I were to get this survey, I would not disclose anything identifiable other than zip code. Otherwise, ask away. Being able to see trends based on area is very handy, but there's NO reason for intimate details if they also want your name.

Hmmm . . . now this may add some wieght to this post:

America- Freedom to Fascism.

Is it just me, or is the Ethics and Commentary forum becoming more and more about discussions about America does wrong?

TIGERassault wrote:Is it just me, or is the Ethics and Commentary forum becoming more and more about discussions about America does wrong?

Two reasons. Good news is boring and people whine if we point out all the ways america is better than the rest of the planet

Third reason: when you live in the greatest country on earth, it upsets you when you see it going in the wrong directions.

The good thing is the US is DESIGNED to correct itself. All it takes is enough of us complaining about the loss of our freedoms, and backing up those complaints with votes.

The bad news is, most people don't seem to see these changes as a problem.

Will Robinson wrote:Two reasons. Good news is boring.........

I think therin lies one of the biggest problems with our species, and will ultimatly be it's undoing.

Kilarin wrote:The good thing is the US is DESIGNED to correct itself. All it takes is enough of us complaining about the loss of our freedoms, and backing up those complaints with votes.

The bad news is, most people don't seem to see these changes as a problem.

Somewhat. I think the biggest problem is laziness. There are likely a large number of people upset about any number of things, but they lack the initiative to really do something about it. Many don't know what to do, myself included. I often joke that the only way to keep the massive bureaucracy from ruling the States with an iron fist is by forming a large militia and waging war on them. Just think, if enough people cared, we could be laying siege to the IRS headquarters!

And when it comes to elections, people are afraid to vote for who they really want in primaries, and for the party they support in major elections. Let's just say, despite the issues I have with them, I would much rather have a Libertarian for president than a Democrat.

Firewheel wrote:I think the biggest problem is laziness. There are likely a large number of people upset about any number of things, but they lack the initiative to really do something about it. Many don't know what to do, myself included. I often joke that the only way to keep the massive bureaucracy from ruling the States with an iron fist is by forming a large militia and waging war on them. Just think, if enough people cared, we could be laying siege to the IRS headquarters!

I'd imagine people would be more likely to simply change country than to spend so much money on trying to get a new government.

The problem is that a good percentage of the U.S. uses next to zero of their brain capacity when it comes to political elections. We want to be able to complain about the leaders, but don't even try to be responsible when it comes to elections.