2010 Census

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by Marc Vaughan

Not being pedantic - but why don't the goverment just fine anyone not returning it promptly say $70 .... it'd increase the return ratio instantly and cover any costs involved for those who don't.

I think the fine is 5K, but, it is hardly, if ever, enforced.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Marc Vaughan

Not being pedantic - but why don't the goverment just fine anyone not returning it promptly say $70 .... it'd increase the return ratio instantly and cover any costs involved for those who don't.

you think people bitch now...

[Marc Vaughan]

Originally Posted by Lathum

you think people bitch now...

If they advertised it as covering the costs of the census and emphasied its in the institution then I think in the main people wouldn't moan that much - after all they'd only pay it if they were lazy ... and tbh if they had to pay they've only got themselves to blame.

(and sorry but if you moan in those circumstances maybe it'd be part of a path towards actually taking responsibility for your actions (or inaction in this case) - bah humbug )

[gstelmack]

Maybe because they use the US Postal Service to send these, which means a bunch are likely to go undelivered, so they have to send TWO notices to help ensure people get at least one?

I saw a stat recently that "in the old days" there was one census taker per 2500-some-odd people, while today with all our technology and improved communications there is one census taker per 650-some-odd.

[sterlingice]

Maybe back in the old days the census takers were lazier.

Then:
"My farm needs tending to." {gestures towards a pile of census forms}
"Lancaster, what does that look like? Maybe 2500 people."

Now, they're just better at guestimating
{points to pile of census forms on a desk} "Hey, Jerry, that's about 600 people, right?"

SI

[NewIdentity]

I just don't like the idea of this being a public record for everyone to see. I have never understood why they need to know my full name, or my exact date of birth? I don't have a problem with any of the other questions; it is just these 2 questions I don't like. I wouldn't mind an age question if you could give it in years. I do not believe the government is taking into account the Identity Theft problem we currently have

That is if the Census commercial is accurate where the women is able to look up her grand fathers census information about him being the town's only doctor.

Everyone needs to be on the lookout for fake Census emails, phone calls, and door knockers this year.

[digamma]

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

[Lathum]

I agree people need to be on the lookout for fake census takers, etc... but if you don't think your DOB and full name already aren't in about 100 places that someone with nefarious intentions could easily access them you are fooling yourself. Medical records, credit card applications, a number of utility bills, facebook, school records, selective service registration, etc...

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Maybe because they use the US Postal Service to send these, which means a bunch are likely to go undelivered, so they have to send TWO notices to help ensure people get at least one?

I saw a stat recently that "in the old days" there was one census taker per 2500-some-odd people, while today with all our technology and improved communications there is one census taker per 650-some-odd.

That in some degree due to the unwillingness to allow statistical sampling. When a greater use of sampling was suggested the GOP threw a fit because it would almost certainly result in greater numbers for traditionally Democratic constituencies.

[chesapeake]

Originally Posted by Dodgerchick

We haven't gotten ours but one thing I have an issue with is choosing race. Our kids are half black, half mexican and I've yet to see a form that has a biracial choice.

I have the form in front of me. You can mark multiple boxes to address your situation.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by JPhillips

That in some degree due to the unwillingness to allow statistical sampling. When a greater use of sampling was suggested the GOP threw a fit because it would almost certainly result in greater numbers for traditionally Democratic constituencies.

Exactly how much was sampling used during the first census?

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by NewIdentity

I just don't like the idea of this being a public record for everyone to see. I have never understood why they need to know my full name, or my exact date of birth? I don't have a problem with any of the other questions; it is just these 2 questions I don't like. I wouldn't mind an age question if you could give it in years. I do not believe the government is taking into account the Identity Theft problem we currently have

That is if the Census commercial is accurate where the women is able to look up her grand fathers census information about him being the town's only doctor.

Everyone needs to be on the lookout for fake Census emails, phone calls, and door knockers this year.

The information is NOT made public until at least 70 years after the census was taken. Currently, the most recent census you can look up is the 1930 census. The 1940 census is not available yet, the last time I checked.

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Exactly how much was sampling used during the first census?

Good question, but, here's what was asked on the 1790 census:

1. Name of head of family
2. Number of free white males 16 and up, including heads of families
3. Number of free white males under 16
4. Number of free white females including heads of families
5. Number of all other free persons, except Indians not taxed
6. Number of slaves

[path12]

Originally Posted by KWhit

Just answer the questions for fuck sake.

Originally Posted by AENeuman

What's hipper: being anti-census or anti-plate tectonics?

My two favorite quotes from this thread.

[chesapeake]

Originally Posted by JediKooter

The information is NOT made public until at least 70 years after the census was taken. Currently, the most recent census you can look up is the 1930 census. The 1940 census is not available yet, the last time I checked.

The 1940 Census becomes available for public review in 2012. The Census privacy law covers 72 years.

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Exactly how much was sampling used during the first census?

Exactly how accurate was it?

[JediKooter]

Originally Posted by chesapeake

The 1940 Census becomes available for public review in 2012. The Census privacy law covers 72 years.

Ah, 72 years, even longer then. I'm willing to bet most of us will be dead by the time our phone numbers from 2010 become publicly available via the census in 2082.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Maybe because they use the US Postal Service to send these, which means a bunch are likely to go undelivered, so they have to send TWO notices to help ensure people get at least one?

[rolls eyes]

What do you suggest, carrier pigeon? Because you damned sure couldn't use FedEx or UPS since there are addresses that they won't/can't deliver to and they certainly wouldn't do it at the minimal rates of the postal service.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

[rolls eyes]

What do you suggest, carrier pigeon? Because you damned sure couldn't use FedEx or UPS since there are addresses that they won't/can't deliver to and they certainly wouldn't do it at the minimal rates of the postal service.

The point is more that there is not a reliable delivery mechanism, so you can't fine folks for not getting something when it was out of their control.

[Dodgerchick]

Originally Posted by chesapeake

I have the form in front of me. You can mark multiple boxes to address your situation.

Ahh cool, thanks.

Originally Posted by Dark Cloud

It's different. For government forms, they count the races twice. So your kids get counted twice. For school stuff? Most school districts have their own methodology, but historically, the one-drop rule is employed. It was reported in years past that some schools would just eyeball the kids and pick a race for them, for especially "cute" parents that like to check other or create their own boxes or check more than one. It might be better now, but...I doubt it, given that most of the systems they use don't have space for "others" and make you pick one and only one.

Yup, that's what happened with our oldest. I'm pretty sure she was marked as one race when I put her down for 2. Would be interesting to inquire about it with their school principal.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Marc Vaughan

Not being pedantic - but why don't the goverment just fine anyone not returning it promptly say $70 .... it'd increase the return ratio instantly and cover any costs involved for those who don't.

I'm not a fan of fines. Honestly, not filling it out just fucks yourself. Funding for your area as well as representation is determined using the census.

I'd be fine with them mailing out to everyone and saying fuck it, whoever mails it in gets the funding and representation.

[Apathetic Lurker]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I'm not a fan of fines. Honestly, not filling it out just fucks yourself. Funding for your area as well as representation is determined using the census.

I'd be fine with them mailing out to everyone and saying fuck it, whoever mails it in gets the funding and representation.

No matter who or how many mail thier forms in Western NY, all the money NY gets goes to the ass-cracks downstate.....

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

The point is more that there is not a reliable delivery mechanism, so you can't fine folks for not getting something when it was out of their control.

Sure they can - RMV notices (speeding tickets, registration, etc) work this way now. Parking Tickets (left outside your car in public) would seem to have an even less reliable delivery mechanism. And in this state they also charge you upfront to both appeal a ticket to a magistrate ($25) or (an additional $75) to actually go in front of a judge and face your accuser. They also instituted a fee (quickly repealed) to talk to a person at the RMV if you wanted to renew anything in person. You can tell me which of those is less legal, but I assure you they're doing all of them right now.

[DanGarion]

I heard if you fill out the census form you are approving the public option for the health care bill, it's a loophole that the Dems have figured out!

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by panerd

Well my census questionaire asked (and I sent it back because like I said I don't care why rustle feathers over this) how old I was,my sex, my type of house, my race, and my phone number. Besides my race I can find accurate information for free (ie the government has put more effort into it than a free website) for every question. What is the point of this exactly?

How old you are: This will determine funding for schools, public transportation, assisted living quarters, etc

Type of House: Useful information if they need to fund more apartments or mdu's

Race/Sex I am not sure on these two but Id assume they are using it for demographic research

Phone number: Is for follow up and they will occasionally call people as part of a survey.

As someone pointed out earlier the reason they get all the information is because the Census and other government org's dont share information. For instance your estimated income on the census isnt going to be reported to the IRS and the reverse is also true.

In reality not doing this or lying on this makes a person pretty worthless in my book. They are letting down the people that may need help by not giving accurate information.

[DanGarion]

Originally Posted by WSR

For example: Rather than ask our date of birth, wouldn't it suffice for me to tell them that I am between 40 - 45 years old?

I know, I'd rather have them ask for my social security number than my age...

[NewIdentity]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

How old you are: This will determine funding for schools, public transportation, assisted living quarters, etc

Type of House: Useful information if they need to fund more apartments or mdu's

Race/Sex I am not sure on these two but Id assume they are using it for demographic research

Phone number: Is for follow up and they will occasionally call people as part of a survey.

As someone pointed out earlier the reason they get all the information is because the Census and other government org's dont share information. For instance your estimated income on the census isnt going to be reported to the IRS and the reverse is also true.

In reality not doing this or lying on this makes a person pretty worthless in my book. They are letting down the people that may need help by not giving accurate information.

Please explain why the Census needs to know my full name? I am not sure how anyone is going to lose out if I do not put down my full legal name?

If I remember correctly last time I used my traditional family name that started with an O'. Since coming to the US, my family has dropped the O'. I wonder what part of the population I let down by doing this?

This time I think I am going to go with my first name and middle name.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by NewIdentity

Please explain why the Census needs to know my full name? I am not sure how anyone is going to lose out if I do not put down my full legal name?

The most obvious purpose would be the need to verify that it's a unique response, that someone isn't being counted twice.

[DaddyTorgo]

interesting article on cnn

How to cash in on the census - What's on the menu -- Subway (1) - CNNMoney.com

Companies, large and small, use publicly-available census data (aka "not your phone number") to decide on product offerings in stores, where to build new stores, etc.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by NewIdentity

Please explain why the Census needs to know my full name? I am not sure how anyone is going to lose out if I do not put down my full legal name?

If I remember correctly last time I used my traditional family name that started with an O'. Since coming to the US, my family has dropped the O'. I wonder what part of the population I let down by doing this?

This time I think I am going to go with my first name and middle name.

This whole rant just seems so absurd to me. It seems you are expending way more energy bitching about putting down your full name than just doing it.

I just don't get it, don't you put your full name on utility bills, bank statements, mortgage or lease, etc....Why dig your heels in on this?

[molson]

Originally Posted by Lathum

This whole rant just seems so absurd to me. It seems you are expending way more energy bitching about putting down your full name than just doing it.

I just don't get it, don't you put your full name on utility bills, bank statements, mortgage or lease, etc....Why dig your heels in on this?

I'm going to put my full name, and answer anything they want, and I'll report back if anything horrible happens to me. Then we'll know.

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by NewIdentity

Please explain why the Census needs to know my full name? I am not sure how anyone is going to lose out if I do not put down my full legal name?

If I remember correctly last time I used my traditional family name that started with an O'. Since coming to the US, my family has dropped the O'. I wonder what part of the population I let down by doing this?

This time I think I am going to go with my first name and middle name.

Like Jon mentioned
1. So your name isnt counted more than once
2. Follow up work(its nice to have a name so if they send you something you will get it)
3. It will make the process less time consuming for the Census workers in 2020 so they dont have to verify every single name again.

[sterlingice]

(well, he does go by NewIdentity so maybe he has to worry about these sorts of things )

SI

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

People are taking NewIdentity seriously?

[DaddyTorgo]

It'll also be nice in 200 years when your descendents are doing genealogical research and what to know what you did, where you lived, where you moved around to, etc.

[hhiipp]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

It'll also be nice in 200 years when your descendents are doing genealogical research and what to know what you did, where you lived, where you moved around to, etc.

Pfft, they'll just look us up on facebook.

[Thomkal]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

It'll also be nice in 200 years when your descendents are doing genealogical research and what to know what you did, where you lived, where you moved around to, etc.

+1
much easier to find the Richard Smith's in your family tree with accurate and full name, age, and other information as you can give.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Thomkal

+1
much easier to find the Richard Smith's in your family tree with accurate and full name, age, and other information as you can give.

Yeah.

Using primarily census data my father was able to do a ton as far as tracing the meanderings of his side of the family around the South from c. 1675-1700 when they came over to S. Carolina all around Georgia, Alabama, etc. (yes...gasp in shock Jon - I'm actually from an old Southern family and only went Yankee when my father moved up here for college to escape my racist-asshole of a grandfather).

[Greyroofoo]

So for race I'm going to put down "Wood Elf" (of Hispanic Origin).

[panerd]

Originally Posted by SteveBollea

Of course, the ironic thing is that probably most of the people out in the nation worried about the census have 8 credit cards which means large multinational corporations have more information that the government is asking for.

This is such a baseless claim, but it sure sounds good.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by panerd

This is such a baseless claim, but it sure sounds good.

You have never filled out a credit application?

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by NewIdentity

Please explain why the Census needs to know my full name? I am not sure how anyone is going to lose out if I do not put down my full legal name?

It's for your nametag at the concentration camp. Easier for the guards to keep track of everyone.

[Kang]

What kind of a man would use a fake name?!

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

The most obvious purpose would be the need to verify that it's a unique response, that someone isn't being counted twice.

Bingo.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by panerd

This is such a baseless claim, but it sure sounds good.

Originally Posted by cartman

You have never filled out a credit application?

Libertarians don't believe in credit cards maybe?? Or mortgage applications. Or any form of usury.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

It's for your nametag at the concentration camp. Easier for the guards to keep track of everyone.

I <3 you. So much!

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by hhiipp

Pfft, they'll just look us up on facebook.

pfft.. they could just ask my severed head in a jar on the shelf next to the Gray's Sports Almanac.

[panerd]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Libertarians don't believe in credit cards maybe?? Or mortgage applications. Or any form of usury.

No. I think it is a fucking waste of money. Read any of my previous posts in the thread or don't and make stupid generalizations instead. I don't give a shit about the questions, I have stated in almost every single post that I believe the government already has all of this information. Employing a bunch of people to do this job is yet another example of government waste. Believe me, I went to college like you and wanted to save the world. Then I grew up and realized none of those guys with R's or D's next to their names really give a shit about saving the world they just want to create another program to get people to vote for them and keep them in office.

Maybe you will discover this someday. You already have discovered this about the Republicans. Some other posters have already discovered this about the Democrats. News flash: Maybe you both are right!!! Every arguement you guys make is what is wrong with the other side. Maybe you both are right???

[Kang]

I don't have a last name.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by panerd

No. I think it is a fucking waste of money. Read any of my previous posts in the thread or don't and make stupid generalizations instead. I don't give a shit about the questions, I have stated in almost every single post that I believe the government already has all of this information. Employing a bunch of people to do this job is yet another example of government waste. Believe me, I went to college like you and wanted to save the world. Then I grew up and realized none of those guys with R's or D's next to their names really give a shit about saving the world they just want to create another program to get people to vote for them and keep them in office.

Maybe you will discover this someday. You already have discovered this about the Republicans. Some other posters have already discovered this about the Democrats. News flash: Maybe you both are right!!! Every arguement you guys make is what is wrong with the other side. Maybe you both are right???

Dude...relax.

And don't make gross generalizations about what i have and have not discovered, or whether I have or have not "grown up."