Sharp Increase in Threats, Violence Against Census Workers

WingnutsJune 2010 • Views: 2,762

This should come as no surprise after the deranged anti-census agitation from people like Michele Bachmann, Glenn Beck, and redstate.com CEO Erick Erickson (who publicly threatened to use a shotgun on census workers): threats and violence against census workers this year have more than doubled compared to 2000.

So far, the Census Bureau has tallied 379 incidents involving assaults or threats on the nation’s 635,000 census workers, more than double the 181 recorded during the 2000 census. Weapons were used or threatened in a third of the cases.

Now, with just three weeks to go in the door-knocking phase of the count, the number of census takers has dwindled, and the remaining households are the toughest.

While most homeowners have received census takers graciously, some say they have been surprised at the degree of anger exhibited by Americans who consider them the embodiment of intrusive government.

“I came across loads of hostility,” said Douglas McDonald, who summoned police in Deltona, Fla., after a tug-of-war with an irate homeowner over a census form. The homeowner threw his ripped half in the toilet.

McDonald, 70, a District native who retired from the Labor Department after 30 years as an investigator, said he wasn’t prepared for the level of anti-government fervor he encountered.

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75 comments

jamesfirecat Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:30:10am

Ehh, ehh, ehh Charles, not just any shotgun, he threatened to use his wife’s shotgun!

Dark_Falcon Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:31:03am

Bad, stupid, sick. The census in authorized by the Constitution. I honestly do not understand what these people are screaming about.

jamesfirecat Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:31:08am

re: #1 jamesfirecat

Ehh, ehh, ehh Charles, not just any shotgun, he threatened to use his wife’s shotgun!

I say in a sarcastic guy punches another guy in a shoulder kind of way. Since of course the LGF page its linked to points out the wife’s shotgun thing…

Four More Tears Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:33:07am

There’s nothing at all sinister about the questions asked for the census. That one about whether I read my Qur’an in English or Arabic did throw me off a bit…

Political Atheist Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:33:20am

re: #2 Dark_Falcon

Bad, stupid, sick. The census in authorized by the Constitution. I honestly do not understand what these people are screaming about.

If one group can be the group of infinite outrage, these people must be the party of fictional outrage. None of their census worries have merit. Not a scintilla. Frankly the Islamics have more reality in their outrage.

albusteve Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:34:09am

yes, focus on the census…bunch of friggin drama queens
meanwhile I think we have some other stuff on our plate that deserves all that trumped up angst

Dark_Falcon Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:35:26am

re: #5 Rightwingconspirator

If one group can be the group of infinite outrage, these people must be the party of fictional outrage. None of their census worries have merit. Not a scintilla. Frankly the Islamics have more reality in their outrage.

Agreed. It’s a phony, black helicopters issue.

SixDegrees Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:36:45am

I wonder how it compares with, say, 1980 - the last time a census was held during a severe recession? It really isn’t surprising to see an increase in hostility toward government during tough economic times, just as people tend to view the government as a whole more favorably when times are good - as they were in 2000, economically speaking.

I do know that there have been a number of unpleasant incidents within Detroit involving census workers. There always are. Anyone representing authority is viewed with animosity here, even during the best of times, and things are far from their best around here these days. Unemployment within the city proper is well over 25%, and there are vast numbers of people who have long since simply dropped off the radar and are permanently unemployed.

Dark_Falcon Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:37:37am

I’ve got to go out. BBL

jamesfirecat Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:39:31am

re: #8 SixDegrees

I wonder how it compares with, say, 1980 - the last time a census was held during a severe recession? It really isn’t surprising to see an increase in hostility toward government during tough economic times, just as people tend to view the government as a whole more favorably when times are good - as they were in 2000, economically speaking.

I do know that there have been a number of unpleasant incidents within Detroit involving census workers. There always are. Anyone representing authority is viewed with animosity here, even during the best of times, and things are far from their best around here these days. Unemployment within the city proper is well over 25%, and there are vast numbers of people who have long since simply dropped off the radar and are permanently unemployed.

I think its likely to be higher just because we’ve got more people.

Really to get the best numbers we’d need to take a look at how many threats/assults in 1980 divided by the total number of citizens or T and A Per C which sounds a lot sexier when you’re only looking at the initials.

RogueOne Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:39:51am

re: #8 SixDegrees

I was wondering the same thing. I’m also wondering if it’s actually worse or is the reporting better. Either way 379 incidents out of 635,000 employees is pretty tame.

Stan the Demanded Plan Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:41:35am

From the article:

Police have been dispatched after confrontations between census takers and property owners who posted No Trespassing signs. As federal government employees, the census takers are not breaking the law by disregarding the signs.
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But try telling that to a homeowner with a crossbow.

In a rural part of California’s Nevada County northeast of Sacramento, two census workers told authorities that a man ordered them off his land. He mentioned his submachine gun, then followed them down the drive with a crossbow in hand. No charges were brought against the resident, the sheriff’s department said.

Crazy!

darthstar Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:41:42am

There was also the Yolo county (just west of Sacramento) woman who did come out with a shotgun (after her husband had come out with a hand-gun causing the census worker to call the police). When the police were disarming the husband, the woman drew on them with the shotgun, and was killed…rightly, IMO.

SixDegrees Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:42:09am

re: #10 jamesfirecat

I think its likely to be higher just because we’ve got more people.

Really to get the best numbers we’d need to take a look at how many threats/assults in 1980 divided by the total number of citizens or T and A Per C which sounds a lot sexier when you’re only looking at the initials.

There’s that, too. I sort of assumed that some kind of per capita weighting would be applied. There’s been a strong push to do more door-to-door canvassing, too, so normalization is important.

euphgeek Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:42:56am

What do you want to bet that the Republicans and other right-wingers who promoted this anti-government lunacy will now say that they never called for violence, that people are just misconstruing their words and there’s no way they can personally be held accountable?

Charles Johnson Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:47:49am

Quote:

While conducting follow-ups in an upscale Seattle neighborhood, Grover Ellis said he came across a woman who considered him an agent of Obama, not the U.S. government.

“The idea of the census just enraged her,” said Ellis, 64, stressing that the overwhelming majority of people he met were welcoming and responsive. “The way she saw the census, she was required to help Obama. And she wasn’t going to do anything to help out Obama.”

The right wing, in a nutshell.

Stan the Demanded Plan Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:48:17am

You know, another point here. These people refusing and threatening are not 10 years old. They’ve likely gone through 3 censuses already.

albusteve Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:50:22am

re: #13 darthstar

There was also the Yolo county (just west of Sacramento) woman who did come out with a shotgun (after her husband had come out with a hand-gun causing the census worker to call the police). When the police were disarming the husband, the woman drew on them with the shotgun, and was killed…rightly, IMO.

they could have shot her in the hand, or an arm maybe…I aw them do that on TV

allegro Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:51:40am

The young Census lady who came by here was a sweetheart. Gave her a glass of iced mint tea, sat down on the porch for all of the 5 minutes it took for really no more information than the post office has. My only offense was that she didn’t consider my “son” (spaniel) people and refused to count him. I surely am confused by anyone’s outrage.

Stan the Demanded Plan Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:52:15am

re: #16 Charles

Quote:

The right wing, in a nutshell.

Country First!

SixDegrees Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:52:38am

Off topic - does anyone know whether Kona coffee is worth it? Or is it all just a massive marketing campaign to justify the enormous shipping costs? ‘Cause I’m thinking I may have to try some.

Don’t segue off into kopi luwak - I’m not drinking steeped cat shit.

allegro Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:54:01am

re: #21 SixDegrees

does anyone know whether Kona coffee is worth it?

Kona coffee is quite good. Buy why get it shipped? Buy locally. I think you can get the beans at Starbucks even.

Political Atheist Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:54:21am

re: #17 Stanley Sea

You know, another point here. These people refusing and threatening are not 10 years old. They’ve likely gone through 3 censuses already.

An excellent observation.

RayGunIsDead Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:56:40am

re: #16 Charles

Quote:

The right wing, in a nutshell.

re: #20 Stanley Sea

Country First!

Me first.

jamesfirecat Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:56:52am

re: #19 allegro

The young Census lady who came by here was a sweetheart. Gave her a glass of iced mint tea, sat down on the porch for all of the 5 minutes it took for really no more information than the post office has. My only offense was that she didn’t consider my “son” (spaniel) people and refused to count him. I surely am confused by anyone’s outrage.

Heh reminds of a line by Gordon Korman “I’ve written so many Bruno and Boots books now, and come to know the characters so well that sometimes I end up marking them down as dependents on my tax returns…”

SixDegrees Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:57:18am

re: #22 allegro

Kona coffee is quite good. Buy why get it shipped? Buy locally. I think you can get the beans at Starbucks even.

True, but it had to get here in the first place. The only place you can buy it locally is in Hawaii. Which I wouldn’t mind doing, but I’d want more than a cup of coffee out of the trip.

Stan the Demanded Plan Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:57:26am

From the comments at WaPo:

dottydo wrote:
There is a huge huge huge number of fake census takers hitting doors. Facts are facts.

There is a definite need for ” One Flag One Allegiance” legislation, since dual citizens and fake ID frauds are getting paid by the idiots du jour to come to your door to steal your identity.

Tell me what is legal about the Fed coming to ask what rac dwells within.

The idea Arizona is racist looks pretty pouny stacked up to Obamaland itself.
Dumb as bricks.

Where are they getting this?

abolitionist Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:58:01am

I found this surprising.
The Census and Privacy

[snip]
Social Security Numbers

The use of the Social Security Number on public documents remains one of the most controversial topics in privacy regulation. Recently, the Census Bureau has engaged in a study to see whether the public will object to the collection of Social Security numbers on census forms. The Census Bureau has created a program called SPAN, Social Security Number, Privacy Attitudes and Notification Experiment. The experiment would consist of asking 20,000 people to fill out their special census form, which would include their SSN. Meanwhile, the Census Bureau has begun to expand interagency sharing of Social Security numbers. In 1998, Commissioner of the Social Security Administration approved the Census Bureau’s request for the file of SSN applicants (also called the Numident File).

I’d have bet that most folks would assume their Census questionnaire to be identical to others, unless specially labeled as an “extended” questionnaire. Apparently that’s not the case.

allegro Sun, Jun 20, 2010 9:59:21am

re: #26 SixDegrees

The only place you can buy it locally is in Hawaii.

Of course, I meant by a local distributor. But you knew that.

lostlakehiker Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:00:41am

re: #2 Dark_Falcon

Bad, stupid, sick. The census in authorized by the Constitution. I honestly do not understand what these people are screaming about.

Well, it’s not quite that open and shut. The census referred to in the Constitution is an enumeration. They probably didn’t envision requiring citizens, under penalty of law, to state how many flush toilets there are in the house, how many gallons each uses, how many times a day each is used, how much money each person in the household makes, their hourly wages, whether they surf the internet, whether their connection is dial up or cable, how much education they have, where was their highest degree earned, whether they have any pets, if so how much food does the pet eat, where do they shop for kibblesnbits, and whether they sneak a taste of the dog food from time to time.

Answer truthfully, under penalty of law.

shiplord kirel Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:01:22am

Just imagine how pissed off they’ll be when we send Department of Education paramilitaries to seize their Bibles.
/

euphgeek Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:02:20am

re: #30 lostlakehiker

Well, it’s not quite that open and shut. The census referred to in the Constitution is an enumeration. They probably didn’t envision requiring citizens, under penalty of law, to state how many flush toilets there are in the house, how many gallons each uses, how many times a day each is used, how much money each person in the household makes, their hourly wages, whether they surf the internet, whether their connection is dial up or cable, how much education they have, where was their highest degree earned, whether they have any pets, if so how much food does the pet eat, where do they shop for kibblesnbits, and whether they sneak a taste of the dog food from time to time.

Answer truthfully, under penalty of law.

None of those questions were on the census form that I filled out.

allegro Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:02:40am

re: #30 lostlakehiker

I wasn’t asked any of those questions. I keep hearing that but don’t know anyone who was asked for any information besides how many are in the household, is this your permanent address, that kinda thing. I didn’t even have to fill out the ethnic questionnaire if I didn’t want to.

SixDegrees Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:03:11am

re: #27 Stanley Sea

From the comments at WaPo:

Where are they getting this?

It leaks through the tinfoil.

Although there is a grain of truth here - there are people who pose as census takers in order to gain personal information, or even to gain entry to a home. It happens during every census, and once again I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that the incidence has increased this time around compared to 2000 because of economic conditions.

Police here have issued several warnings, instructing citizens to demand ID and even then, to call the census bureau to confirm identity before letting anyone in or giving out information if they’re left with some doubt.

Charles Johnson Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:04:04am

I just fired up Tweetdeck to check Twitter, and the #tcot feed is a real jaw-dropper today. I’m seeing climate change denial, calls to impeach Obama, calls to shoot illegal immigrants, calls for armed insurrection. It goes on and on and on.

Political Atheist Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:04:35am

re: #30 lostlakehiker

Maybe if we stuck to the questions that are actually on the census we could have a rational discussion about the census. What is it with all the fictional additions to it?

lostlakehiker Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:06:03am

re: #32 euphgeek

None of those questions were on the census form that I filled out.

A lot of those questions are on the extended form, and the rest of it is hyperbole. Lighten up. You know you knew the last few were dodgy.

euphgeek Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:06:08am

re: #35 Charles

I just fired up Tweetdeck to check Twitter, and the #tcot feed is a real jaw-dropper today. I’m seeing climate change denial, calls to impeach Obama, calls to shoot illegal immigrants, calls for armed insurrection. It goes on and on and on.

And that’s different from the #tcot feed any other day, how?

SixDegrees Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:08:17am

re: #32 euphgeek

None of those questions were on the census form that I filled out.

re: #33 allegro

I wasn’t asked any of those questions. I keep hearing that but don’t know anyone who was asked for any information besides how many are in the household, is this your permanent address, that kinda thing. I didn’t even have to fill out the ethnic questionnaire if I didn’t want to.

The extended form is…well, extended. Here’s a sample from the 2000 census; I’ll poke around and see if I can find the 2010 version, but like its predecessor, it goes into a lot more detail than the short form.

euphgeek Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:11:44am

re: #37 lostlakehiker

A lot of those questions are on the extended form, and the rest of it is hyperbole. Lighten up. You know you knew the last few were dodgy.

The extended form is not authorized by the government, though.

allegro Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:14:18am

re: #39 SixDegrees

Interesting. I did note the little notice at the bottom of the first page:

Question is asked of all persons on the short (100-percent) and long (sample) forms.

It indicates, if read carefully, that this is the only information required of all. It doesn’t offer any explanation that the added info is voluntary. I find that objectionable.

SixDegrees Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:15:35am

re: #40 euphgeek

The extended form is not authorized by the government, though.

Uh - huh? It’s designed, distributed and collected by the US Census Bureau, just like the short form. See my earlier link to the 2000 version.

The only real difference is that it isn’t distributed all at once, like the short form. Due to unprecedented animosity during the last (2000) census, the Bureau decided it would generate less controversy if its profile was lowered by sending it out continuously, reaching the same number of respondents but not all at once.

PhillyPretzel Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:18:17am

Here is a history of the census. [Link: en.wikipedia.org…]

abolitionist Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:20:30am

Census (more general)

SixDegrees Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:20:33am

re: #41 allegro

Interesting. I did note the little notice at the bottom of the first page:

It indicates, if read carefully, that this is the only information required of all. It doesn’t offer any explanation that the added info is voluntary. I find that objectionable.

It’s my understanding that you must answer all questions on either form.

Personally, I don’t really mind the questions themselves. They’re ultimately authorized by Congress, which specializes in wretched excess, so it should come as no surprise that their requirements go far beyond the basic enumeration noted in the Constitution. What bothers me is the amount of time they expect me to devote to such shit, without compensation. The short form, no big deal - it took me about five minutes to complete. The long form is much more elaborate, and would actually require me to get up out of my chair and look for things if I wanted to answer it truthfully. If they want the information that badly, pay me.

William Barnett-Lewis Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:20:36am

I’ve gotten a fair bit of hostility from people as an enumerator but no real threats. One help has been carrying my little pocket copy of the Constitution (from the Cato Institute :) so that I can show people the text from Article 1 Section 2 “The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.” The last bit is the important part for defusing most objections - they claim we can’t ask about X or Y or Z but it’s very clear that the Congress can decide as they wish about it.

We’re finishing up today with the non-response follow up. Next is verifying the places listed as either vacant or not housing units really are such. That shouldn’t freak anyone out… I hope.

William

allegro Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:23:59am

re: #45 SixDegrees

What bothers me is the amount of time they expect me to devote to such shit, without compensation.

Exactly.

SixDegrees Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:24:41am

re: #46 wlewisiii

I’ve gotten a fair bit of hostility from people as an enumerator but no real threats. One help has been carrying my little pocket copy of the Constitution (from the Cato Institute :) so that I can show people the text from Article 1 Section 2 “The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.” The last bit is the important part for defusing most objections - they claim we can’t ask about X or Y or Z but it’s very clear that the Congress can decide as they wish about it.

We’re finishing up today with the non-response follow up. Next is verifying the places listed as either vacant or not housing units really are such. That shouldn’t freak anyone out… I hope.

William

Here in Detroit, it’s those last that pose the most problems for census workers, as they’re often abandoned buildings that have been settled by squatters, many of whom have little or no problem dishing out hell if disturbed. Knocking on the door of a crack house or meth lab, saying, “Hi, I’m from the government!” is not a healthy thing to be doing in such places.

SpaceJesus Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:25:06am

Onion Video

Drogheda Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:29:01am

Looks like the census “long form” is no more as it has been retired and replaced with something called the American Community Survey.

More about the ACS at the Census Bureau and at Wikipedia

euphgeek Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:34:44am

re: #42 SixDegrees

Uh - huh? It’s designed, distributed and collected by the US Census Bureau, just like the short form. See my earlier link to the 2000 version.

The only real difference is that it isn’t distributed all at once, like the short form. Due to unprecedented animosity during the last (2000) census, the Bureau decided it would generate less controversy if its profile was lowered by sending it out continuously, reaching the same number of respondents but not all at once.

I was under the impression that local community groups did the more extended form. Am I mistaken?

Sol Berdinowitz Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:46:22am

re: #30 lostlakehiker

Well, it’s not quite that open and shut. The census referred to in the Constitution is an enumeration. They probably didn’t envision requiring citizens, under penalty of law, to state how many flush toilets there are in the house, how many gallons each uses, how many times a day each is used, how much money each person in the household makes, their hourly wages, whether they surf the internet, whether their connection is dial up or cable, how much education they have, where was their highest degree earned, whether they have any pets, if so how much food does the pet eat, where do they shop for kibblesnbits, and whether they sneak a taste of the dog food from time to time.

Answer truthfully, under penalty of law.

What you have listed could be seen as grounds to protest against the senate through legal channels and public discourse, but it is being used as an excuse for threats and violence against census workers, which has nothing to do at all with rational political discourse or even normal human behavior.

Sol Berdinowitz Sun, Jun 20, 2010 10:47:23am

against senate? I meant “census”…franklian slip, I guess…

Batman Sun, Jun 20, 2010 11:03:54am

re: #2 Dark_Falcon

Bad, stupid, sick. The census in authorized by the Constitution. I honestly do not understand what these people are screaming about.

But the Constitution doesn’t authorize the Democrats to administer it. It’s unconstitutionable!

SanFranciscoZionist Sun, Jun 20, 2010 11:12:07am

re: #13 darthstar

There was also the Yolo county (just west of Sacramento) woman who did come out with a shotgun (after her husband had come out with a hand-gun causing the census worker to call the police). When the police were disarming the husband, the woman drew on them with the shotgun, and was killed…rightly, IMO.

Damn. Didn’t hear about that. I know some people in Yolo.

Sol Berdinowitz Sun, Jun 20, 2010 11:23:16am

re: #54 nonsense

But the Constitution doesn’t authorize the Democrats to administer it. It’s unconstitutionable!

I think the Tea Party sees it as its right to reject any government that does not meet its ideological standards, elected or not.

Ojoe Sun, Jun 20, 2010 11:38:02am

My census taker was an unemployed cabinet maker I knew, just trying to get by a little longer in the collapsed economy.

A little compassion is due these folks. A lot, actually.

afkabl2 Sun, Jun 20, 2010 11:54:13am

this is just a sign of outrage over this governments intrusion into every aspect of the lives of americans. there is never an excuse for violence or threats against these people. HEY if they quite or are fired, then the biden lies on job creation will get even larger and more of a joke than the last time.
and OF COURSE it must be pointed out that Joe Barton has received death threats and promises of violence but you wouldn’t know that if your head is stuck up the main streams media posterior…and since theirs is stuck up the posterior of the white house, it could get crowded in there. LOL

“I can see November from my house”

Boogberg Sun, Jun 20, 2010 11:58:15am

re: #58 afkabl2

Well I don’t see how this Administration intrudes into people’s lives any more than the previous one.

Ojoe Sun, Jun 20, 2010 12:11:12pm

re: #59 Boogberg

Now, in certain cases, if you don’t buy health insurance, they will fine you; this in more recent than 2008.

RayGunIsDead Sun, Jun 20, 2010 12:14:21pm

re: #57 Ojoe

My census taker was an unemployed cabinet maker I knew, just trying to get by a little longer in the collapsed economy.

Thanks again cons.

Boogberg Sun, Jun 20, 2010 12:17:58pm

re: #60 Ojoe

Interesting. Got any details?

RayGunIsDead Sun, Jun 20, 2010 12:19:58pm

re: #58 afkabl2

“I can see November from my house”

Just please do your best to run simple Sarah in 2012. Thanks.

afkabl2 Sun, Jun 20, 2010 12:33:16pm

I already have a candidate to support and he would win easily..in my opinion of course. the honorable congressman from Wisconsin, Paul Ryan..he WILL have to lose the hair style though….:)

and your characterization of Sarah palin is all I need to know just how desperate your side is getting..this little woman from Alaska has the number of every Dem in the country…I think its funny but she is not my choice to replace Barry obama…ALTHOUGH…..come on..admit it..
you WISH you had such a catchy and ‘punningly’ creative way to give your opinion….:)
enjoy the rest of dad’s day…..

afkabl2 Sun, Jun 20, 2010 12:35:34pm

re: #62 Boogberg

sorry but as pelosi stated…you will have to wait to see just whats in it..:)

and wouldn’t it be nice to go back in time and hear the reaction from leftists if bush were to say something like that????
and if you dont understand how the Obama white house has thrust themselves into your life then you need to get some more information.
but regardless
ALL of you enjoy the rest of dads day….

Ojoe Sun, Jun 20, 2010 12:45:47pm

re: #64 afkabl2

this little woman from Alaska has the number of every Dem in the country

I am beyond tired of the two party system & the simple mindedness it promotes.

CapeCoddah Sun, Jun 20, 2010 12:50:38pm

I have never understood the controversy over the census.
The people who scream about it are supposedly lovers of the our founding fathers. Well, who the heck do they think wrote the Constitution? The founding fathers ordered a census, it is original to the Constitution, it is vital to how the congress is structured, literally the framework of the house. It is not some dubious conspiracy to take over the world added to the document secretly later on. It was implemented under Sec. of State Thomas Jefferson. One cannot get more founding father than that.
The whole thing makes no sense whatsoever.

CapeCoddah Sun, Jun 20, 2010 12:55:37pm

re: #57 Ojoe

My census taker was an unemployed cabinet maker I knew, just trying to get by a little longer in the collapsed economy.

A little compassion is due these folks. A lot, actually.

Ours turned out to be our neighbor, 2 doors down. A retired older gentleman. We had the grill going when he came by. He had a cheese burger and potato salad with us.

webevintage Sun, Jun 20, 2010 1:01:15pm

re: #64 afkabl2

and your characterization of Sarah palin is all I need to know just how desperate your side is getting..this little woman from Alaska has the number of every Dem in the country…

She’s not going to call us all is she?
I might now be home and, gosh, I would just hate to miss her call so i could give her a piece of my mind being a “little woman” from Arkansas.
I think I’m a “grizzly mama” too, but I’m not sure if moms who are pro-choice Dems are considered bear mothers too.
You betcha’.

Eclectic Infidel Sun, Jun 20, 2010 1:11:25pm

re: #2 Dark_Falcon

Bad, stupid, sick. The census in authorized by the Constitution. I honestly do not understand what these people are screaming about.

I’ve read some right-wing sites that blame the Obama Administration for the Census - which is bizarre but there you go.

I guess I’ve been fortunate, as a Crew Leader Assistant, the most hostility I’ve encountered have ranged from an irritated “no” to a gentle conversation with a retired Marine who entertained paranoid ideas of what our govt uses the information for. I’m very cautious too, making sure I have a clear path of escape if I need to make a run for it but most of the EQs I have now are the ones resulting from lack of access.due to locked gates and/or language barriers (usually Chinese).

RayGunIsDead Sun, Jun 20, 2010 1:42:42pm

afkabl2 you’re not that bad of a con, I have seen a lot worse, so maybe we could make a pact that we click “+”s for each other?

Slumbering Behemoth Stinks Sun, Jun 20, 2010 1:58:42pm

re: #64 afkabl2

and your characterization of Sarah palin is all I need to know just how desperate your side is getting..this little woman from Alaska has the number of every Dem in the country…

Heh, she sure seems to have your number at least. If you think Democrats are a-feared of her, they ain’t. They would absolutely love to see her get the nomination in 2012. They’d throw a fuckin’ party.

It’s mod-cons like me who are scared of that shit.

thejcube Sun, Jun 20, 2010 3:17:16pm

I’ve been working for this year’s census, and it’s been up and down. I’ve had a few jackasses, but for the most part people were ready and willing to get it over with, even if they weren’t too happy.

My favorite was the guy who was so sure that the whole census was just to create new jobs. Because it’s not like we’ve ever had a census before.

wheat-dogghazi Sun, Jun 20, 2010 7:57:52pm

@45:

If they want the information that badly, pay me.

Well, it’s a hassle to get off your couch, take a car/bus/train/taxi/bike to the polling place and vote. You want them to pay you for that,too?

C’mon, the census is a chore done once every 10 damn years. And you won’t probably get the long form every single time. Cry me a river.

You probably spend more time mowing the lawn. Quit complaining.

Amory Blaine Sun, Jun 20, 2010 8:09:42pm

“McDonald, 70, a District native who retired from the Labor Department after 30 years as an investigator, said he wasn’t prepared for the level of anti-government fervor he encountered.”

Rip Van Winkle, is that you?

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