Census - "American Community Survey"

[Scott in Houston]

I received this from the Census Bureau. It's not the typical Census that we do every ten years. That will be done in 2020.
This is a survey that claims to use the information that will be used to "conserve natural resources, save taxpayers' money," as well as decide where hospitals and fire stations are needed, etc.

I guess I'm getting jaded, but I don't want to give the Fed any more information about me than I am required to by law.

That's where my question comes in. I know the Census is a legal requirement, but is this?

It claims I was chosen as a random sample by address, not by person. (Probably true, but don't care)

It also says I am required by law to answer according to Title 13, U.S. Code, Sections 141 and 193.
And a penalty is now imposed according to Title 18.

It takes 45 minutes to respond.

Any opinions? Answer?

My thoughts:

1) Answer because if it's truly used for good purposes, that is a good thing, and I can help contribute. However, I do not believe the Federal government will do anything positive with this information and given our current climate, just this post alone may lead to further interrogation...

2) Ignore it. No way they can 'prosecute' everybody.

3) Answer under duress <--- my most likely action


Curious what you all think or if anyone else got one and struggles with similar thoughts. Am I becoming a real 'grumpy old man'? (I'm 42 )

[suthdj]

Does it say you have to answer honestly, if not lie or pick all choices.

[Scott in Houston]

It doesn't say, but I have to admit, even with my feelings about our government getting too big, etc. I can't in good conscience lie if I respond.

[Purplehood]

My mailbox was empty. Just saying.

[SQLGeek]

Delete this post and find a paper shredder?

[bdickens]

viewtopic.php?f=83&t=66875" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Abraham]

Do they want your bank name and account number?

[RustES]

I received the same thing last year.

I seriously thought about filling it out...I mean it looks all official right. Had the same text on it "this will be used to help the community by hightlighting needs...blahh blahh blahh."


I remember that one of the first questions was "During a work day, what is the average time you leave for work in the morning. A) 4-6AM B) 6-8AM C) 8-10AM


Maybe its just me, and maybe that information could be helpfull to...I don't know...Time traffic lights so I hit them all or something


But after a quick thought....I tore that thing up and threw it away.

What time do I leave for work....pufft

[E.Marquez]

Based on the majority of observations in this thread
http://texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php? ... ead#unread" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'd say, .... "what survey?"

[AEA]

It is legit:
http://www.census.gov/acs/www/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But I have never received one (probably because I am rural as opposed to urban). But if I ever do receive one, it will go directly to the shredder.

[sdmahoney]

The only thing I ever tell the census people is how many people live in my house. When they came to my door in 2010 after I shredded the normal census, I answered the door with a holstered pistol on my side. When they asked if I would answer some questions, I said I would, but they would have to answer mine first. I started asking the census person questions like:

What is your full name?
What is your home address?
How many people live in your house?
How many children live in your house?
What age are your children?
What race are you and your children?


When they refused to answer (after calling their supervisor), I just said "Why do you expect me to answer your questions, if you won't answer mine?" I then told the person that there are 2 people living in my house, and you need to get off my property now. I never heard from them again.

The Constitution only gives them the power to collect a body count:

“Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. (Note: The previous sentence was modified by the 14th Amendment, 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 Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; .......”

[Cedar Park Dad]

I received this from the Census Bureau. It's not the typical Census that we do every ten years. That will be done in 2020.
This is a survey that claims to use the information that will be used to "conserve natural resources, save taxpayers' money," as well as decide where hospitals and fire stations are needed, etc.

I guess I'm getting jaded, but I don't want to give the Fed any more information about me than I am required to by law.

That's where my question comes in. I know the Census is a legal requirement, but is this?

It claims I was chosen as a random sample by address, not by person. (Probably true, but don't care)

It also says I am required by law to answer according to Title 13, U.S. Code, Sections 141 and 193.
And a penalty is now imposed according to Title 18.

It takes 45 minutes to respond.

Any opinions? Answer?

My thoughts:

1) Answer because if it's truly used for good purposes, that is a good thing, and I can help contribute. However, I do not believe the Federal government will do anything positive with this information and given our current climate, just this post alone may lead to further interrogation...

2) Ignore it. No way they can 'prosecute' everybody.

3) Answer under duress <--- my most likely action


Curious what you all think or if anyone else got one and struggles with similar thoughts. Am I becoming a real 'grumpy old man'? (I'm 42 )

I would trash it. There's no proof its legitimate at all.

[RX8er]

I got one a couple years ago. There is no legal requirement to fill it out. I decided to round file mine.

And when the real survey comes, I only answer what I am legally required to do. the last two times, I have gotten the real thick one with about 100 questions. I only answer the first couple of questions. No one has ever knocked on my door.

[Scott in Houston]

Good feedback.

I will let my **friend**, who asked me to post this thread as if it was me, know what all of you said as advice.

[The Annoyed Man]

Tell them to ask Prism and mail it back.