THE CONCENSUS IS…

Why is it that people are becoming paranoid about the census? It seems that that tired old tradition of counting Americans is starting to meet resistance! Are we all doing something wrong, or is it the government?

Actually, I find the census taking a great tool for future historians as it was for me! Last year I went to the library and found a file on their computer for the 1919 census, which listed my grandparents, parents and aunts and uncles.

But why are Americans so resisting the idea of the census takers coming to their doors and answering questions?

Is it the fact that there are so many of us now home, because of unemployment? Maybe the government shouldn’t be asking them questions. Or how about those of us on the precipice of losing a job? Do they have something to say?

Let’s not forget the retired, they may have some questions themselves. One would be: “JUST WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU BASTARDS DOING TO MY 401K?

Maybe the poor would be more receptive to the census. As the census taker comes to the door he can flash his credentials in the face of some hungry, out-of-work father of four, and the poor guy can hit him up for a loan, after all, the census taker has a job!

Ten years ago, people answered their door and all the questions without reservation. But this time it is a little different. What with Homeland Security and the growth of the internet, the power of electronic tracking and GPS technology, people are more reluctant to give any more information than: name, rank and serial number, as they say. We now view the government as a potential adversary, and a potential witness against us in a court of law!

And should the government be asking more than who we are: how many of us live in the dwelling, and maybe our ages? This IS supposed to be a head count for the ability of the government to gauge our growth as a people.

So, when the man or woman shows you adequate ID, which is a badge that attests to their who they say they are, make sure you don’t answer more than you need to. And make sure you see their ID.

I love my country, and I know why. It is because I can insure myself against tyranny, we all can, and we can remove the bums anytime we want, seamlessly.