Even though my compliance is required under Section 221 of Title 13 of the United States Code, I have refused. It is worthwhile to remember that we the people are bound together under a constitution. This mutually agreed upon social contract defines the limits of government, not the limits of our individual freedom. So, I ask, by what right does the government require me to divulge detailed personal information?
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Five years ago, I taught across the hall from Michael “Mick” Moulton at Morton Junior-Senior High in Lewis County, Washington State.
read more (with video)…>
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;)
I did a bit of checking and discovered that refusing or willfully neglecting to complete the American Community Survey (ACS) is a misdemeanor under Section 221 of Title 13 of the United States Code. The fine is $5,000. Let me make this clear. I am not neglecting to fill out the American Community Survey—I am refusing.]]>
That was the conclusion of principal Dr. Jodi Davidson of Chesterfield Elementary School in the Rockwood School District of Missouri. Fortunately, parents sent angry emails and phoned the school forcing this hypersensitive principal to back down—somewhat. Now, the embedded local news reports states, as long as students who do not celebrate birthdays are gone, Happy Birthday may be sung in the classroom.
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As reported by Northwest Cable News, during an August 12th press conference the Gregoire told the story of “a 62-year-old woman who was laid off” and another of “an unemployed man who is studying to become a nurse.” However, when reporters asked for background information on the individuals the governor was unable to provide it. Apparently, the governor’s staff was asked to find personal stories to flesh out her comments on the budget, but now no one seems able to verify that the stories are true. The story, as favorably reported by KING TV, is embedded for your viewing.
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Many of the readers of this blog know that I teach in Eek Alaska. Right now I’m heading back for the start of the school year. Last night I flew into Bethel on the Yukon/Kuskokwim Delta. I’ll be spending a couple of days here meeting with other teachers and stocking up on supplies before heading on to the village. This morning when I turned on the news I heard that a plane carrying former Alaska senator Ted Stevens had crashed.]]>
In April of this year he zoomed down Interstate 95 in Maryland at 80 mph, weaving across lanes. The police stopped him. Later, his house was searched and his computers seized. The felony that may land him in prison for the next 16 years is not reckless driving. He has been charged with filming the police officer that stopped him. It doesn’t happen often, but I agree with the ACLU.]]>