Big Brother is Asking

          Recently I received a letter from the Census Bureau informing me that I would receive an important national survey.  The letter identified the forthcoming letter as the American Community Survey and asked that I fill it out promptly and mail it back.  Later in the letter I was warned that, “Your response…is required by U.S. law.”  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.

          A few days later I received the 2010 ACS document, a 27-page survey asking all the usual questions you might expect on a modern census form, name, sex, date of birth and so on.  However, it doesn’t stop there.  Here are just a few of the questions, you will be asked if you are unfortunate enough to receive it.  Some have been paraphrased for brevity.

          Describe your home.  Is it a mobile home, one family house, apartment, boat, RV, etc?

          Does your home have,
               hot and cold running water?
               a flush toilet?
               a bathtub or shower?
               a sink or faucet?
               a stove or range?
               a refrigerator?
               telephone service?

            Last month, what was the cost of electricity or gas for this house?

            What was the cost of water and sewer for the last year?

            Did anyone at this house receive food stamps or WIC?

            What is the monthly rent or mortgage?

            What do you think the house or apartment sell for if it were for sale?

            What are the total property taxes?

            Do you have a second mortgage?

            Are you deaf or blind?

            What is your marital status?

            How many times have you been married?

            When did you last get married?

            Have you given birth in the last 12 months?

            Do you have difficulty dressing or bathing?

            What is the address of your place of employment?

            What kind of business or industry is it?

            What were your most important duties?

            What is your salary, commissions, bonuses and tips from all jobs?

            Do you have trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions?

            Are you a citizen of the United States? 

          I find it interesting that the federal government doesn’t want Arizona to ask that last question of people, but they do.  Also, you must answer these questions for everyone in the house and these are just a few of the questions asked.

The government has not constitutional authority to ask such things and fear of prosecution will not compel my compliance.