EXCLUSIVE: Minn. lawmaker vows not to complete Census - (ALL questions must be answered?)

Washington Times ^ | 6/17/09 | Stephen Kinan

[GeorgiaDawg32]

Outspoken Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann says she's so worried that information from next year's national census will be abused that she will refuse to fill out anything more than the number of people in her household.

In an interview Wednesday morning with The Washington Times "America's Morning News," Mrs. Bachmann, Minnesota Republican, said the questions have become "very intricate, very personal" and she also fears ACORN, the community organizing group that came under fire for its voter registration efforts last year, will be part of the Census Bureau's door-to-door information collection efforts.

(SNIP)

Shelly Lowe, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Census Bureau, said Mrs. Bachmann is "misreading" the law.

[bitterohiogunclinger]

I wouldn't give them any more than the number of people. Everything else is a violation of my right to privacy. The whole process is an illegal intrusion by Obama into the previously apolitical process and he and acorn cannot be trusted even an inch. Kudos to any politician that stands up to these bullying bastards.

[AAABEST]

All they will get from me is our names, the number in our household and birthdates and places of birth.

Yup. Me too.

Call it civil disobedience, defiance, a line in the sand, whatever, but I'm willing to take it as far they wish.

[ctdonath2]

Last time ‘round I answered “1 adult”.

Census worker showed up not long after, and started pressing for other answers. I simply replied something like “I have given all the information required by the Constitution, and anything beyond that requires a warrant.” ‘nuff said. Guy promptly left and didn’t bother me any more.

And yes I’d pay the $100 fine.
And then go to court demanding it back.

Checked the Census website recently. Funny how it’s smothered with “our employees are sworn to keep your information secret for life under threat of extreme penalties.” Considering how some thugs threatening voters & poll workers, having been convicted for a serious federal crime, mysteriously had their charges dropped without explaination ... I’m not so convinced by warm assurances of secrecy.

[Lion Den Dan]

Good for her. I have not answered more than the basic “who lives here” question since the first census I participated in back in the 60’s. Nuts to them.

[kpp_kpp]

so should i just send the $100 check in with the census forms?

[Islam=Murder]

Screw those commies.

Stop playing ball.

Watch their magical unicorn cloud city come falling down, off the rainbow.

[Jeff Head]

Call it civil disobedience, defiance, a line in the sand, whatever, but I'm willing to take it as far they wish.

Yep. Ditto.

A 4TH OF JULY TEA PARTY SPEECH IN AMERICA

[ctdonath2]

BTW, guys: DO NOT LIE on the forms. Not answering is one thing, justifiable in court per delegated powers and enumerated rights. Willfully giving false information is something completely different which cannot be justified at all in court.

[Islam=Murder]

Do what ACORN and barry soetoro do — PLAY STUPID.

It gums up the machine, takes forever, and makes them do all kinds of work, WHICH THEY REFUSE TO DO.

The moment things require effort, the socialists quit bothering and move to the next person.

So just play dumb. Under race, put Indy 500. Then when they call you on it, say “Oh my God, what was I thinking! I meant Kentucky Derby!”

[Jackson57]

Good point!

[ChildOfThe60s]

I’ve never answered these question other than how many people are in the household. This has been since 1970, and never once has there been a followup.

ACORN wasn't running the show. There will be intimidation this time.

Criminals threatening law abiding citizens with criminal prosecution. This is what America has come to.

Even more ironic is the fact that they are going to commit so much fraud that your answers are worthless anyway.

[rintense]

Same here.

[Designed]

Inasmuch as i was born and raised in the US, I think I would answer “Native American”.

[reegs]

Makes me wonder if ACORN’s census collection “efforts” may spark the next “shot heard ‘round the world?”

[Ev Reeman]

I will not answer any census question that I consider inappropriate or none of the government’s business such as how much money I make etc.

None of their g.d. business.

[antiRepublicrat]

Funny how it’s smothered with “our employees are sworn to keep your information secret for life under threat of extreme penalties.”

We used Census data to round up the Japanese in the 40s. Once government has information there is absolutely zero restriction on how it can be used. A privacy law now can be rescinded, judged, regulated or executive ordered into ineffectiveness tomorrow.

[mnehring]

Here is a link to the actual survey. This is not officially part of the census, although ACORN and their types are bringing it with the census. Notice the last paragraph:

Respondents are not required to respond to any information collection unless it displays a valid approval number from the Office of Management and Budget. This 8-digit number appears in the bottom right on the front cover of this form.

I think some ACORN type folks are threatening folks with the 'census' law for the American Community Survey, which isn't mandatory.

[CPT Clay]

Really what are they gonna do? I could ge real incomptetent real fast. Beg senior moment etc.

[mnehring]

The American Community Survey is not legally part of the census, although the census bureau runs that as well, if you look at the census bureau website, they are careful to describe them separately. Also look at the post above this for the American Community Survey- it specifically states people are not required to complete it.. that means ACORNs threats are not legal.

[astyanax]

BTW, guys: DO NOT LIE on the forms.
The difference between a $100 and a $500 fine.
And I would bet that if they do come after you for the $100 (which has never happened before) you could get it back in court.
Honestly answer the number of people in your household and leave it at that.