Posted on 09/03/2014 6:05:13 PM PDT by ROCKLOBSTER
It was just about dark, I was at the kitchen table when the dog barked, headlights were coming up my driveway. I went outside to see who it was...he was a stranger.
He announced that he was from the Census Bureau and wondered if this was a good time for a 40 minute interview. He proceeded to tell me all about the Census, how it established demographical statistics and how I was required by law to answer the questions.
I told him two people live here and we are American Citizens, and that I would tell him nothing more. He said he doesn't make the rules, the politicians do, and the Census isn't political. I replied that is was and asked him why it was now being run by the White House...he denied it.
He claimed all information is "confidential" I said, just ask the NSA, they already know everything about me, have you heard about the NSA scandal? (No.) I said, all information with the IRS is supposed to be confidential, and they are sharing it with political organizations. He said "I don't work for the IRS." I told him, "I don't care, people don't trust the federal government."
Then he told me it's all about money, and we print the money that everyone uses. I said, it is the medium of exchange, but we could use gold just as well. And it's none of your business.
He repeated that it's required by law that I answer the questions. I asked, what is going to happen am I going to jail if I don't? He said; "No, this isn't criminal, it's civil."
I asked, so you are going to file a civil suit against me if I don't comply? He said, "I didn't say that." I asked, "Well just what are you saying?"
He said, "It could cost you money" and that's all I can say." I said, "Who told you that? By what authority can you violate my right to privacy and fine me if I don't comply?" He replied, "It's federal law."
I said, "Do you know what the Constitution does?" He answered, "It authorizes the census." I told him, "It limits what the federal government can and can't do, and it doesn't say you can come on my property and cross examine me."
He said, "I work for you."
I was wild..."I've told you all I'm going to tell you, and if you claim you work for me, I'm telling you we're done." and pointed towards the road.
He left. The whole ordeal took about 30 minutes.
Has anyone here had a similar experience with a tenacious census taker? I'd say don't engage them in the yard, and for God's sake don't let them in the house.
When was this? I thought the census issues were several years ago.
"Beware of Dogs"
"Trespassers will be shot..."
Is the census being taken again? Seems it was just taken four or five years ago.
In any event, I have always done what you did.
For added fun, call 911 and report a trespasser who's about to get shot if the police don't show up within 3 minutes.
Did he ask you if you were Mr. Lobster?
If he walked up my driveway and asked if I was Mr. Repeal,
I would just say, nope, never heard of him.
D@mn! I was going to link that!!!
Call your Sheriff’s office and report a trespasser, after you ask him to leave and he refuses.
Sheriff’s authority trumps fed drone’s authority.
I told them whom do I write the check to, screw.
Once each ten years. Personal info held secret for 72 years.
Sounds to me like someone “casing” the place for a future burglary.
Thing is with our town - 1200 folks - and they hire out to be census takers. They’re our neighbors so we’re polite to them and don’t cause them grief.
They can do a $500 fine but it sounds like you did good.
Seems strange though since the census was 4 years ago.
As far as I know, the census is done every ten years. Why would he be doing one now?
be Distrustful...but verify....
Two words...F*** OFF!!
To Census taker..........”How many people do you see now?”
Census taker: “one”
Me: “Very good, You have your census, have a nice night...elsewhere” (door slam)
The only thing better would have been if you were smoke-puffing a very aromatic cigar right under his nose the whole time. Maybe that would have been even more proper! {^)
Seriously, though, well done! Bravo!!!
I came home from work one day and a census taker lady was sitting in her car in my drive waiting for me. Mind you, there are 2 NO TRESPASSING signs posted at the entrance of my farm.
I pulled my car past her into my garage and walked up to her. She said she was a census taker. I told her I answered all the questions I’m going to answer on the form that I had mailed in.
She said she had more.
I turned and walked away into my home. I then let my 3 Irish Wolfhounds out to visit with her.
I’m still laughing about it.
I never heard from the Census Bureau again.
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