we have freedom of speech, but Miranda doesn't apply here...that's if you are charged with a crime. You invoke your right to remain silent so you may acquire legal representation and not incriminatie yourself. The Bill of Rights says NOTHING about the right to avoid filling out a census form. thought you should know.

dammit Jim. I'm a doctor not a mathematician!

JohnWicket: yes, it is a shame that we have had to "hide" our heritage for so long that we aren't allowed that unique part of who we are. I am glad to have a lot of unique heritage as well. Unfortunately, our society does not provide a positive light on some of my heritage, much like that crap our ancestors of America continue to place onto those that have, some among many, Native American, true Eskimo, or Native Hawaiian. It's a shame we are "forced" to let our history go for the "norm."

"You're comparing a military draft to the census?"
-
No, I questioned the words used by some who support the census using phrases completely opposite of how they would feel if there was a draft; "people complain anytime the government wants their help".

The Top Ten Races Left Off the 2010 Census Form:

10. Na'vi

9. Wraith

8. Goa'uld

7. Thermian

6. Cylon

5. Gallifrey

4. Melmac

3. Klingon

2. Vulcan

and the number one race left off the US 2010 Census Form:

1. Martian

Being St Patty's Day I wish I would have thought to write in my "race" as GREEN.

JohnWicket- Check the "conundrum" box, then hope for the best. ;)

I can't believe all this commentary about something as simple as the census, something that's been done since before the Romans. The only thing I struggled with was what variety of "white" I was. I admit to being mostly white ( I assume this means Caucasian) but none of my ancestors came from the Caucasus. Some of the forefathers were French, Norwegian, Welsh, Laplander, Inuit,etc. Others were Ojibwa and Pottawatomie, and Cherokee. I didn't know how to properly respond. Sometimes, in mid-winter I appear almost "white" but so do many others in that season of the Frozen North. My family has worked at hiding any Indian heritage for several generations now. I, sadly, could not claim any membership in any specific tribe but I also wasn't comfortable with responding "white", which tends to imply some sort of ethnic purity. So I guess I'm not a purebred American. As Twain said, I must be a "genuine composite" (not a mongrel). Considering possible mixing of future generations, how or why would this "ethnicity" issue be of any concern to anyone? Is it for tracing or predicting medical/genetic trends or what? If it's to hand out money, please, I'll take some.

Filled it out..mailed it in...disliked the "are you Hispanic" part..what's the point? Wanted to write in "no, but love to vacation in Cancun area, drink Margaritas & Pina Coladas, and eat an enormous amount of "Mexican" food, so perhaps that could change".

"Much ado about nothing"

Fill it out and mail it in. It just makes census.

Fill out the census. At least do it for future generations. Censuses are valuable for people who what to develop their genealogy.

Census records were very helpful when I researched my genealogy. Even though I only discovered that I'm descended from a long line of horse thieves, it was all very interesting.

So the census form is an invasion of privacy.
How many of the following questions would you answer?
1.Name,address,e-mail address,
2.date of birth
3.marital status
4.what other products/accessories do you currently own or intend to purchase.
5.Not including yourself, what is the Gender and AGE in years of children and other adults living in your household?
6.Occupation/Employment status
7.Which describes your annual family income?
8.Level of education
9.Do you own or rent your primary residence?
10. What type of internet access do you use at home?
Now how many of you would fill this out? It asked several questions that many of you said you wouldn't answer, would you answer these?
If you haven't guessed this is a questionnaire that you fill out to protect your product you purchased. It also asked several other questions about interests such as, home life, leisure, travel, investina dn money, great outdoors and sports,fitness & Health.
Sure you can say this is private organization but they are asking for information that most of you don't believe government should know but I bet are willing to give the answer to them. The only question not asked is about race and I have no problem answering that question to private or government. What are they going to do, take my race away from me for some big government boohah?
Fill out the census form. Answer the questions honestly and get on with your life.
-----------------------------------------

No, I don't think most thinking people, who care about their pivacy, would answer those questions. And those that would, have already or soon will be, scribbling their answers to any and all questions queried by the government, including "how many flush toilets are installed?"

The counting of heads is the only CONSITUTIONAL authority of the government in cenus taking. When the govenment asks you questions, you have a right to remain silent. You have Miranda rights after all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVA0ZNXpn...

NOPE!

I agree with Stan.

Finished immediately and gone the next day,but was it a waste to send us a notice prior to receiving the actual form or what? The government loves to waste our money don't they! So sick of it.

I already dropped mine in the mail box. It took all of 30 seconds to fill out.

So the census form is an invasion of privacy.
How many of the following questions would you answer?
1.Name,address,e-mail address,
2.date of birth
3.marital status
4.what other products/accessories do you currently own or intend to purchase.
5.Not including yourself, what is the Gender and AGE in years of children and other adults living in your household?
6.Occupation/Employment status
7.Which describes your annual family income?
8.Level of education
9.Do you own or rent your primary residence?
10. What type of internet access do you use at home?
Now how many of you would fill this out? It asked several questions that many of you said you wouldn't answer, would you answer these?
If you haven't guessed this is a questionnaire that you fill out to protect your product you purchased. It also asked several other questions about interests such as, home life, leisure, travel, investina dn money, great outdoors and sports,fitness & Health.
Sure you can say this is private organization but they are asking for information that most of you don't believe government should know but I bet are willing to give the answer to them. The only question not asked is about race and I have no problem answering that question to private or government. What are they going to do, take my race away from me for some big government boohah?
Fill out the census form. Answer the questions honestly and get on with your life.

I just hope no one in Michelle Bachmann's district fills them out and her seat is eliminated! Now that would be poetic justice.
(She's a nutcase Republican from Minnesota who thinks "they" are going to put her in an internment camp if she fills out her census! LOL!)

So, if nobody fills it out, do we eliminate the house of representatives?

Hey folks - I am a librarian who sometimes helps genealogists. Please, for the sake of your great, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, whatever, fill out the form and send it in.
Oh, and I was also very confused by the instructions. It wanted me to answer questions about April 1, 2010 so I was going to set it aside. Then I saw the "Send it in today" and thought OK....

That song is going to be stuck in my head all night! LOL Pretty please, fill out your census?

Hey CalcDude - WHAT A HOOT!!!! Can't stop laughing.

I am a genealogy buff and have found the old censuses to be an invaluable tool. The records are not released to the general public for 72 years. They provide a wealth of statistical information to the government in the meantime as to the general make-up of our population such as ages, gender, ethnic background, average size of a household, home ownership, etc. It retrospectively tells us where we've been and where we are going. If you are worried about invasion of privacy, your yearly 1040 already tells them more than the census ever will.

Do all you folks who have already mailed your surveys have precognitive powers? Just curious... ;~)

Were you addressing me, Spark? No, they DON'T have the sort of information requested in an in-depth survey.

The true waste of money will be all the door to door workers that they have to hire because people didn't send in a 2 minute survery. As far as the date of birth, I'm pretty sure they use that to help calculate how many people will need future services such as Social Security. Maybe it should be if you don't return the info, you don't get the funds!

Mines in the mail!

"no": Paul Ryan follows through.

biggirl- not if they claim exempt or claim all the kids they have.

*The US Supreme Court has supported the US Congress' provisions through numerous cases. IF someone wishes to advocate CHANGE of the US Census, s/he NEEDS to contact her/his representatives in the US Congress.*

The Congressperson's staff member will politely listen to your voicemail and then press delete [The Congressperson will be far too busy voting against your interests to actually hear your concern].

Thanks for playing "Democracy ™"!

*Maybe tan could be used too? I don't know. I agree caucasian or white people will be the minority soon. *

No, whites will not be "the minority". There simply will be no "majority" population soon--whites will be a "plurality", i.e., the largest minority population.

No frogger, you need to be a TAXPAYER to get help, and most undocumented people pay taxes (and never get any services).

I think there should be "are you a US citizen" check box. If this reflects how much help people would get, shouldn't you need to be a US CITIZEN to get that help???
Maybe we would have a clearer view of how many are really here illegally.

Where is the Mutt choice? Most of us are mutts I believe. Why is it Indians don't like to be called red, chinese people yellow Etc. Not sure I have the right colors here because I don't use those terms. But why aren't caucasian people offended by the "white" term? It is not okay to call other races by some strange color why is it okay for black and white people? Maybe tan could be used too? I don't know. I agree caucasian or white people will be the minority soon. I don't really care either way. I am just ranting.

WHY do they need my birthday if they ask how old I am. Do they think my math is wrong?????

kiki-we are not all in the phonebook.
Not all pay taxes either or send in their forms.

EMAC- I agree. How much postage and commercials wasted our tax dollars!!

By the way I did mail it. Birth date is missing. If they really want it they can call I guess. Then I can ask WHY.

"oldvet, you sound like a crotchety old fart."

Maybe we need more like him. Speaks the truth I think. I like him.

Yes What happened to the Caucasian people. Now we are white.

As John Denver sang, "You fill out my census, like a night in the forest, ..."

You're comparing a military draft to the census?

It is funny also when the government requires more troops for actions the legislative and executive branch determine, many of the same people now saying no big deal are the ones that would cry the loudest if required to participate.

Be careful with declarations of some avoiding the governments need for help when asked.

Isn't it funny how many people complain anytime the government wants their help? Really, how hard is it to answer questions about your household once every 10 years? Fill it out and mail it in. I did.

oldvet, you sound like a crotchety old fart.

The question regarding race helps states meet legislative redistricting principles and is also used to assess racial disparities in health and environmental risks.

Go ahead and blame everything under the sun on us "libs" though - we're used to it.

I'm still waiting to get the information. The clients I work with got their information a week or so ago... and they live in the same vicinity!

The same people who are not participating in the census will be the very same people complaining when the next legislative REDISTRICTING occurs and when FUNDS are being reapportioned because of the totals. Participating in democracy is far more than voting once or twice a year! THINK before you reject returning your 2010 Census because it - and you - DO COUNT!

Per the numbers: How many have relocated/ been born/ died in our area/ are presently in an out-of-state school for a 4 year program/ relocated for jobs/ do no longer pump dollars into the economy locally/ and present a deficit in federal funding that will account for change over the last 10 year span? Race is a program funding issue, and symentics for federal necessity. This is not an automatic alarm to be set off for the paranoid.
Though we may not always agree, (or ever agree) with government applications of funds; you shouldn't avoid this seemingly simple questionare. When you see the ammounts that we recieved from federal based funds, e.g. FEMA, Educational programs, Local law enforcement/ subsidised housing/ road & bridge repairs/ natural resources/ etc... I believe you would change your tune.
6 million were left unaccountable (WI State estimation alone), from the last census. This greatly reduces the $$$ ammounts that Wisconsin, Rock County, and place your cities name here/ recieve. This isn't a Big Brother issue. Which covers any number of areas OTHER than paranoids' plight.{Your right, THEY ALREADY KNOW WHOM YOU ARE-Spoooooky!}However, they do not work along side those federal programs.
This is a basic accountability per State as a whole. It determins also how many Representatives our state will have, (Zoned).
As far a demographics are concerned, special program funding allocates federal fund to assist them. Verses Our tax money from the state-pocket book.
I believe it is quite childish and also economically foolish NOT to fill it out.
Mines In the mail as we read. This information is for a greater purpose than you detractors have considered. And your reluctance to fill them out/ or report the information to a Worker, will do more personal-fiscal harm than provide individual PROTECTION of self. Your just being completely silly.

They already have all your information. Do you really think they don't?

The Census Bureau also performs expanded, highly detailed personal studies of certain select households. I know because I have been struck by that twice during my lifetime. You've not experienced harassment unless that has happened to you.

Already filled out and mailed. I found the race questions to be offensive, but all the information that I put on the census form the government already has, so it matters not whether the info will be shared or made public (which it probably will). They already know!

I find it ironic that many white folks are afraid of becoming the minority in this country, yet they won't fill out the race question on the census.

Many also complain that the government spends too much money, then they turn around and either throw the census away, or don't fill out the 10 questions completely. The government then has to pay a census worker to visit their home to get the information. Brilliant.

Half the questions on the census have been asked since around the 1900's.

Piece of cake! One of the easiest forms I ever had to fill out.

Northman is right; In the census envelope is a message from the director. The back page says the information will be public after 72 years. This can be used for family history and other historical research. I was surprised when I read the 1910 census and found out my grandfather has a brother that died in childhood!

What makes me angry is the club of "government funding" being held over us by "the government". They take our money, waste a bunch with bureaucracy and then give a portion back with strings attached. Finally they threaten us if we are suspicious of "them". Oh I forgot, then they will send a bunch of ACORN stooges(or what ever name they are hiding under now)to make up what ever answer they want any way.

No1shouldHate, they do not need to know people's bdays, or race. It should be based on the population of the area. The rest if just crap.

Sorry folks but you're ignorant if you don't fill out the census form. Especially in a day where GM no longer pumps tons of money into our local economy, we need all the Federal tax dollars we can get. If you're accustomed to all the nice local programs that our city offers, think twice before throwing your census away...it just may be the difference between getting the right amount of program dollars or getting nothing at all.

Filled mine out night before last. My 4-year old woke up 5 minutes before I did yesterday and decided to tear the envelope almost in half and color the census orange. I have the littlest anarchist ;) We taped the envelope and sent it in as is. Hope they don't mind...lol

Filled out and returned with age, number in household and ansered own or rent question. Nothing more... They have no business asking if I am hispanic.....They don't ask if I am Norwegian, German, Irish, African? Why do you suppose that is? More entitlements for the libs voting bloc? The libs can go scratch

If they come to my door , it will get shut in there face. Not happening. Very questionable how this information is really used.

It asks for names and birthdays, and address. That is ALL someone needs to get a hold of your credit info. Very personal info, and I am not doing it. They come to my door they will not like the answer they get.

If you don't fill it out Census workers will be knocking on your door to ask you in person the questions on the questionaire. So why don't you just save yourself from the interruption and fill it out, as it is required by FEDERAL law and has been for years.

This is what is used to determine how many Congressmen/women we have to represent us in Washington, federal funding for local, county, and state agencies (INCLUDING EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE).

If you don't fill it out you hurt everyone residing in your state, county, township, city, village, etc. Do your civil duty and get it done.

If the govt really wanted to known where you live, what cars you drive, whether you have kids or pets, where you do your banking, where you get medical treatment, what your hobbies or interests have, who your friends and acquaintances may be, how well you maintain your yard if you have one, etc, etc, they would just ask your mail carrier...wait a minute. Maybe that's why they keep them around.

Well, I *was* going to fill mine out, but then I saw John EYESORE’s rant, and I’m starting to RECONSIDER . . .

For those concerned about race, you can always get a tad creative if it makes you feel better. Depending on your heritage, you can write in Germanic, Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, etc. The census bureau will change it to “White”, which isn’t really a race, but you can have your moment in the sun.

If you do any genealogy work, you have probably spent a lot of time digging through past census forms. So, when your descendants are trying to figure out their family trees 100 years from now, they’ll be glad you filled in all the details now.

Yes, for sure, I shall fulfill my duty as a US Citizen to complete my Census Form, Greg! I have, in fact, already completed it and mailed it. I am VERY MUCH CONCERNED about those who argue about the contents of the census form. They do NOT read the US Constitution re. the enumeration which the FOUNDERS gave the US CONGRESS full & complete authority to define. The US Congress has set the provisions for the US Census. The US Supreme Court has supported the US Congress' provisions through numerous cases. IF someone wishes to advocate CHANGE of the US Census, s/he NEEDS to contact her/his representatives in the US Congress. So, here we go... John

I filled mine out but did not include my race or age. They claim they just want to count bodies so what does race have to do with it for monies to your district. Just put the number of people living at your residence and be done with it.

Filled out and mailed.....

kettleblack, although I am not fond of asking additional data, it is legal. Laws created by congress and upheld by the courts support it...does not make it a good law.

Only info legally required is number of occupants. And, as far confidentiality..... think again.

http://www.independent.org/newsroom/arti...

No big deal to me, filled out and mailed. Yawn

the pre-letter was a waste of tax payer money. they should have simply sent everybody a census and then IF somebody doesn't return it, ONLY THEN do they need to send a second census.
and yes, the census IS too intrusive. I only give out my cell phone number to friends (I don't have a home phone). I will give my age but NOT my birthdate. I am not hispanic but I am a member of the HUMAN race. Why would they need to know if I own my home??? They DON"T.

Failing to fill it out could result in a fine of no more than $100.00, filling out false information could result in a fine of no more than $500.00.

Look at the gov census website for details, then decide what you want to spend; zero, 100, or 500.

emac,
"We are sending you a letter to let you know we are sending you a letter." I just want to frame it.

I filled out mine..........just put how many in the house. Thats all. Didn't fill out any of the other stuff. They don't need to know any of the other stuff....................

"Si te dan papel rayado, escribe de traves."
- Juan Ramón Jiménez

What I thought was ridiculous was receiving the letter last week stating I would get my Census form this week. How many millions (or probably billions) did that piece of brilliance cost us?

Filled it out and mailed it today...civic duty for the day..check

AbcXyz makes an interesting point, which I brought up to my wife last night. It asks for the number of people in your household as of April 1. I suggested maybe I should wait to fill it out in case a relative wants to come and live with us by then. She assured me that won't be happening. Whew.

Also, in case anyone considers taking the "advice" of janesvillecomments, fraudulent answers can be subject to hefty fines and even jail time.

Greg Peck

All the info requested on the form can be found via other public sources. ie; phone book, court house, internet. Obey the law; answer and send it in. Feel good about yourself.

Counted the members in my home wrote it down and mailed it off..the rest of those questions are wasted tax payer money. The census is a counting of the people and no more.

The census form is a JOKE! There's NOTHING in it for me to COMPLAIN about, or get PARANOID over.

From the US Census Bureau: The answers you give on the census form cannot be obtained by law enforcement or tax collection agencies. Your answers cannot be used in court. They cannot be obtained with a Freedom of Information Act request. Anyone really believe that?

You do have to put a name on the form, janesvillecomments, and they do have techniques to look for fraudulent, erroneous, or otherwise suspect forms, in which case -- same as if you don't return it -- a census worker will visit your home repeatedly until they can get an answer.
.
I just wish it were a standard paper size.

It took me longer to find my reading glasses than it did to complete the census form.

You have to fill it out. You don't have to sign it. So, I'm thinking of making up a caucasian, senior citizen, entry for each "additional person" space on the form to be sure the Federal Government allocates more funds for that demographic for the next ten years, than any other demographic.

Took one minute to complete. Ready for the mail carrier to pick up today. Count me in !

AbcXyz, you are a dork! Don't take that too personally, okay? Just fill it out and send it in, is that too hard to understand?

It's illegal NOT to return the form. By law we must all be counted every 10 years.

Technically, I'm guessing you're not a lawyer. Ugh.

AbcXyz, it is not illegal to fill out the form before April 1.