blog of bile » census

Dear Resident

bile — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:55:46 +0000

From a letter I received today from:

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economics and Statistics Administration

U.S. Census Bureau

Washington, DC 20233-0001

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

Letter body:

Dear Resident:

About one week from now, you will receive a 2010 Census form in the mail. When you receive your form, please fill it out and mail it in promptly.

Your response is important. Results from the 2010 Census will be used to help each community to get its fair share of government funds for highways, schools, health facilities, and many other programs you and your neighbors need. Without a complete, accurate census, your community may not receive its fair share.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Sincerely,

[Signed]

Robert M. Groves

Director, U.S. Census Bureau

Go to 2010census.gov for help completing your 2010 Census form when it arrives.

This should be fun. I guess they didn’t learn their lessons the first time.

Israeli Knesset approves to be mandatory biometric database law

bile — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:23:12 +0000

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3816629,00.html

The Knesset on Monday adopted a bill establishing a biometric database in Israel, which will eventually lead to the replacement of regular identification with electronic IDs. Forty Mks supported the bill, 11 opposed it, and three abstained.

In addition to identification cards and passports, the database will also be designed to hold the fingerprints and visual scans of every citizen of Israel. The bill is scheduled to be put into motion during the next few months, and a two-year trial period will then test the system by offering membership to those who desire it.

Interior Minister Eli Yishai said he would consult the Justice Ministry on where to anchor the database, whether in his own ministry or the latter.

During the trial period any citizen desiring an electronic ID card or passport will be able to join the database and receive the benefits that go along with it. Others will receive regular IDs.

A few months before the two-year period ends, ministers will have to present the results of the trial to the Knesset and its various committees. Only upon their approval will the law be put into effect, and all citizens will be included in the system.

The information in the database will be kept secret, and will therefore not be available to public scrutiny.

During the debate on the bill MK Nitzan Horowitz (Meretz), who opposed it, said the database was “risky, superfluous, and expensive”.

He went to the stand and waved papers he said contained private details from the Interior Ministry’s census. “Any child could do this; it’s totally breached,” he told Ynet later. “This is proof that these databases leak.”

and what’s the penalty for not going along with it?

will they hire germans to ask people for their papers?

Census worker found hanging in a tree near a Kentucky cemetery had the word “fed” scrawled on his chest

bile — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:20:18 +0000

http://www.sfgate.com/…

A U.S. Census worker found hanged from a tree near a Kentucky cemetery had the word “fed” scrawled on his chest, a law enforcement official said Wednesday, and the FBI is investigating whether he was a victim of anti-government sentiment.

Wow. The government is getting further out of hand and the Census Bureau certainly is playing it’s part… but should this turn out to be a murder it’s totally illegitimate. And I hope the perpetrator is caught and and appropriately punished.

Making it hard to even protest: healthcare bill would collect fines through IRS

bile — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:07:26 +0000

http://news.yahoo.com/…

First you paid to insure your car. Soon you may have to add health insurance premiums to that stack of monthly bills as well.

In a revamped health care system envisioned by senators, people would be required to carry health insurance just like motorists must get auto coverage now. The government would provide subsidies for the poor and many middle-class families, but those who still refuse to sign up would face fines of more than $1,000.

The details were unveiled Thursday in a health care overhaul bill supported by key Senate Democrats looking to fulfill President Barack Obama’s top domestic priority.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated the fines would raise around $36 billion over 10 years. Senate aides said the penalties would be modeled on the approach taken by Massachusetts, which now imposes a fine of about $1,000 a year on individuals who refuse to get coverage. Under the federal legislation, families would pay higher penalties than individuals.

Called “shared responsibility payments,” the fines would offset at least half the cost of basic medical coverage, according to the legislation. The goal is to nudge people to sign up for coverage when they are healthy, not wait until they get sick.

In 2008, employer-provided coverage averaged $12,680 a year for a family plan, and $4,704 for individual coverage, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s annual survey. Senate aides, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said the cost of the federal plan would be lower but declined to provide specifics.

The legislation would exempt certain hardship cases from fines, which would be collected through the income tax system.

Tying it into the income tax is really really sneaky. It makes it very difficult to protest against. If the federal government wanted to fine me for not participating in the census they’d have to bring me to court. If this bill is passed the IRS handles the fine. It’s tied into your income taxes. If you don’t pay you don’t go to a normal court… but likely a tax court. You won’t be able to seperate the fine from the rest of their bill. It makes it easier for them to catch and easier to collect.

If they passed a bill requiring healthcare without this IRS enforcement of the fine I would seriously consider canceling my health insurance just to incure a fine and test the system. If it passes as currently is however only those who don’t pay income tax could really get out of this demand and if they ever got caught the fine would be the least of their problems.

Love how they talk about how much the fines will make them too. Scumbags.

It appears not so mandatory after all

bile — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:54:54 +0000

May 28th was the last I heard from Census Bureau New York Representative Edward Marcus. Today, after nearly 2 months, I decided to give the New York office a call after reading that you can find out whether your address has been selected for the American Community Survey.

After pressing zero to talk with an attendant I told the person that I wished to confirm that my address had been selected. I was told I’d be forwarded to another department and that I needed to ask for the supervisor. When the other department picked up I told the person I needed to talk with the supervisor and was asked for my name. After a quarter second of contemplation I said, “no.” I’m sure it came off a little harsh. The guy seemed a little taken back and hesitated for at least a second and just said “OK” and put me on hold. Next time its “I’d rather not.”

The supervisor picked up after maybe 10 seconds and I repeated my request. She asked for my county, then my zip, and then my full address. It appeared that the address did not come up as after she had entered the information she asked when I had been contacted. I told her the last letter which I had received was the end of May. She looked up May and confirmed that I had been selected. I then asked her what was next. I hadn’t received anything since that time. I was told that since I was part of the May, 2008 sample and I’d not gotten back to the representative that it didn’t matter any more. I ask: “So that’s it?” and she said: “Yes, the data would no longer be useful.” Unfortunately I forgot to ask about the fine which USC Title 13 clearly says I am to receive for not participating. Her demeanor was such that it seems that the fine hadn’t even been considered by her. She didn’t mention it and when I got my answer she was ready to end the conversation. Perhaps she’s a cold hearted bitch and didn’t mention it because she likes the idea of me being broadsided with a max $5,000 fine and she’s going to contact our friend Edward to let him know I called.

Assuming that’s not the case it looks like the census isn’t so mandatory after all. You just need to wait them out. I originally was going to call Mr. Marcus to ask if the supposed obligation to respond to the ACS had been waived or if I should be expecting a fine. I’ve sort of gotten my answer though it’s not 100%. Perhaps I still will. I’d be nice to have a Census Bureau bureaucrat tell me that all the hubbub and wasted ink and paper threating to fine me was just that.

They still don’t have my name

bile — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 03:05:59 +0000

I spoke with the neighbor upstairs tonight. They told me that the Census Bureau rep who called did not ask for me by name nor did they give out any of my information or my name. The rep was told they did not feel comfortable speaking for me. No contact info was left but the number on caller ID is available in case I wish to use it.

I did some looking around the Net and read over much of Title 13 and was not able to find what gives the Census Bureau the authorization to request personal information from individuals who aren’t me. Likely the Secretary of the Department of Commerce can do whatever is necessary just as they can ask any questions they wish.

Census Bureau continues its trek to get my information

bile — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:58:48 +0000

At 3:09PM today I receive a call from the head of the other family who lives above me in the building I rent. I’m informed that a representative of the Census Bureau had called them at 9:30PM Saturday night. Both on their cell phone and land line. The woman, apparently not our friend Edward Marcus, asked for them to provide her with information about me on my behalf. I had previously asked them that in case this were to occur not to even give them my name. I was told they hadn’t but will have to confirm this evening when I speak with them about the incident. I hope that not even my first name was given though it’s possible that it could have easily came out while discussing me. Worst case would be a last name.

My plan currently is to suggest that if a Census Bureau representative contacts them again to inform the rep that they will not speak on my behalf and not to call back. The neighbor has the rep’s number so if they are told not to call back and do I will call and tell them to leave my neighbor alone.

I need to do some searching through the laws to see if what they are doing is legal. Not that they care I’m sure.

2008 American Community Survey Questionnaire

bile — Sat, 31 May 2008 02:29:42 +0000

2008 ACS Questionnaire – English | Spanish

Persons

Name
Relation to first person surveyed
Sex
Age, Birthday
Of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?
Race
Place of birth?
Citizen?
Year came to USA?
Attended school/college in past 3 months? Grade?
Highest level completed?
Ethnic origin?
Speak a language other than English?
Live in home 1 year ago?
Covered by health insurance?
Deaf?
Difficulty remembering/making decisions? Walking, claiming stairs? Dressing or bathing?
Because of physical, mental, emotional condition have difficulty doing errands?
Marital status?
Past year got married, widowed, divorced?
Number of times married?
Year last married?
If female, given birth in past year?
Any grandchildren under 18 in home?
Been on active duty in military?
When?
Have a VA service-connected disability rating?
Paid for work in past week?
Where did they work?
How do they get to work?
How many people ride to work?
What time do they leave for work?
How long to get to work?
Were they laid off from work last week?
Last 4 weeks, looking for work?
Last week, could have started if offered?
When last worked?
Past year, work 50 or more weeks?
Past year, how many hours per week?
Private employee? Government employee?
Employer?
Business type?
Category?
Job work type?
Most important duties?
Income earned in past year broken down
Total income in past year

Housing

Building description
When was it built
When did you move into the building
How many acres
Sales of agricultural products from property in past year
Is there a business on the property?
How many separate rooms in the building, bedrooms?
Does it have: hot/cold running water, flush toilet, sink with faucet, stove, refrigerator, telephone?
How many automobiles?
Most used fuel for heating?
Cost of electricity,gas last month? water/sewer, heating fuel in past year?
In past year did anyone receive food stamps?
Building part of a condominium?
Is the building owned, rented?
Whats the monthly rent?
What would it sell for now?
Annual real estate taxes?
Annual payment for fire, hazard, flood insurance?
Have a mortgage, deed of trust, contract to purchase, or other debt on this property? What’s the monthly payment?
Do you have a second mortage or home equity lone on this property?
Total annual costs for property taxes, rent, fees?

Clarification and information on my current census situation

bile — Fri, 30 May 2008 12:07:12 +0000

I don’t believe in any of my posts on my ongoing census ordeal I’ve claimed the census was the official decennial census. However over at the MLP’s blog Serf City I had and was asked how it was I got a 2010 census request in 2008.

It really hadn’t dawned on me to look into how they go about collecting the census and while the law says they can have other surveys the pamphlet they gave me [page 4,5] says “United States Census 2010″ on the front lower right. I figured “The American Community Survey” title was just some fancy thing used to get more people to fill it out. “It’s for the community! To help the children and fix the roads!” type guilt trip. Turns out I was incorrect. The ACS according to Wikipedia:

The American Community Survey (ACS) is a project of the U.S. Census Bureau that replaces the long form in the decennial census. It is an ongoing statistical survey, and thus more current than information obtained by the long form. Many Americans found filling out the long form to be burdensome, intrusive, and its unpopularity was a factor in the declining response rate to the decennial census. In 1995, the Bureau began a process to change the means of demographic, housing, social, and economic information from the census long form to the ACS. Testing began in 1996, and the ACS program began producing test data in 2000, 2001, and 2002. The full program is expected to be implemented by 2010.

Not surprisingly Ron Paul has commented on this:

You may not have heard of the American Community Survey, but you will. The national census, which historically is taken every ten years, has expanded to quench the federal bureaucracy’s ever-growing thirst to govern every aspect of American life. The new survey, unlike the traditional census, is taken each and every year at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars. And it’s not brief. It contains 24 pages of intrusive questions concerning matters that simply are none of the government’s business, including your job, your income, your physical and emotional heath, your family status, your dwelling, and your intimate personal habits.

The questions are both ludicrous and insulting. The survey asks, for instance, how many bathrooms you have in your house, how many miles you drive to work, how many days you were sick last year, and whether you have trouble getting up stairs. It goes on and on, mixing inane questions with highly detailed inquiries about your financial affairs. One can only imagine the countless malevolent ways our federal bureaucrats could use this information. At the very least the survey will be used to dole out pork, which is reason enough to oppose it.

Keep in mind the survey is not voluntary, nor is the Census Bureau asking politely. Americans are legally obligated to answer, and can be fined up to $1,000 per question if they refuse!

I introduced an amendment last week that would have eliminated funds for this intrusive survey in a spending bill, explaining on the House floor that perhaps the American people don’t appreciate being threatened by Big Brother. The amendment was met by either indifference or hostility, as most members of Congress either don’t care about or actively support government snooping into the private affairs of citizens.

[more]

The Wikipedia entry links to a World Net Daily article from November, 2007 which reads in part:

Another month is coming, and another 250,000 forms are being mailed out in the U.S. Census Bureau’s perpetual American Community Survey, which demands responses to personal questions about a family’s lifestyle, housing accommodations, work schedules, physical and mental disabilities, income and the like.

That means roughly 250,000 times recipients will see the warning that participation is required by law, and there are penalties including fines for not answering each question. But, in fact, U.S. Census Bureau officials say they’ve never had anyone prosecuted for refusing to provide those intimate details to the government.

“The Census Bureau has never prosecuted anybody,” spokesman Clyve Richmond told WND. “We try to work with people and explain how useful the information is.”

The very next line is:

As WND has reported, the U.S. Census Bureau switched from the surveys once every 10 years, called for in the U.S. Constitution, to annual surveys sent to three million households, to keep the government’s data more up-to-date.

So maybe I wasn’t all that off. They’ve moved the (IMO) unconstitutional long form component from the decennial census to a rolling survey and plan on getting rid of the long form for the 2010 head count census.

2008-05-28 Census papers

bile — Thu, 29 May 2008 11:57:11 +0000

Find here: census_papers_2008-05-28.pdf Related posts:2008-05-27 Census papers Edward Marcus and the Census Bureau strike again! Raise stakes. PDF of the documents I received from the Census Bureau Related posts: