I am oficially (almost) a fedral criminal

[Bad Dog]

I am posting this to let other folks know that their misgivings about the American Community Survey are shared by at least one other person.  Initially I was feeling pretty alone when I started dealing with the Census Bureau over this issue.  I have since found others on line and determined that my congressmen (I currently have 2 due to redistricting) are aware of the problems with this survey and, both have voted to de-fund the program.

I along with apparently 20% of the household's in the U.S. was tasked by the Census Bureau to complete the American Community Survey under force of law. I won't go into all the details, but the survey requires full personal ID details and extensive (5 pages) physical, work and financial information of every person living at my address.  It also requires three pages of details to include financial on the residence itself.

To date I have received two survey packets, one letter, one card and 6 phone calls.  I have received two verbal threats of federal LE action.  If all goes to form, I should next be receiving unannounced visits and more calls.

What I have found out to date is that this program (for residences) began in 2003 and, to date, nobody has been prosecuted or fined under the statute. Also, there are at least two legal foundations anxiously awaiting the opportunity to challenge the statute in court (Fourth Amendment).  Finally, Congress has voted to de-fund this program and Rand Paul is working in the Senate to at least get participation made voluntary.

[Eupher]

I am posting this to let other folks know that their misgivings about the American Community Survey are shared by at least one other person.  Initially I was feeling pretty alone when I started dealing with the Census Bureau over this issue.  I have since found others on line and determined that my congressmen (I currently have 2 due to redistricting) are aware of the problems with this survey and, both have voted to de-fund the program.

I along with apparently 20% of the household's in the U.S. was tasked by the Census Bureau to complete the American Community Survey under force of law. I won't go into all the details, but the survey requires full personal ID details and extensive (5 pages) physical, work and financial information of every person living at my address.  It also requires three pages of details to include financial on the residence itself.

To date I have received two survey packets, one letter, one card and 6 phone calls.  I have received two verbal threats of federal LE action.  If all goes to form, I should next be receiving unannounced visits and more calls.

What I have found out to date is that this program (for residences) began in 2003 and, to date, nobody has been prosecuted or fined under the statute. Also, there are at least two legal foundations anxiously awaiting the opportunity to challenge the statute in court (Fourth Amendment).  Finally, Congress has voted to de-fund this program and Rand Paul is working in the Senate to at least get participation made voluntary.

I was tagged under this bullshit program. I ignored the ACS announcements, requests, threats. They started calling.

You can better believe I was pissed when they came knocking on the door and Mrs E gave them the information they were looking for. 

I wasn't home, of course, at the time. And she was well aware of my refusal to give out that information. But she is a ****ing confirmed liberal who thinks that the government "is here to help."

FAIL.

 

[Bad Dog]

I was tagged under this bullshit program. I ignored the ACS announcements, requests, threats. They started calling.

You can better believe I was pissed when they came knocking on the door and Mrs E gave them the information they were looking for. 

I wasn't home, of course, at the time. And she was well aware of my refusal to give out that information. But she is a ****ing confirmed liberal who thinks that the government "is here to help."

FAIL.

 

Not your fault.  I have to admit I answered the ten questions on the regular census but, this form is too much. I'm amazed more people don't fight it. It seems to me this is just training for us & future questions will dig deeper.

[Eupher]

Not your fault.  I have to admit I answered the ten questions on the regular census but, this form is too much. I'm amazed more people don't fight it. It seems to me this is just training for us & future questions will dig deeper.

Lots of people are paralyzed at the threats those ****ers communicate. They think, "Jeez, I'd better pull down my pants and have them give me the high, hard one because if I don't, I'm doubly ****ed."

[Texacon]

This kind of stuff scares the shit out of me. I can't believe people answer some of the questions on regular census let alone some of the more intrusive crap.

KC

[Bad Dog]

Lots of people are paralyzed at the threats those ****ers communicate. They think, "Jeez, I'd better pull down my pants and have them give me the high, hard one because if I don't, I'm doubly ****ed."

They quote $5000 but legal experts say the law clearly states $100 max unless you lie on the form & then it is only $500.  Violation would only constitute a federal misdemeanor (I didn't know there was such a thing).

[IassaFTots]

This kind of stuff scares the shit out of me. I can't believe people answer some of the questions on regular census let alone some of the more intrusive crap.

KC

I only answered the questions they already knew the answers to.

ETA:  On the regular census, I haven't gotten that other questionnaire.

[rich_t]

They can kiss my ass.  The only question I will ever answer is how many people reside in the residence.

If I ever get the long form, I will throw it in the trash.

[rich_t]

13 USC § 221 - Refusal or neglect to answer questions; false answers

(a) Whoever, being over eighteen years of age, refuses or willfully neglects, when requested by the Secretary, or by any other authorized officer or employee of the Department of Commerce or bureau or agency thereof acting under the instructions of the Secretary or authorized officer, to answer, to the best of his knowledge, any of the questions on any schedule submitted to him in connection with any census or survey provided for by subchapters I, II, IV, and V of chapter 5 of this title, applying to himself or to the family to which he belongs or is related, or to the farm or farms of which he or his family is the occupant, shall be fined not more than $100.

(b) Whoever, when answering questions described in subsection (a) of this section, and under the conditions or circumstances described in such subsection, willfully gives any answer that is false, shall be fined not more than $500.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, no person shall be compelled to disclose information relative to his religious beliefs or to membership in a religious body.

[DLR Pyro]

Next time to call tell 'em you're in the country illegally.  Watching fall all over themselves offering your food stamps or some other federal assistance program

[Bad Dog]

Next time to call tell 'em you're in the country illegally.  Watching fall all over themselves offering your food stamps or some other federal assistance program

Funny you should mention that.  There are several questions about ethnic heritage, languages spoken & English fluency.  Nothing at all about citizenship.