It finally arrived...

The census form did. We didn't get the long form this time - last time the census rolled around, we got that.. I remember filling it out, asking myself "what the heck? why are they asking me all this?"

This time, I wish I had gotten the long form, so I could write across the reset of it "nunya business".

Hmm.. I have a red sharpie. I'll scribble "confidential" across the rest of it. They even ask your telephone number on the short form.

According to usconstitution.net they have this:

The final bill, Statute 2 of March 1, 1790, provided that census marshals and assistants be appointed. The marshals were directed to:

cause the number of the inhabitants within their respective districts to be taken; omitting in such enumeration Indians not taxed, and distinguishing free persons, including those bound to service for a term of years, from all others; distinguishing also the sexes and colours of free persons, and the free males of sixteen years and upwards from those under that age.

This is the law concerning not filling out the form fully, or filling it out with false answers.

Darn. I was going to count Nibbler and Princess Anna Marie Buttercup as members of the family. Maybe Mr. Fatty too. (aka Daniel)

I went according to the 1790 census rules, and did number of persons, sex, and race.

Michelle Bachman (R-MN) has said she will not fill out all the questions on the census. She's taking alot of flack for this, but the questions they ask are really "nunya"

They share data also - US Code Title 13, 402.

The Bureau of the Census may provide business data to the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (“Designated Statistical Agencies”) if such information is required for an authorized statistical purpose and the provision is the subject of a written agreement with that Designated Statistical Agency, or their successors, as defined in the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002.

You have to read this: http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/13/usc_sec_13_00000401----000-.html

Why are they sharing with Dept of Commerce? All that the Constitution requires is an ENUMERATION. Meaning a COUNTING of persons. Not asking you your telephone number, or if you own (do you have a mortgage too is a question) or if you rent.

On another note, I got two new hibiscus. A double deep maroon, and a large splashy orange one. Plus 4 new rosebushes, and a chinese lantern plant. Pictures to follow when my internet is acting a bit better than it has been these 4 days. Plus this neat picture I just took this afternoon while I was getting ready to fix bean soup.