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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 10/29/2009 1:53:24 PM   
Musicmystery


Posts: 30259
Joined: 3/14/2005
Status: offline 		I think someone else could come along and say, "Why aren't those idiots gathering population data while the damn census takers are already paid and out there?"

Not so sure it's a waste of tax dollars. Making decisions based on real data seems more prudent than taking a stab.


< Message edited by Musicmystery -- 10/29/2009 1:54:16 PM >

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 10/29/2009 8:57:43 PM   
Termyn8or


Posts: 18681
Joined: 11/12/2005
Status: offline 		Given the behavior of the government in the last decade M, what would ever give you that idea ?

T

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 10/30/2009 10:39:50 PM   
einstien5201


Posts: 63
Joined: 9/29/2009
Status: offline 		Because, Termyn8or, regardless of the competency of the decision-maker, the most likely result of a decision based on incorrect data is a worse decision than that based on correct data. The right data, filtered through an idiot, can yield a bad answer. The wrong data, filtered through *anything*, will always yield a bad answer.

Unless you believe that the government is *actively* trying to screw you, providing correct data is always better choice than incorrect data. I won't argue with the idea that some things are none of their damn business, but I'm leery even of this stance.

Considering that the primary use of census data is to allocate seats in the house of representatives, I'm going to make damn sure I get counted. My state having more seats means that my vote counts more (assuming the actual number of voters remains constant). Since I believe I'm a better decision-maker than most of the population, I want my vote as heavily weighted as possible.

< Message edited by einstien5201 -- 10/30/2009 10:40:28 PM >

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 10/31/2009 12:04:05 AM   
Termyn8or


Posts: 18681
Joined: 11/12/2005
Status: offline 		"Unless you believe that the government is *actively* trying to screw you"

Yup, been alive for forty nine years and I can say, yes, they are.

T

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 10/31/2009 12:16:41 AM   
ghitaPVH


Posts: 1363
Joined: 11/14/2007
Status: offline 		Yea....fairly certain the government is actively trying to screw us...but then, Im one of those right wing extremist probable terrorist types......

Again, Im ok with being counted. They do not however need to know if I have a barbecue grill. (or any of the other ludicrous questions they ask...)




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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 10/31/2009 7:39:04 AM   
Musicmystery


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quote:

They do not however need to know if I have a barbecue grill. (or any of the other ludicrous questions they ask...)


What census are YOU taking?

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 10/31/2009 10:49:51 AM   
ghitaPVH


Posts: 1363
Joined: 11/14/2007
Status: offline 		The census discussion came up at one of our last city council meetings here locally, because of all the backwoods rednecks getting all hot and bothered about the census workers showing up on their doorsteps with GPS machines. The council had brought in a speaker from the Census Bureau to show us how "harmless" the 2010 questions will be so we have nothing to worry about. They had a packet with sample questions on it. It was absolutely insane. The grill question was actually something about "Do you have an outdoor propane grill" or something, which apparently is designed to find out how many people are using what sort of energy..but still....

Apparently there are also supposed to be questions about whether or not the family owns firearms...but I never saw anything definite on that....the Speaker avoided those questions quite artfully....


_____________________________

Don't expect anything of me and I promise I'll never disappoint you.

"The true man wants two things: danger and play. For that reason he wants woman, as the most dangerous plaything. --Nietzsche"

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 10/31/2009 1:53:57 PM   
Musicmystery


Posts: 30259
Joined: 3/14/2005
Status: offline 		I have no trouble with collecting such data. I don't get the problem.

I don't understand the knee jerk reaction against it either, other than some irrational assumption that the government is automatically up to no good and just there to take your beer and steal your women.

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 10/31/2009 4:01:23 PM   
sophia37


Posts: 1433
Joined: 2/7/2006
Status: offline 		oh gee wiz. I was a census participant for at least five years. I felt like I was doing good when i told them all about me. For heavens sake, somebody's gotta say something real! So why not let it be me. I was pleased they chose me. I was seriously disappointed when the guy stopped coming over. Bummer. Politics and all. His wife didnt like me. I wanted to report that. But never got around to it. Busy and all. I thought they were supposed to follow me for at least ten years. To get accurate information and all. Maybe I should go make inquiries. 

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 11/1/2009 5:04:10 AM   
Musicmystery


Posts: 30259
Joined: 3/14/2005
Status: offline 		Gosh. And ya wonder why people don't see this as rational.

The census is once every ten years. What the fuck are you babbling about?

If folks are so paranoid about their privacy, you should give up your cell phones--they pinpoint your exact location at every moment.

Welcome to Big Brother--and you pay him to do it.

< Message edited by Musicmystery -- 11/1/2009 5:30:56 AM >

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 11/1/2009 8:22:13 AM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline 		I do find it creapy that they now want the GPS of your front door.   Years ago- I could go to the county building and see the floor plans of any house in the town.   Now it is all on computer- and that is not in the computer.  Also the computer only goes back to 1930- and I wanted to know the history of my house.  

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 11/1/2009 8:25:05 AM   
Musicmystery


Posts: 30259
Joined: 3/14/2005
Status: offline 		Dude, that information is already far, far out of the bag.

Hell, I can see your front door and whether your car is in the driveway from Google Earth.


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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 11/1/2009 8:25:48 AM   
mnottertail


Posts: 60698
Joined: 11/3/2004
Status: offline 		And I can see Russia from MY HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 11/1/2009 8:32:40 AM   
Musicmystery


Posts: 30259
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Status: offline 		Hey Ron--your lawn need mowing, btw. And you left your cell phone on the bathroom sink.


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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 11/1/2009 8:37:42 AM   
DarkSteven


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Musicmystery

Hey Ron--your lawn need mowing, btw. And you left your cell phone on the bathroom sink.



And you've had that slavegirl chained in your dungeon for four days now.  Make sure she gets enough water and food.


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The small-breasted ones want larger breasts. The large-breasted ones want smaller ones. The straight-haired ones curl their hair, and the curly-haired ones straighten theirs...

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 11/1/2009 8:55:50 AM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline 		that is sort of like saying- I will tell them everything because they will learn it anyway.

that is not a good thing to do.  it might seem like good logic but it is not.

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 11/1/2009 8:59:28 AM   
Musicmystery


Posts: 30259
Joined: 3/14/2005
Status: offline 		Someone will explain it to you later.

Ah darkness...the knowledge of the 21st century.

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 11/1/2009 9:09:06 AM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline 		No.  Say I am haggling over the price of a widget at a flea market.  I am not going to say- well I have $400 in my wallet.  No.  I might even only have a bunch of singles with other money in the car.

Or if a robber breaks in- tell him- all the loot is in the freezer.  No. let him work for it.

The difference is the government is always right- and the peon must comply with any demand that government decides.  This is no problem when you agree with the mode- but what if you don't?

locally we had a personal property tax.  so junk- would have to pay in annual tax.  If you did not file there was a $50 fine.  But guess what?  No one filed.  It was such a failure they finally scrapped the tax.

Wait until cap and trade taxes your every move....   you might wish the feds did not know quite so much about your lifestyle.

(in reply to Musicmystery)
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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 11/1/2009 9:15:14 AM   
Musicmystery


Posts: 30259
Joined: 3/14/2005
Status: offline 		The difference is that this has nothing to do with the question.

False analogy.

And misses the point. You're chasing a horse that's far, far down the road. Slam the barn door repeatedly if it makes you happy.

I have no problem with the government collecting demographic information. I even think it's smart. Quickly and efficiently makes sense, rather than making it more expensive by "making them work for it."



< Message edited by Musicmystery -- 11/1/2009 9:19:30 AM >

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RE: What I learned about the census ... - 11/1/2009 9:21:59 AM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline 		Yes- but what makes you think the government represents YOU?

(rhetorical question)

good fences make good neighbors.  I do not want the government to solve any more problems.  So hell yeah- make them work for it.

(in reply to Musicmystery)
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