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Marine59 
The Census Bureau estimates that the life cycle cost of the 2010 Census will be $13.7 Billion to $14.5 Billion, making it the costliest census in the nation's history.
Suppose you suggest to a congressman that, given our budget crisis, we could save some money by dispensing with the 2010 census. I guarantee that he'll say something along the lines of that the Constitution mandates a decennial counting of the American people, and he would be absolutely right. Article 1, Section 2 of our Constitution reads: "The actual Enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct."
The Census Bureau tells us that, this year, it will use a shorter questionnaire, consisting of 10 questions. From what I see, only one of them serves the constitutional purpose of enumeration -- namely, "How many people were living or staying at this house, apartment or mobile home on April 1, 2010."
The Census Bureau's shorter questionnaire claim is deceptive at best.
The American Community Survey, long form, that used to be sent to one in six households during the decennial count, is now being sent to many people every year. Here's a brief sample of its questions, and I want someone to tell me which question serves the constitutional function of apportioning the number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives: Does this house, apartment, or mobile home have hot and cold running water, a flush toilet, a bathtub or shower, a sink with a faucet, a refrigerator, a stove? Last month, what was the cost of electricity for this house, apartment or mobile home? How many times has this person been married?
The Census Bureau also asks questions about race, and I want to know what does my race have to do with apportioning the U.S. House of Representatives?
Walter E Williams, Syndicated Columnist
Suppose you suggest to a congressman that, given our budget crisis, we could save some money by dispensing with the 2010 census. I guarantee that he'll say something along the lines of that the Constitution mandates a decennial counting of the American people, and he would be absolutely right. Article 1, Section 2 of our Constitution reads: "The actual Enumeration shall be made within three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct."
The Census Bureau tells us that, this year, it will use a shorter questionnaire, consisting of 10 questions. From what I see, only one of them serves the constitutional purpose of enumeration -- namely, "How many people were living or staying at this house, apartment or mobile home on April 1, 2010."
The Census Bureau's shorter questionnaire claim is deceptive at best.
The American Community Survey, long form, that used to be sent to one in six households during the decennial count, is now being sent to many people every year. Here's a brief sample of its questions, and I want someone to tell me which question serves the constitutional function of apportioning the number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives: Does this house, apartment, or mobile home have hot and cold running water, a flush toilet, a bathtub or shower, a sink with a faucet, a refrigerator, a stove? Last month, what was the cost of electricity for this house, apartment or mobile home? How many times has this person been married?
The Census Bureau also asks questions about race, and I want to know what does my race have to do with apportioning the U.S. House of Representatives?
Walter E Williams, Syndicated Columnist
Categories: Political Comments
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