No offense, Mr. Prewitt, but some of this just isn't any of your business

Over the Fence

By Randy Mankin

Article 1, Section 2, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution requires that once every ten years, the federal government "enumerate the inhabitants" of this great land. Nothing further is called for, and as far as I’m can tell, nothing more is needed.

Since it has been unlawful for many years to consider sex, race or ethnicity when hiring or firing, why does the Census Bureau need to know these things?

If I can’t ask a prospective employee about their marital status, why should the Census Bureau be allowed to ask about mine?

Kenneth Prewitt is the Director of the U.S. Census Bureau. He’s the one in charge of asking all those nosey questions on the "Long Form" so many of us received. And...he’s the one to whom the rest of my comments are directed.

Mr.Prewitt, sir, with all due respect, it’s none of your business, what time I leave for work, neither is it any of your business how I get there. And, as for my income, that’s strictly between me, the Lord and the IRS.

Your concern about the type of home I live in is touching. Yet, I doubt very much if you would be interested in helping me maintain it. As for the home’s plumbing, how could you possibly be concerned about that?

Mr. Prewitt, sir, your job is to count me. I’m here, doing my duty as a citizen, holding my hand up to be counted. But, that’s where my duty stops.

You see, sir, once you’ve counted me, nothing further is required. You don’t need to know what type of fuel I use, and it’s certainly none of your business how much I pay for water and sewer services.

As for my race and/or ethnic background, please count me as an AMERICAN! That is, after all, what you’re supposed to be doing...counting Americans.

Mr. Prewitt, sir, you have an enormous job to do. Counting over 275 million people is challenging enough. Why complicate that job by sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong?

I understand that the Census Bureau is prepared to levy a fine of $100 against anyone not responding to the questionnaire. Those who dare to respond untruthfully can expect the same punishment.

Well, Mr. Prewitt, I’m ready to pay that price. If you’ll simply call the newspaper office I’ll be happy to set up a time when you can come by and pick up my check. I’ll want to ask you a few questions, of course.

And, yes, my questions will be just as personal as yours.

Where do I get the authority to ask questions of you. Why, Mr. Prewitt, the First Amendment to the Constitution speaks eloquently about the freedom of the press. Much more eloquently, in fact than it does about the "enumeration of the inhabitants" on which your agency bases its claim of authority.