Privacy seems to be no big deal in the age of Obama. Folks raised pure hell during the domestic eavesdropping program that targeted those connected with foreign terrorist networks. When the debate reached the Black portion of the political drive-thru car wash, we were reminded about how Civil Rights leaders like MLK, Malcolm X and others were bugged by our government and how government “probing” has never been a good thing for Black folks.
Well apparently all it took was the presence of a Black (Waitaminute! Black/White) man to alleviate any fears that government can and does overreach.
From the NY Post
Recently nearly 3 million Americans were sent the American Community Survey. An annual supplement to the decennial Census, the 28-page survey pursues obnoxious nanny-state details such as whether your home has a flush toilet, what kind of fuel you use for heat and how much you spend on everything from electricity and flood insurance to your mortgage and property taxes.
Then come the really nosy questions, ranging from your college major and your health insurance to how you spend each day at the office. The survey even asks what time you leave for work, down to the hour and minute.
It also asks whether, “because of a physical, mental or emotional condition,” you have difficulty “concentrating, remembering or making decisions,” “walking or climbing stairs,” “doing errands alone such as visiting a doctor’s office or shopping” or “dressing or bathing.”
So much for keeping government out of the bedroom. The survey also demands your current marital status; whether you’ve been married, widowed or divorced in the last 12 months, and how many times you’ve been married. If you’re a woman between the ages of 15 and 50, you must also answer whether you’ve given birth in the last 12 months. The Census Bureau says this “measure of fertility” is used to “carry out various programs required by statute, including . . . conducting research for voluntary family planning programs.” What was that about a “woman’s right to privacy”?
It’s tempting to toss the survey in the circular file, but recipients are required by law to respond. According to the Census Web site, the fine for nonparticipation can be as much as $5,000, and filing false information can pack a $500 punch.
Now if the truth be told, many people dispense this personal information freely via online social networks like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc. But typically most people feel a bit reluctant giving out that information when government is the recipient. And why not? If the government is having trouble knowing the whereabouts of TRILLIONS of dollars, how well can it secure the personal information of millions of Americans?
On top of all of this, the government is going to fine individuals up to $5,000 if they fail to comply. Talk about a Thugocracy!
But its a historical moment. Now shut up and go back to sleep.
Related:
“A matter of national security? (Video added)”
You are getting sleeeepy
by Duane on May 30th, 2009 at 10:58 amPrivacy seems to be no big deal in the age of Obama. Folks raised pure hell during the domestic eavesdropping program that targeted those connected with foreign terrorist networks. When the debate reached the Black portion of the political drive-thru car wash, we were reminded about how Civil Rights leaders like MLK, Malcolm X and others were bugged by our government and how government “probing” has never been a good thing for Black folks.
Well apparently all it took was the presence of a Black (Waitaminute! Black/White) man to alleviate any fears that government can and does overreach.
From the NY Post
Now if the truth be told, many people dispense this personal information freely via online social networks like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc. But typically most people feel a bit reluctant giving out that information when government is the recipient. And why not? If the government is having trouble knowing the whereabouts of TRILLIONS of dollars, how well can it secure the personal information of millions of Americans?
On top of all of this, the government is going to fine individuals up to $5,000 if they fail to comply. Talk about a Thugocracy!
But its a historical moment. Now shut up and go back to sleep.
Related:
“A matter of national security? (Video added)”