Written by
Michele Bachmann is at it again.
In anticipation of the 2010 census, the Minnesota congresswoman told the Washington Times that her family “won’t be answering any information beyond” how many people live in the Bachmann household.
Bachmann called the census “the mother lode of all data information,” arguing that the questionnaire is “very intricate” and “personal.” I’d wager that most supermarket discount cards are more comprehensive.
Helpfully, the U.S. Census Bureau released a sample questionnaire—complete with explanations on why the particular question is useful, as well as each question’s pedigree (“Race”, asked since 1790 census; “Marital Status , asked since 1880 census, “Fertility”, asked since 1900 census, etc.).
I see documents like this as bunker-busters –they dislodge the most entrenched conspiracy theories. I’ve added a link to the sample survey (2nd link).
I only hope Bachman’s bunker has internet access.