Why The Repubs Are WELL AND TRULY FUCKED With Regard To The Census

[Beetwasher]

I can't find where I read this recently, if anyone can point to it, I'd be much appreciated, but the gist of it is this: the Repubs fought to change the way data is collected via the census so that the gov't no longer uses sampling. IOW, it's only ACTUAL forms filled out and returned that will be used. So if you don't fill one out, you don't get counted. I believe they used to use sampling and/or weighting to account for some of the unreturned forms and to make the data more accurate. Repubs changed that since the last census, thinking the more precise the numbers, the better it was for Dems, and the less precise the numbers, and the less amount of forms filled out and returned would be better for them, akin to their strategy regarding voting. Now, because of that change, all the idiot RW nutjobs who don't respond will NOT be counted. Period. And there will be no statistical weighting or sampling to account or make up for them. We may very well see some real life implications because of this, such as House Reps being taken away from TX.

IOW, they will be well and truly fucked.

I will see if I can find where I read this, but please, chime in to correct and/or add anything. It may not be quite as simple as I put it, but that's the main gist of what I read.

[eleny]

1. Since Dems don't rail against socialist services - we naturally gravitate to using the USPS

We mailed ours a few weeks ago. :D

[Mz Pip]

2. I never got ours

and we've been here for 25 years. But I'll be more than happy to cooperate with the men in black who come to my door asking all those inapproriate questions.

[eleny]

4. The other day I read that there's more to be mailed out

[Dappleganger]

5. Like how many times a day you flush your toilet?? nt

[struggle4progress]

9. IIRC, that question is only asked if you live in a parallel universe

[Lugnut]

10. We're here 43 years.

This is the first time we didn't get a census form.

I called the 866 number earlier. A recording said they are sendng out forms until April 12. If we don't get one by then I was instructed to call them again.

[aquart]

3. Well, we hire and send out people to get those unreturned forms filled.

In the end, all the Republicans are doing is ensuring that employment statistics look good for a while. It is highly unlikely that there are enough idiots listening to Rush and Beck in any one area to cause the loss of even one seat.

Although it is pleasant to consider the possibility.

[Beetwasher]

7. Oh, I Know, But You're Still Going To Have A LOT Of Non Responses

From the RW, even with the visits. More than usual, I think. I think we might see some interesting fall out if the NR numbers are any where near what has been indicated so far.

[eleny]

8. We got two this year....

One was for a cottage on this property. Nobody has lived there for years. So I called the Census and spoke with a woman service person who advised me to throw it away. I asked if someone would come out to follow up. She said maybe they would and that I could just let them know the situation.

I've been retired from social services for 10 years now. Most of my 30 years was spent out in the field interviewing so I was tempted to get back into it as a temp Census worker. Then I figured someone else might need the work so I canceled my test appointment. But I have to say that when I think of it I do wish I could do it. I really enjoyed the public contact. And I'm not afraid of all the silly right wing hype and threats. I always did have the face that people spilled info to. I know I could do a good job. :D

[Hippo_Tron]

6. Keith pointed this out on this show months ago

Basically Michelle Bachmann's railing against the census might possibly lead to the redistricting her out of her seat. Epic fail...

[Beetwasher]

11. Maybe That Was It

Thanks!