Letter: Emotions are running high over census tally

Sunday, April 9, 2000 | 10:36 a.m.

For the most part I don't have a real problem with the questions that are being asked on the long form, which I did receive by the way, but I feel that the government already has access to the information asked about on the form. In addition, it has been put across to me in a way that states, "It's the law and you must comply." Americans don't like that!

We tend to stand on principles, and in some case emotions, when it is presented in that fashion. The participation rate would be much higher today for the census if all households received the long form and it was "optional" to complete a set of supplemental questions. More Americans would have completed the additional questions, which are now being disdained by not only prominent politicians, but also by numerous citizens. Americans like choices, not laws that some feel invade privacy.

While I have a strong love for this country and do want to be a good citizen, I also feel over my lifetime I have witnessed more and more government intrusion, all while under the cover of what is required by law. Slowly our privacy has been eroded. I remain undecided on whether or not I will complete the "long form." I am trying real hard not to let emotions get in the way and to stand on principles.

HOWARD WEBB

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