Our Viewpoint

The U.S. Constitution required that the population be counted every decennial (10 years). It was simply a count. Today, the U.S. Census has turned into a data mining production and swerved from its original intention.

In the first census in 1790, there were six questions asking the number of free white males aged under 16, the number of free white males of 16 years and upward, number of free white females, number of other free persons and number of slaves. In the 1800s, questions about economics, education, social statistics and mortality were added. And in 1820, a question about citizenship was added.

Census data historically has been used to ensure representation in Congress and the equal distribution of public funds.

The U.S. Census has grown well beyond being a count of the people in the country. The Department of Commerce conducts the annual American Community Survey for more detailed information that helps leaders and businesses better understand what's happening in their communities.

There are many surveys available through the U.S. Census bureau now, from economic data to statistics about housing and the number of bathrooms a house has. The census should go back to being what it was intended, a count of the number of residents in the country.

Many people, including some in Sanders County, are uncomfortable with giving so much personal information to census takers. If the census each decennial went back to simply counting the number of residents, it would probably set better with those people.