I was surprised the other day the receive an envelope from the Republican National Census committee. I can’t imagine how they got my address… In Texas you don’t register with a party affiliation, and in previous states I was always a registered democrat. Besides, I’m a member of the ACLU, so I can’t imagine they would’ve culled my name from that list. 
But no matter, I’m happy and willing to read about most political news from any source! I figured what the heck, let’s see what they want. ENclosed was a survey, they say, to determine what the People truly want from their government. The survey, the letter says, will help shape the Republican platform for the next several years. All I need to do is tell them how I feel. So I stretched a good, long stretch and sat down to complete their survey–democracy at work!
Well, it didn’t take long to figure out that they aren’t truly interested in my opinion. The survey really seems to be after some measurable support of their current platform. As I read through the questions, I found myself ready to check “yes” until I finished the question. Almost every question is laced with emotion and bias, rendering it completely useless as an objective measure of someone’s political support. If a professional writer or statistician wrote that survey, shame on them!
So, I finished the survey. I’m sure my answers aren’t exactly what they’re looking for, but as a citizen of this great country, I’m willing to share it with them. But I get to the end and am rendered completely speechless. Rarely am I rendered completely speechless, I assure you. OK, well, to be honest, I wasn’t completely speechless, but I figured incoherent sputtering and swearing doesn’t really count as “speech.” After taking the time to read the useless and biased survey, I get to the end only to discover that if I want my voice heard, I have to pay them $11 to cover their cost of processing each survey. First, 11 bucks per survey my foot! They should find a better agency to deal with that. Geez. Then came my outrage that this survey was just a wolf in sheep’s clothing! It was purportedly meant to provide me with an opportunity to shape a political party platform. It was actually meant as a way to get me all riled about the evils of the world so I would send money to the Republican party. Well, shoot. If you wanted my money, just ask for it. I was more likely to give it to you before I read your drivel survey! So there, Republican Census committee.
Recent Comments