When my partner came home after the census worker experience he reamed me out.
I should have immediately called the police and told them a strange whiny man had broken into the building and was calling himself a census worker, he said.
The fact that I had answered any questions at all infuriated him.
My partner’s politics center around a loathing for fascism in its many deceptive, and seemingly innocent, forms. Intimidation that appears harmless, he says, is the most virulent, for people don’t see it for what it is: measured dissolution of our civil rights, and of the federal constitution that was enacted to protect us.
The fact that he is a British born son of two Eastern-European World War II escapees may have something to do with his feelings, but I believe he is right. What does that make me? Someone who doesn’t want to do her civic duty, or does it make me a patriot? I assert that it is the latter.
We are quick to brand those who take sides, or who bring to light harsh realities that we’d rather not face with unpleasant names:
Liberal. Anti-government. Anarchist. Foreigner. Right-winger. Left-winger. Loudmouth. Malcontent…
The world is upside down. It’s so much easier to dismiss those who are saying something unpleasant than having to face the facts, that there is something intrinsically wrong with an unknown individual coming to your door and asking personal and highly intrusive questions, whether they wear a badge or not.
The words of the Master, Jesus, namely, “Love One Another,” have now become buried under a pile of frightening politics. His spiritual directive has, for the most part, been replaced with fear and loathing. Good for you,though, Lane, for doing your civil duty. In addition, congratulations on keeping up your guard, as well as honoring the beliefs of your astute partner. Our current society requires all of us to walk a fine line between intelligent self-preservation and civic duty. Have you considered a huge chain across your apartment’s entry-way?
wow, that was beautiful.
I can understand his upset, however it is better to direct it at the cause : overbearing government.
And as you can guess, I answered the single legitimate question on my form, the number of occupants on “the” date. And mailed it back. And talked to no one in person.
And haven’t been contacted since.
I’m afraid if we don’t all stand up for our civil liberties (“all of the bill of rights, for everyone!”) then they will continue to be stripped away like bark from the tree of liberty.
It’s what I’d do if I were the opposition / a psychotic beaver.