First You Win, Then You Consolidate Your Power

The Obama White House has taken control of the census process, removing it from the Commerce Department. Wall Street Journal columnist John Fund explains the importance of the census: "Anything that threatens the integrity of the Census has profound implications. Not only is it the basis for congressional redistricting, it provides the raw data by which government spending is allocated on everything from roads to schools."



The Census Bureau conducted a study a few years ago and found that "sampling" -- estimating numbers of people based on probability -- won't work. There are too many chances for error. However, Liberal interest groups demanded that illegal immigrants and homeless people be counted in the census. Since these people are living off the grid, so to speak, it makes it nearly impossible to get a solid headcount of their numbers. Democrat strongholds such as inner cities and urban areas, where illegals and the homeless tend to concentrate, would benefit if these people could be "counted." More population equals more representatives, and more control of Congress and federal funds.


Obama's political seizure of a process that is supposed to be scientifically conducted goes against everything he says he believes in. Last December Obama promised to "once again put science at the top of our agenda.” Unless, of course, he can trump science with politics to gain more power for Democrats.


The Census Bureau lists its mission as to serve as "the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy." If, as expected, the Obama White House uses disproven methods such as sampling to conduct the census, then it will have violated the Bureau's mission. The White House has become Tammany Hall, with Obama as a 21st century Boss Tweed.