I mostly agree with the Editorial Board of The Salt Lake Tribune reciting the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in their editorial: "Utah needs an accurate census count.” The pivotal word indeed is “persons.” I agree that the Constitution demands a count of the total number of humans to enable apportionment numbers to the U.S. Congress.
However, for many decades subgroups have been used. I have seen census data on my grandparents and others where it would cite “Head of Household,” “wife,” “child,” etc., etc. That subcategory data helped state and local municipalities judge demographic needs. Occupational data such as small family farmers helped reflect food-supply data, for example.
There was no sinister intent. Portraying accurate sub-groups ultimately helped those groups and can help now, with our aging population and communities underserved by doctors and hospitals.
I know current political games go on, but I see nothing wrong with simply asking a question or even making some questions voluntary and educating the populace to answer accordingly for their own benefit.
I know some politicians want to manipulate to discriminate. However, service-providers also use data in our modern age to serve the "persons" counted.
James Marples, Provo
