Why doesn't the Census form (nor the information I received with the form) mention any penalty if I don't fill out the form, nor mention any penalty if I give false information? It doesn't ask for my Social Security number (for a change!). There isn't even a place for me to sign the form. (I'm comparing this to the income tax form and all of its warnings and required signature.) Even the mattress you buy for your bed has a tag that says not to remove it under penalty of law!

The envelope that the form is mailed in does say that your response is required by law. But that envelope is not a legal document, just like the Declaration of Independence is not a legal document. (People tend to throw away the outer envelope of mail they receive. If it is required by law to fill out the form, why didn't the Bureau put the same warning on the form itself?) The outer envelope is not even addressed to me, but to my address. (You know, just like all junk mail).

So, let's see: No penalty warning. No Social Security number required. No signature required.

Interesting.