9-3-26 - 10am - The Census Bureau's Mistakes Have A Human Cost

Imagine a country where the government gets to decide who gets to be counted, and who doesn't. Sounds like a pretty dystopian scenario, right? But this is actually what's happening in the United States, where the Census Bureau's own report card reveals a shocking truth: the 2020 count was wrong, and it's not just a minor mistake. The Bureau's internal audit found that 14 states were undercounted, while eight were overcounted, with some states losing or gaining seats in Congress and electoral votes as a result.This episode delves into the consequences of a flawed census count, where the numbers don't add up and the stakes are high. We explore the impact on states like Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado, where the undercount has real-world effects on representation and power. But it's not just about politics - the Census Bureau's mistakes also have a human cost, particularly for marginalized communities like Hispanic, black, and Native American residents who were disproportionately missed.The speaker takes a closer look at the numbers and the Bureau's own words, revealing a complex web of errors and biases that have led to this mess. We also examine the Trump administration's response to the issue, including a proposed new count that would separate citizens from non-citizens. But is this a step in the right direction, or just a way to further complicate the already broken system?Tune in to this episode to learn more about the Census Bureau's mistakes, the consequences of a flawed count, and the implications for our democracy. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how we can do better in the next census.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.