EL CERRITO, CALIF., August 1, 1971. President RICHARD NIXON, White House, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I was recently distressed to learn that your administration has withdrawn support for the institution of mid-decade censuses commencing with the year 1975. I hope you will reconsider. As an urban economist I have numerous occasions to utilize Census Data, both for our private sector clients and governmental agencies for whom we work. Current data on population, housing, development trends, income and other socio-economic characteristics are critical in keeping abreast of conditions in our rapidly changing society. They are essential in measuring the extent of and formulating solutions to our urban problems, as well as important in market research to insure the continuation of a viable national economy. I urge your support for a mid-decade census and recommend you direct the Census bureau to take the necessary steps to implement the program. Sincerely, THOMAS J. HARRISON. WASHINGTON, D.C., July 27, 1971. Hon. CHARLES H. WILSON, U.S. House of Representatives, DEAR CONGRESSMAN WILSON: I would like to write a little piece on the need for a mid-decade census of population. I had a stroke two years ago and I have just about enough strength to finish the works I am writing. I will try to do my best, but do not be disappointed if you have to go to press without me. With best wishes, Faithfully yours, PAUL H. Douglas. [From the Marketing News, Dec. 1, 1971] EDUCATORS SAY THEY WORK JUST AS HARD, PRACTITIONERS DISAGREE Do marketing educators work just as hard as marketing practitioners? The more than 1,400 respondents to the Association's first social concerns survey reflected their own positions on this question. More than two out of three educators (72 percent) but only one out of three businessmen (33 percent) agreed with the "contentious statement that marketing educators work just as hard as marketing practitioners." Overall the split on this question was 42 percent agreeing and 41 percent disagreeing. While 21 percent of the businessmen had no opinion on the question, only 7 percent of the educators failed to express an opinion. The survey was conducted by the Association's Social Concerns Surveys Committee: Robert J. Lavidge, committee chairman and president of Elrick and Lavidge Inc., a Chicago marketing research firm; Paul L. Erdos, president, Erdos Morgan Inc., a New York marketing research firm; and Robert Clewett, professor of marketing, College of Business Administration, Pennsylvania State University. Less than one-half (42 percent) of those surveyed agreed that "a corporation's duty is primarily to its owners and secondarily to its employees, customers, and the public," but almost two-thirds (65 percent) agreed that "the universtiy's duty is primarily to its students and secondarily to its faculty, administration, and the public." Businessmen and educators differed by less than half-a-dozen percentage points on these two items. But a larger difference of opinions showed up on the age breakdowns with older "more profit-minded" members agreeing more (48 percent to 34 percent) that a corporation's duty is mainly to its owners and disagreeing more (37 percent as against 22 percent) with the university's duty being mainly to its students. Neither businessmen nor educators agreed that "business has become overly concerned with social responsibilities at the expense of growth and profits." 63-434-72-17 Only 14 percent agreed and 84 percent disagreed. Older members agreed more than younger members (25 percent for those 50 and over versus 9 percent for those under 30). MOST SAY EDUCATION RELEVANT Even the statement "most of what is taught in universities is not relevant to today's needs" resulted in relatively little difference in the responses of businessmen and educators (overall, 37 percent agreed, 59 percent disagreed). The age groups split by almost 20 percent with the younger group agreeing more (44 percent) with the lack of relevance of what is being taught. Thirty percent of the businessmen members but only 12 percent of the educators agreed with the statement: "Graduate education in marketing is not worth its cost and the time it requires." Younger members agreed (29 percent) with this harsh criticism more than their elders (21 percent). Most businessmen have been reported to be of the opinion that: "Monopoly franchisees should accept lower rates of return on their investments than other companies." Among the educators 58 percent agreed. However, among the businessmen AMA members only 50 percent agreed. Overall, 10 percent had no opinion on this subject. The statement "Economic well-being in this country is unjustly and unfairly distributed" elicited agreement from 41 percent of the members and disagreement from 56 percent. As with many of the other statements, somewhat greater agreement was found among the young than among the older members. In addition, on this issue there was disagreement between educators (51 percent agreed, 56 percent disagreed) and businessmen (39 percent agreed, 46 percent disagreed). AMA members in the largest cities and those in smaller communities also differed regarding this statement. Among the members in cities with populations of more than two million, 48 percent agreed while in other cities and towns, 37 percent agreed. Also related to this breakdown, according to the report of survey results, is the fact that agreement was greater in the East than in other regions. WHO'S TO HELP MARKETING TO POOR? Whose responsibility is it to help improve the marketing of goods and services to the poor? That business has a responsibility elicited the widest agreement (84 percent). However, most members agreed that educators (60 percent) and the government (67 percent) also have responsibilities to help improve the marketing of goods and services to the poor. Many members obviously agreed that this subject is the responsibility of more than one group, according to the report. Moreover, 37 percent of the educators, but only 15 percent of the businessmen, strongly agreed that educators have a responsibility in this area. Differences between educators and businessmen also were found in responses to the statement "Assume that two young men applied for a marketing job. They appear to be equally capable of handling the job and of advancing to greater responsibilities. The skin of one is white, while the skin of the other is black. The man with the black skin should be hired." Some AMA members, especially those under 30 years of age, are uncertain about this issue, and some agree with the statement. However, most members (63 percent) disagreed. COMPUTERIZED WORLD NOT INHUMAN Other studies have indicated that many businessmen and a large proportion of young people believe that "Computers and other advanced technology are creating an inhuman and impersonal world." Among Association members, most (63 percent) disagreed. No significant differences appeared between the younger and older members. Approximately two-thirds of the members (67 percent, 67 percent, and 65 percent, respectively) agreed with each of the following statements: "A Census of Population should be conducted every five years rather than every 10 as in the past"; "Questions concerning individuals and family income should be included in the Census of Population"; and "The 1970 Census of Population included questions about the ownership of television sets and dishwashers. Such questions also should be included in the next Census of Population." Only 30 percent agreed that "in the future, large-scale sample surveys should be substituted for the Census of Population." MOST FAVOR NATIONAL DATA BANK More than three-fourths of the respondents (76 percent) favored a unified national data bank, "but only to the extent that it did not disclose any information about specific individuals or households." Twenty-two percent disagreed with this statement that "data about individuals and households gathered by government agencies, such as the Census Bureau and the Internal Revenue Service, should be brought together in a unified national data bank from which summary information could be made available; but only to the extent that it did not disclose any information about specific individuals or households." Copies of the 20-page survey report are available for $4 per copy from the AMA Central Services Office, 230 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601. [From the Chicago Sun-Times, July 21, 1971] FOR A MID-DECADE CENSUS The administration has unjustifiably withdrawn support for a mid-decade census, despite a deep need for a better federal handle on shifting U.S. population patterns. A House subcommittee has held extended hearings on such a census, which would be a special, limited headcount designed to prevent obsolescence of figures required for federal, state and local planning. The concept has been endorsed by governors, mayors and urban planners who must deal with increasingly complex and elusive demographic data. It was endorsed, until just recently. by the administration. The reason for the administration's reversal apparently is economic, but such reasoning is specious. The cost of the special census is placed at $140 million, or about the cost of half a dozen 747 jets. The federal government annually allocates $10 billion in federal funds based upon statistics of the decennial census. Obviously, as this decade draws to a close, and the fund allocation approaches the $100 billion mark, the statistics will be a little long in the tooth. The danger grows that funds will be wrongly spent. The saving of the $140 million would thus be a paper economy, not a real one. Major urban centers such as Chicago are the principal sufferers from census obsolescence and the shocking changes discovered only every decade-for example, the shift of population to the suburbs disclosed by the 1970 census. Then there is the matter of inefficiencies caused by the necessity of doing all the census counting in one try per decade. Mayor Daley, for instance, insisted that 1970 census figures for Chicago wards were inaccurate, and he has been proved right. Ward maps drawn up with census data show wide variations in count that should have been avoidable. In this age of rapid growth and high mobility, public officials must have proper planning tools. The mid-decade census is a major one. We suggest that Congress move along a bill allowing the special headcount, with or without the administration's blessing. It is just common sense to do so. Hon. CHARLES H. WILSON, FORTUNE, New York, N.Y., July 30. 1971 U.S. House of Representatives, Cannon House Office Building, DEAR MR. WILSON: Thank you for informing us of your work as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Census and Statistics. Since Mr. Donovan does not have any record of any speech in which he endorsed a mid-decade census and since Fortune has not held any published views on the question, I'm afraid we really cannot pursue your request of the 13th. Thank you nonetheless for thinking of us. Sincerely yours, MARGOT KELTNER, JULY 23, 1971. Hon. RICHARD M. NIXON, The White House, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: Having been vitally interested in the history of the development of the Census, not only because of my background as a college professor, but also as a consultant in market research and the owner of a public opinion behavioral research firm, I would like to emphasize the need for a MidDecade Census, with the hope that your Administration will consider seriously the possibility of a favorable recommendation for a 1975 Mid-Decade Census. I realize the extensive amount of time which is necessary to prepare a complete enumeration census but I am certain that there is sufficient time for this preparation if you were to recommend to Congress the program and its support for the Mid-Decade Census in your next budget. Every argument that I have heard for the Mid-Decade Census supports the position which I have taken and every argument which I have heard against the Mid-Decade Census has had sufficient weaknesses in the arguments to reduce their importance and produce a balance which is over-whelmingly in favor of enactment of legislation for Mid-Decade Census to be taken in 1975 and every 10 years thereafter. I realize at the present time, that with the cost of government on an ever-increasing spiral that the cost for a Mid-Decade Census might be considered as something which could be eliminated and thereby reduce the budgets for the 1974-1975, 1976 of the approximate $225,000,000 that might be needed for a Mid-Decade Census. However, it is my opinion that the arguments in favor of and the use of data from a Mid-Decade Census would, in the long run, return the $225,000,000 several times over. In fact, I am completely convinced that industry alone could be charged for material collected during the Mid-Decade Census at such a level that a good deal of the amount expended could be returned to the Treasury and that the Federal Government as well as the State Government and local Government would benefit sufficiently in operating costs to effect the necessary amount. Hoping that you will support a Mid-Decade Census, I remain Sincerely yours, DON M. MUCH MORE, California Federal Savings and Loan Association. THE BLADE-TOLEDO TIMES, THE PRESIDENT, The White House, Washington, D.C. MR. PRESIDENT: As a user of Federal Statistics, I would like to add my name to those in favor of a mid-decade census. A census every 10 years, with the rapid changes that our country is experiencing, is, in my estimation, no longer practical nor adequate for either governmental or industrial needs. We vigorously urge and recommend that the administration reconsider its action and give strong affirmative support to a mid-decade census. Respectfully yours, EDWARD T. ROBERTS. THE NEW YORK TIMES, WASHINGTON BUREAU, Hon. CHARLES H. WILSON, Washington, D.C., July 28, 1971. Chairman, Subcommittee on Census and Statistics, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. WILSON: Thank you for your letter to Mr. Reston of July 13th. Presently Mr. Reston is traveling in China and will return to Washington around the end of August. I will put your letter on his desk for him to read when he returns. Sincerely, (Miss) MCDERMOTT, Assistant. SYNOD OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I am writing to ask respectfully for the reconsideration of your decision not to press for a mid-decade census in 1975 and every ten years thereafter. It perhaps has not occurred to you that this mid-decade census is of great importance not only to government and to business, but also to the many non-profit organizations, including the Church, which do their planning on the basis of information which the Federal Census makes available. Having specialized in the planning field for the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. for more than thirteen years, I am very much aware of the handicaps under which such planners operate during the latter years of each decade because the census information is out-of-date. We need current figures on population, age distribution, ethnic distribution, occupational groupings, and many other categories of information which are available only through the Federal Census. "Guesstimates" which are often made by public utilities, school boards, etc., are usually proven to be inaccurate, and even when accurate are usually based on larger geographical units than the census tracts and enumeration districts with which we must deal in planning for the Church's ministry to the people of a neighborhood. I wish that I could have the opportunity of visiting with you personally and showing you the use which such an organization as ours makes of this most valuable information contained in the Federal Census, and the difficulty of doing our vital work in the years in which the census information is out-of-date. Thank you for your consideration of this urgent request. Sincerely yours, (Rev.) WILLIAM H. FRENCH, Consultant for Planning Services. August 9, 1971. Hon. CHARLES WILSON, DEAR CHARLIE: Following my intercessions at your request concerning the middecade census, the White House advises me that it was decided that a serious effort would be made to see if the needs for some of the data which a mid-decade census would provide could be met through more intensive use of administrative records. The Bureau of the Census has started a thorough study of the possibility of utilizing administrative records for this purpose and is expected to have a report within 12 months. Any further action will be based on the results of that study. I have been assured that my views will be given consideration in connection with that review and I hope good results will ensue so that you can carry out your plans in the matter. Call on me anytime and keep everything under control. PHILIP J. PHILBIN. U.S. DISTRICT COURT, Hon. CHARLES H. WILSON, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR CHARLIE: Thank you for your thoughtful letter of July 19th concerning the mid-decade census. You will recall that while I was in Congress I had a particular interest in the farm census as related to the District which I represented. However, since that time and since taking on my responsibilities as United States District Court Judge, I have had little time to spend working on this problem. I do sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness. Sincerely, JAMES K. BATTIN, |