MAYBE IN THE FUTURE THE CENSUS WILL BE ABOUT COUNTING PEOPLE, NOT ABOUT CIVIC GREED

Let's start by saying the census is important. If you haven't filled out your census forms yet, please do it. It's important. It's the law.

But don't take part in the census because you think it will get more money for your state, county or city.

There are some fast-food contests going on right now that will get you more extra spending money than the census.

What's even more interesting is to learn that if everyone had been counted in the 1990 census, Missouri would have received less federal funding.

Despite the hype, the census isn't about money. It's about counting people. Maybe in the future, that's what we'll do.