Stand up, be counted

More than 300 years ago, a group of colonies united together to break free from a ruling empire that they deemed unjust. Their slogan: "No taxation without representation."

Thousands upon thousands died demanding fair governance.

Flash forward about 18 or 19 score, and many still cry afoul of their leaders.

But there is a difference this time. Now the people have a greater sense of power to demand their representation, with the bonus of an even smaller cause for massive bloodshed across multiple continents.

And in 2010, it takes about 10 minutes.

Though the census may not be as revolutionary as the war named with such a powerful label, it still carries a great deal of pertinence and history for all Americans. Also, just like in the nation's greatest battles, formal and complete citizenship is not as important as participation.

As the U.S. Census Bureau is not tied to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), those avoiding the latter body can fill out the forms and mail them back without fear of internal "snitching."

This is of certain relevance, because immigration rates and demographic shifts are of a particular interest as the term "minority" begins to quickly make less and less sense.

Hispanics, for example, are the fastest growing community in the nation. With more accurate census data to prove this, business and government will have to adjust.

Spanish subtitles will no doubt increase in availability. Supermarkets will likely begin stocking more products frequently used in Mexican, Puerto Rican, Spanish and other Hispanic cooking. Additional English as a second language (ESL) classes will be offered at colleges.

Yet, this is only a relatively small area of effect compared to the overall reach of the census.

Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance. Food Donation Program, Section 8 housing, food stamps. Title I grants, Head Start, Development Block Grant.

All of these programs depend on data from the census.

Bank loan rates. Enforcement of the Civil Rights Act. Risk assessment.

The list goes on and on.

Despite the seemingly unfathomable impact a measly 10 questions can have on an entire country, however, some still don't see the point.

College students especially have been known to be cynical or apathetic when it comes to politics.

But if these sons and daughters of pedagogy want the job market to be ready for them the second that mortarboard hits the air, as well as provide them with plenty of aid on their way to graduation, then they had better let the world know they're coming.

With all the work going into the effort to spread the word about the census, including a $133 million advertising campaign recruiting everyone from professional snowboarder Elana Hight to experienced pathfinder Dora the Explorer, it only seems right to return the favor by taking a few minutes to fill out the form and drop it in the mailbox.

It's not just mandated in the Constitution and a national civic duty, it's also plain, old common courtesy.

The entire project was simply created, and is continued to be carried out, so that America can embody the principles that the nation was built on and continues to proclaim with great pride.

A government of the people, for the people and by the people simply cannot function without the final leg. After all, most two-legged stools do not support weight very well.

"Representative government cannot function without the census," said Sonny Le, senior media specialist for the local census center in Oakland.

If one continues this line of logic, then surely the census cannot function without the input of the constituency it hopes to record and represent.

So, fill it out, mail it back and honor America's history by helping make its future that much better.