Was 2010 Census Enumerator Kentuckian Bill Sparkman's Death Work-Related?

A part-time Kentucky 2010 Census employee was found hanged, with the word “fed” inscribed, perhaps in some horrible manner, on his body.  Does the inscription refer to Bill Sparkman’s employment as a federal worker, or was he possibly murdered for another cause?  At times federal workers have been called “Feds”.  Could it be possible the word murder doesn’t even apply?

My Concerns as a 2010 US Census Taker

This is of particular interest to myself, as I served and possibly will again serve, as a 2010 Census employee of nearby Virginia.  It alerts me to pay attention how the investigation unfolds.  Will the death be investigated with vigor by the United States government?  Might it seem a good “out” for them to rule the death something other than the obvious?  For one, I feel confident it will be thoroughly investigated.

Purpose of the US Census

The United States Census was first initiated in the year 1790, and takes place every ten years.  There are a number of reasons the census is taken.  Valuable general information gained can be used to move finances to where it is deemed they are most needed.  Political divisions also are population-driven.  However, some citizens are concerned at the amount and type of information being gathered.  

Interesting Benefits from the US Census

I enjoy pursuing the hobby of genealogy - my family tree.  I learn where my ancestors lived, their ages, occupations, years of immigration, and many other things from the US Census.  The only census not available to me before 1940 is the 1890 census, which was destroyed because it was largely housed in a single location, where records burned and were decimated further by the water used to put out the fire.  As a genealogist, I sorely miss the data I could have had concerning my past family members.

Not Everyone Values the US Census

There is nothing wrong with wanting to know why any particular piece of information is needed.  The difficulty comes when citizens become law-breakers, yes possibly even murderers, to avoid partaking in this 2010 Census.  Sadly, a kind of paranoia - unfounded and exaggerated suspicion that can lead to dangerous acts - is becoming ever more prevalent in the United States, and some other countries.

What Might Be Some Motives for Hating Census Workers

Sometimes information in various countries has been used for harmful purposes.  The registration of the Jews in pre-World War II Germany might be used as an example.  It has been said that those Jews who disobeyed and did not register frequently were able to escape the holocaust, because the Germans simply did not realize they were Jews.  

Such reasons may be of concern to reasonably minded citizens; however there are other motives for animosity toward the 2010 Census and its employees.

Illegal immigrants may fear discovery and prosecution including possibly deportation.  Individuals engaging in illegal activities understandably might fear anyone on their property, including government workers such as those employed by the US Census.  However census workers have been informed, under penalty of serious fine and jail time, that they cannot - must not - convey such information to anyone else, even to such institutions as the US Department of the Treasury or to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  In this, Census workers rank superior to such employees!  

Concluding Remarks

If anyone is considering committing some heinous act against a 2010 US Census worker, he ought to rethink his attitude, and be careful of how they treat such workers who may only desire to make some money or perhaps improve their health through exercise.  To engage in violence is inappropriate, against the law, and is punishable, not only by the law of the land, but by the Hand of the Almighy.