Have I become a paranoid freak?

[CoffeeCat]

I was in the process of filling out an online survey for Box Tops For Education

For those who aren't familiar--Box Tops are found on Hamburger Helper, Cheerios and a host of other products. You clip the pink box tops from these products, turn them into your child's school, and the school is given credit to purchase new equipment.

The survey had two parts. The first was general info (name, birth date, address, etc). The second part was a series of questions regarding political activism. (The questions are listed at the bottom of my post).

Ok, am I a total and complete nutjob for being paranoid? I read the questions, and thought, "Why would a company ask such pointed questions about political activism? I didn't see other questions about brand preferences, shopping habits, etc. Why such specific questions about politics on an online survey for moms who buy Cheerios and Totino's Pizza Rolls? I thought...ok, obviously someone is attempting to identify "activists" and people who hold and act on their strong, political But WHY? Is this just a way to flag political activists? Then, I start to feel paranoid.

Have I lost it? (Here are the questions:)

"Have you done any of the things listed in the past year? If so, please select which ones. (check any that apply)

--Written or called any politician at the local, state, or national level
--Held or run for political office
--Served on a committee for some local organization
--Served as an officer for some club or organization
--Written a letter to the editor of a newspaper or magazine
--Called a live radio or TV show to express an opinion
--Signed a petition
--Attended a political rally, speech, or organized protest of any kind
--Written an article for a magazine or newspaper
--Been an active member of a group that tries to influence public policy or government
--Made a speech
--None of the above

:wtf:

[hippiechick]

1. I've seen that before ...

... it's a general survey thingie. I think they may want to know if they can tap you in the future for local-issue stuff, especially if its a school related fundraiser.

[CoffeeCat]

3. Ok, I feel a bit better...

I don't like feeling this way.

In a BushCo world, I seem to question everything.

I think I need to relax.

Thanks for the info...I'll go have a cup of tea now (decaf, of course)

:)

[Skip Intro]

2. I think I'd write in, "NONE OF YOUR DAMMED BUSINESS!"

seriously, wtf?

[Heidi]

4. You're sensible, not paranoid.

They don't need that information in order to help schools. :thumbsdown: As a matter of fact, although I live in Switzerland, when I fill out European rebate and coupon offers, I do it in the name of The Wiley and Excellent Boy Cat Named Ginger.

[HamdenRice]

5. They will sell this mailing list

It sounds like they are trying to determine how engaged the respondents are. No doubt, they will not just used the info themselves, but sell "the list" to other marketing corporations and political direct mail companies.

The political companies will want some way to sort out the "activist" types from the passive types.

[deaniac21]

6. The FBI will use those box tops to make your life a living hell.

[CoffeeCat]

7. LOl...

I deserve that.

:)

[azurnoir]

8. Just check

none of the above it's not dishonest, none of your business isn't listed. Do this to keep your voice mail clear and your mail box empty, I know someone who sent it in and she got calls and mailings and emails from nearly every da** political organization in our area on both sides of the fence.