The Reality Sculptors "Faq-O-Matic" : "Laws We'd Like To See" :
Clarity and Brevity of Proposals Placed Before the Voting Public
All too often, proposals contain language that muddles issues and confuses people because of deceptive use of selective language modifiers - i.e. changing the meaning of a statement by using negatives, double-negatives, and other bits that add obfuscation. :-) California's infamous Propositions are prime examples of this type of action. In reading the official state documents regarding issues at hand, one needs to frequently re-read and scrutinize the text in order to fully glean even the simplest concepts. A reduction in the "legalese" and an increase in the clear diction of proposals might lead to lower levels of apathy and a more realistic representation of the voting demographics of a particular region.
2000-May-24 11:19am andy
2000-Oct-01 12:33am yron
To wit, take these two examples from tbe Bill Of Rights:
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.
These clearly show an opposing view of "Those things which are not forbidden are expressly permitted."
I actually think the Yron's appended answer to the first "Single-sided-page" law where he calls for adults being able to explain in 10 sentences or less to be perhaps a better way of approaching this. If the law can pass this so-called "Einstein Understanding" test, then it will have achieved the Clarity and Brevity that we'd all like to see.
2000-Nov-03 9:06pm salsbury
Append to This Answer
All tax hikes must be labeled as such.