Readers' Comments
Total Comments: 44
Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
House to Federal Employees: Write in "Plain Language"
Total Comments: 44
Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
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January 9, 2009
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Plain Language
Veterans Affairs
Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:42 PM
Post Reply
VA initiated an extensive plain writing program 10 years ago. Private sector business consultants were brought in to assist with design of the program. The project included input and research from a law school professor who published several articles showing that even attorneys could use plain, understandable language and still produce legally sufficient documents. Using technology new to VA, a satellite training program was developed to provide training to employees throughout the country. A manual was designed with instructions and examples. Hundreds of form letters were revised. A special training course was developed for supervisors. The program won a Hammer Award from VP Gore. After all this, the lawyers again took hold and things have now moved further into the abyss than ever. The needs of the customers have taken a back-seat. If letters meet concerns of the judges and courts, it matters little that the customers are overwhelmed by totally incomprehensible documents.
Write in Plain Language
Department of the Air Force
Tue Apr 15, 2008 2:00 PM
Post Reply
This being April 15th this bill serves as a great example of how some of our congressional representatives waste our money - both by writing and passing stupid legislation and collecting a salary. If this congressman wants the federal government to write in plain english he should start by personally rewriting the congressionally written tax code so that the average American can understand it. And, while he is at it he should also edit out about 99% of it. I guess this guy has solved the "minor" issues facing us, i.e., the war, the economy, lack of health care coverage, loss of jobs etc. so he has decided to tackle the really big issues. Bet this joker gets reelected!
Writing in Plain Language
US Army Recruiting Battalion
Tue Apr 15, 2008 2:18 PM
Post Reply
If only Congress could practice what they preach. Anyone ever read anything passed or enacted by Congress? And, anything that is ever written or proofed always goes up the chain of command, not down. Apparently the light doesn't go to the top floor.
NSPS
CDD, CDID. MANSCEN
Tue Apr 15, 2008 2:40 PM
Post Reply
Maybe you could write a plain language guide to NSPS. Then again, maybe it is already too late.
Missed only one decade
USDA
Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:31 PM
Post Reply
78, 98, now 2008. If only Congress had done it in 1988 then they would have a clean sweep! Congress has become such a laughing stock with some of their efforts (or lack thereof). Please don't lower our debt or cut unnecessary spending - "plain language" documents are much more important!
Plain Language
U.S. Treasury - FMS
Tue Apr 15, 2008 11:28 PM
Post Reply
I'm all for plain language and, while we're at it, I would also welcome plain English, proper spelling, punctuation and, at least, some indication of high school level sentence structure and English composition.
Re: Plain Language
BLM
Fri Apr 18, 2008 2:51 PM
Lawyers won't allow it
DOE
Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:03 AM
Post Reply
I was once a secretary and tried to take Clinton's executive order seriously. Unfortunately each change I made to a document was reversed by our legal department. When I pointed out the executive order, I was told that we are intentionaly ambiguous in case we are sued--then we can argue our case in which ever way suits us at the time. .