From Kush: how to write the Manifesto

[Sanjeev Sabhlok <sabhlok@almaak.usc.edu>]

Date: Thu, 2 Jul 1998 07:14:10 -0700 (PDT)
From: Kush Khatri <free_voice@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Plain Language

I reproducing a copy of a Memorandum dated June 1, 1998 issued from
the White House.  Since we are in the middle of writing momentous
policy documents there is some good advice here from William J.
Clinton (in actuality written by a team of analysts and political
advisors!)


THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON

June 1, 1998

MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

SUBJECT: Plain Language in Government Writing

The Vice President and I have made reinventing the Federal Government
a top priority of my Adminsitratioin.  We are determined to make the
Government more responsive, accessible, and understandable in its
communications with the public.

The Federal Government's writing must be in plain language.  By using
plain language, we send a clear message about what the Government is
doing, what it requires, and what services it offers.  Plain language
saves the Government and private sector time, effort, and money.

Plain language requirements vary from one document to another,
depending on the intended audience.  Plain language documents have
logical organization, easy-to-read design features, and use:

*   common, everyday words, except for necessary technical terms;
*   "you" and other pronouns;
*   the active voice; and
*   short sentences.

To ensure the use of Plain language, I direct you to do the following:

*   By October 1, 1998, use plain language in all new documents, other
    than regulations, that explain how to obtain a benefit or service
or     how to comply with a requirement you administer or enforce. 
For     example, these documents may include letters, forms, notices,
and     instructiions.  By January 1, 2002, all such documents created
prior     to October 1, 1998, must also be in plain language.

*   By January 1, 1999, use plain language in all proposed and final  
  rulemaking documents published in the Federal Register, unless you  
  proposed the rule before that date.  You should consider rewriting  
  existing regulations in plain language when you have the opportunity
    and resources to do so.

The National Partnership for Reinventing Government will issue
guidance to help you comply with these directives and to explain more
fully the elements of plain language.  You should also use customer
feedback and common sense to guide your plain language efforts.

I ask the independent agencies to comply with these directives.

This memorandum does not confer any right or benefit enforceable by
law against the United States or its representatives.  The Director of
the Office of Mangement and Budget will publish this memorandum in the
Federal Register.

                                      Signed: William J. Clinton




-
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com