What He Said

President Bill Clinton has ordered that starting October 1, federal documents be written in plain English, not bureaucratic gobbledygook that confuses people. “By using plain language, we send a clear message about what the government is doing, what it requires and what services it offers,” Clinton wrote in the order. “Short is better than long. Active is better than passive,” agreed Vice President Al Gore. “Clarity helps advance understanding.” (AP) ...This consequential quasi-governmental commandment, corroborated by the plenipotentiary, dictates an innovational manifesto which will decidedly actuate a diminution in obfuscation.