Subject: The Right to Clear and Simple Law - Individual Commen Comment: A comment expressing the right to clear and simple language in any new tax law is attached in Microsoft Word format. Respectfully, Gregg Hoover, Individual Comment to The President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform April 26, 2005 FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO STRAIGHTFORWARD LEGISLATION A COMMENT SUGGESTING CLEAR LANGUAGE AND SIMPLE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW TAX CODE A Comment submitted by Gregg Hoover, Individual THE RIGHT TO CLEAR AND SIMPLE LAW All citizens, particularly in a free enlightened democratic republic, are by right entitled to legislation from their government that is clearly written, of the simplest construction, and with the plain meaning of the language of the law supreme to regulation or adjudication extending or reversing that meaning. Any ambiguities within a single section of a law, or between sections of a single law, or between laws, must be interpreted to give the least power to government. Words and phrases used should have the same meanings as those of everyday usage by the citizenry, and each word and phrase should have a clear definition included in the law. No definition may use the word or phrase that is being defined. Whenever lists of terms are joined with the words “and” and “or” are used, it should be unmistakable as to which terms are mandatory or optional. Present tax law, regulation, and often adjudication, as the President’s Advisory Panel has already determined, and as has well been long evident, egregiously and profoundly violate every aspect of this right. HR 25, the Fair Tax proposal before the Panel, although very much an improvement over the present tax titles, also violates much of this right to clear law. I respectfully suggest that the President’s Advisory Panel recommend in its final report that this right be made an underpinning of any new tax law, and that its principles be explicitly followed in the written construction of any new tax title. I am grateful for being allowed to submit this comment. Respectfully, Gregg Hoover, Individual, April 26, 2005 |