I find irony in the fact that the title of this suggestion violates the criteria it proposes...but do actually think this is a great idea!

excellent observation/idea. What good is all of this if no one can decifer the numbers and what they mean. Also why is this forum only going to be around for only 1 week? I just stumbled upon its presence on the net, had no idea that this program existed, and I consider myself to be sum what informed

This is an excellent idea.  Not only for those that only have a basic 8th grade reading level, but also for those of us that don't desire for their eyes to cross when trying to decipher the legal-speak and translate it into basic English again.

I consider myself to be educated enough to understand at least up to a high school graduate's reading level, and yet I find it very difficult to easily understand half of what the government releases to the general public as "transparent information".  How can it be transparent if too few people actually understand it?

Aside from that, the even greater benefit would be that we can show our children (depending on age level of course), and actually get them involved in the affairs of the country again.  It would be nice if those children 8th grade and up could understand the information to be better educated adults.  The more information we can give them before they enter adulthood, the better they will be prepared to assist the rest of us with ideas and volunteer work when they are older.

I was just looking through some of the ideas and approaches that have been recently posted and came across this one. I agree with your concern that although it is an appreciated effort they are making, but with the disparity of the data it is very difficult to make sense of, or make any kind of informed conclusions.. Take a look at this prototype dashboard we created: http://www.microstrategy.com/recovery-act-data/

The "thesaurus" of a terminology developed for the ARRA effort could be used to "translate" terms for users with different backgrounds, educations, etc. 

Computer-Aided-Translation (CAT) software, using what is called a "Terminology Memory" is inexpensive and is commonly used by translators in their work. 

A similar capability is applied any time you see a "syntax checker", "spell checker", or inline dictionary and thesaurus pop up in a word processor. 

This is an important often overlooked, common sense idea. Access to information via clear communication is essential for the general public to understand this information. 

While I have a college education I actually think this is a good idea.  I do wonder however, about those that are not able to access any of this. One must have immediate access to automation (computer) for any of this to be viable. 

Thi is a very important and well developed idea on how the report should look.  Weel done

Critically important!

I agree with tgwilson about the irony of the idea title - and it tends to make the point. 

I also agree with mlfabi about not being aware of this site and the dialog until today - and only by chance. Publicize this and give more people more opportunity to comment!

The MicroStrategy prototype is a great start.

As an average citizen, my primary interests regarding recovery funds, are the ways in which my local neighborhood will be affected. 

 Who are the companies that receive funds to improve my roads, etc., etc., etc.?  What is being done to improve my schools and or universities? 

What progress is being made toward implementing the smart grid to improve the air I breathe and the amount that I have to pay for electricity?  Who are the companies involved?  If I were in need of a job, this could be a prime area in which to seek employment.

As an average citizen,  my primary interest is exactly how the recovery funds will affect myself and my community.  Everything else is secondary.