"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

You can be sure that if this oath were being crafted today, it would be ten times the length, filled with caveats and riddled with pomposity and ambiguity. The transformational words of The Oath of Office are the public expression of profound change. Beautifully direct, succinct yet emotionally stirring, they convey the enormity of the task and acceptance of the responsibility. Most importantly, we all understand what they mean. These words do not have nooks and crannies for the President to hide behind. The oath forms a promise, fully understood by both giver and receiver.

As a nation, we have lost touch with the power of simplicity. My hope is that President Obama will lead us to shake off the shackles of complacency in our daily lives. Citizens should interact with government and consumers transact with companies only when both parties understand what they are seeking and offering.

Irene Etzkorn is the executive director, simplification for the Siegel+Gale New York office.