Why is there no platform independent way of clearing a terminal?

[Lawrence D'Oliveiro]

In message <mailman.1261.1280330578.1673.python-list at python.org>, Emile van 
Sebille wrote:

> If all else fails, repeating 24 (or 40,60?) lines feeds clears the
> screen cross platform.

Depending on the height of the terminal window...