There's a law on the books that says, "The United States shall reserve complete ownership, possession, and control of Presidential records." The president doesn't own the records; We, the People, own the records. Beginning five years after the end of a presidential administration, the public can scrutinize presidential and vice-presidential records. During his or her term, the president can extend the period of time to 12 years, if any one of six restrictions apply.
Back on November 1, 2001, Bush the Lesser signed an executive order that exempts presidents, vice-presidents, and whoever else they want from the Presidential Records Act of 1978 and permits records to be sealed forever. Forever.
I'm sure they shredded everything anyway. Or burned it.
Posted by Bill at January 4, 2009 09:52 AM