So, the White House is asserting they "lost" some email, huh? You've got to be kidding me. Is this a joke?
As an IT guy, I know all too well that most emails are nearly impossible to "lose," especially if one really wants to find them. In fact, if the emails in question really are gone for good it probably means that there was a tremendously expensive, concerted effort to destroy them (and, if so, it should be very easy to prove that they were intentionally destroyed).
Even so, I find it very difficult to believe that copies of these little devils aren't lurking on various electronic devices hither and thither throughout the country (if not the world). Unless a Department of Defense grade hard drive wipe was initiated on every single workstation or device that came in contact with the emails in question, they can be found. And that's not even mentioning the multiple email archives and backup files that doubtless exist.
More below the fold
This is the most important point to remember: it really doesn't matter if someone pressed the delete button or not. Most email can be recovered, either by restoring from backup or through forensic means.
The assertion that these emails are "lost" is a lie--and a bad one. Congress must subpoena the servers and other hardware in question and begin a real effort to reconstruct these "lost" messages. The WH being in charge of "finding" these "lost" emails is laughable. They have long ago lost the right to investigate themselves. "Who watches the Watchmen" indeed.
Please educate anyone we talk to (friends, family or politicians) about this outrageous situation. At least more public humiliation is in order for dubya and his fellow shit heels. Tell it!
Update
I've modified, deleted and/or clarified some of my more controversial statements above in response to some understandable skepticism from some of you other IT folks. I generalized too much in haste and outrage last night.
I'm frankly shocked that this diary exploded, but I'm glad this topic is in play. It should be. Thanks for your feedback, and please keep talking about this. Loudly.