One would never think of missing emails as a tipping point in American history, but we appear to be approaching a crucial test of our nation. The crisis created by the incredible declarations of BushCo (White House + RNC) that they have "lost" vast quantities of email communications are a final exam for our news media and our democracy.
Will the "news" professionals take the trouble to explain to the general public that the President and his staff are lying about breaking the laws? Or will they simply put up a cloud of obfuscation and equivocation and let the matter fade away, like so many other "missing" records in the history of GW Bush? Let's consider the consequences of the alternative outcomes:
Outcome 1: America remains a democratic republic under law
A public outcry and effective Congressional leadership cause incriminating emails to be disclosed and obstruction of justice prosecuted. The press relentlessly pursues the issue, educating the citizenry in the intricacies of email retention and recovery while explaining the mischief of political interference in the staffing and policy making of vital Federal departments of the government.
Congress passess legislation ensuring professional, non-partisan supervision of all White House computer systesm, including prohibitions on deliberately bypassing Government computer systems.
Outcome 2: America becomes a de-facto presidential dictatorship
The BushCo propaganda machine persuades the public that "national security" justifies any and all deceptions perpetrated by the President and his followers. The press meekly accepts opinion polls showing that the public is confused and uncertain about the issues and backs away from the story. Congressional investigations bog down in the courts under a slow process of appeals. Multiple BushCo stooges delay acknowledging responsibility, then resign at the last moment, making way for new stooges - always buying time to run out the clock.
Before leaving office, Bush pardons Libby and all officials facing charges concering "mailgate." Bush states that the President should have full discretion over which communications are preserved by his staff. Bush promises that the next Congress will be dominated by Republicans because newly appointed Federal prosecutors will prevent Democrats from gaining office through vote fraud. Bush recommends that the next President suspend all laws pertaining to document retention in the Executive branch.