At least he doesn't get spam

President Bush understands the importance of email in everyday life and commerce. As reported by the Weekly Standard, he regularly used email before moving into the White House, saying: "I stayed in touch with all kinds of people around the country, firing off emails at all times of the day to stay in touch with my pals. ... There's no better way to communicate."

But the president has not sent a single email since taking office, since they would be saved for posterity like all written documents relating to his office. Bush says he looks forward to using email again once his term in office comes to an end.

There are other good ways to communicate, of course — say, a person-to-person conversation or over the phone. And those don't require an archived transcript.

It's unfortunate that the current setup provides a disincentive for our presidents to use the best communications technologies available.

Comments

Josh said…
It's unfortunate that our president is ashamed of what he's said in private.
June 06, 2008
Anonymous said…
Well it makes for a nice exhibit at the Bush Presidential Library.

"Unused e-mail server 2001-2009"
June 06, 2008
Josh said…
They can put it right next to the 4th Amendment, which has also laid in storage during these years.
June 06, 2008
Instant E*Thos said…
Actually, the President cannot send e-mail for security reasons. Can you imagine him accidentally forwarding one of those Nigerian Bank e-mails to a foreign leader and accidentally starting a war?
June 06, 2008
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