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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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 OPINION 
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Separation of Powers? Leave Prez's BlackBerry Out of It

Scrutiny on email deprives executive of key communications tool—though not Congress

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(Newser) – The 44th president will almost certainly kick off his term by quitting email cold turkey, Jamie Sneider writes in the Weekly Standard. With executive-branch communication subject to public-disclosure law, President Bush hasn't send a single message, the former White House aide says—a coping mechanism that "fails to strike the right balance."

"While broadcasts of the State of the Union capture many ill-mannered congressmen thumbing through emails on their Blackberries, President Bush and Vice President Cheney have been effectively denied this staple of modern political communications," Sneider tut-tuts at legislators who face no such e-scrutiny. Perhaps, he notes, a peek at Rep. William Jefferson's email could have helped explain the $90,000 in his freezer.

Former Justice Department White House liaison Monica Goodling is shown here. Goodling's resignation was prompted by the disclosure of emails under threat of congressional subpoena.
Former Justice Department White House liaison Monica Goodling is shown here. Goodling's resignation was prompted by the disclosure of emails under threat of congressional subpoena.   (AP Photo)
"Members of Congress have made plain that they favor their own ability to communicate quickly, freely, and privately," Jamie Sneider writes "When it comes to the White House, the opposite holds true."   (AP Photo)
The BlackBerry so crucial to the presidential candidates will become downright radioactive once John McCain or Barack Obama is elected president, Jamie Sneider writes, because of disclosure laws.
The BlackBerry so crucial to the presidential candidates will become downright radioactive once John McCain or Barack Obama is elected president, Jamie Sneider writes, because of disclosure laws.   (Getty Images)
DUBUQUE, IA: Former Vermont Governor and 2004 Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean makes calls as he looks over some papers in a hold room as advisor Kate O'Connor (R) uses her blackberry and cell phone prior to a rally.
DUBUQUE, IA: Former Vermont Governor and 2004 Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean makes calls as he looks over some papers in a hold room as advisor Kate O'Connor (R) uses her blackberry and...   (Getty Images)
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