than whingeing (I presume them to be the same word with different spellings... not real sure though since I've never encountered the 'g' variant)

I agree, what a phrase that one is.

There's an upside to this series of events though - why not take the issue of spying on individuals communications, and enforce democracy there too.

You can read my e-mails (unless I've scrambled and / or erased them, or otherwise maybe have them on an old hdd someplace that it's way too much trouble to hook up to my current setup) and I can read yours. 

Of course, that my emails wouldn't be nearly as interesting as any deleted government correspondence is completely besides the issue.

It's a shame that a government meant to have been set-up to be in charge of a republic is still entirely imperial and monarchic in its thinking and execution.

Does anyone have a clue as to what is meant by "Forced imposition of democracy"? Sounds like something that is more applicable to describing the current regimes policy on the Iraq. "Forced imposition of democracy or physical destruction, whichever occurs first"

What can a federal judge do, they only enforce the law. The White House follows their own agenda and follows no laws.

We're afraid what disk platters were not shredded, were used as skeet clays for Vice President Chenney's shooting practice. The White House should really be commended for recycling!

Heaven forbid that anyone should impose a "significant burden" on the weary shoulders of the White House.
No really ? That's the best excuse they have ? They have imposed a VERY significant financial burden on the whole country, one which will take decades to get over, and they want to weasel out of recovering a few hard disks because it'll be a week of work for the White House IT staff ?
And what is week of worth to support democracy ? Do the current and future occupants still remember the meaning of that word ?

If the USA exec branch put the Iraq occupation on hold for one single day, the money they would save would buy them enough computers and drives to last at least a decade.

Bush & co. are lying. They make that other Republican, Nixon, look almost like a choir boy.