I realize there may be a reasonable explanation for this, but it struck me as troubling.
The meeting was not recorded electronically, as a result of a decision made by the White House. The commission was allowed to bring along its staff director as a note taker.
[…]
Despite what both sides agreed was the polite, even friendly tone of the meeting, the commissioners were treated as outsiders by the White House. They were seen being searched by hand for weapons before they stepped into the Oval Office, a requirement for all visitors to the White House apart from many foreign leaders.
Their notebooks were taken from them before they left the session, with the White House saying they would be returned after being reviewed for classified information.
Bush and Cheney almost certainly discussed classified information, but the 9/11 Commission has clearance. If the members were inclined to leak secret documents and risk national security, they’ve already had the opportunity to do so.
The White House refused to allow yesterday’s “discussion” to be recorded or transcribed in any way, making it impossible to have any kind of official record of what was said or asked, allowing only handwritten notes to be taken.
And, as a sign of trust and cooperation, the White House thought it wise to temporarily confiscate those notes before the panelists left the building?
Like I said, I appreciate the need to protect national security, but it seems like an unnecessary slap at the Commission. Just a thought.