the Arrogance of Power

before I began writing this piece I googled "the arrogance of power". The search gave up 1,430,000 hits. Apparently, I am not the first to notice.

a sampling

There is a temptation that seeps into the souls of even the most righteous … and leads them to bend the rules, and eventually the truth, to suit (their) needs… David Ignatius
The attitude above all others which I feel sure is no longer valid, is the arrogance of power, Senator J. William Fulbright
One of the great privileges of power is the right to attack others for doing --- or allegedly doing--- exactly what you do without anybody who matters calling you on your hypocrisy. Paul Street
…people in power are tempted to abuse that power. Tom Campbell

arrogance;

the act of unduly obtaining rights or advantages; excessive belief in one's own abilities;an overbearing manner;exorbitant claims of power; an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions; a superior manner toward inferiors; ass-holish

"Those to whom much has been given sometimes suffer from arrogance; or rather the people around them suffer. The arrogant assumes his views and opinions are the truth; pushing his own path as the one and only way. The arrogant sees first himself. Rather than offering respect to all, arrogance demands respect from all. Dismissive, arrogance poisons all relationships." derived

When Paula Maes, Beth Everitt, or Tom Savage is asked a legitimate question about their public service, and
a truthful response does not suit their self interests; their response to the question is "no comment". Or, they will stonewall.

Their failure to respond truthfully cannot be justified legally; it cannot be justified ethically; it cannot be justified at all.

That they can not be compelled to justify their response is a accoutrement of power. It is a manifestation of the arrogance of power.

It is an abuse of power.