Of course these people think they're above the law. Of course they think there's some kind of magical power inherent in their positions that can make a crime, not a crime. The rich and powerful, the politically connected, they have always believed themselves to be better than you and me and everyone else who isn't part of their weird little club.
The only question is how much you're willing to play along. The moment enough of us stop playing, the moment enough of us throw up our hands and say "enough," their entire stupid game will come crashing down.