I'm not trying to? Could you reread the question I'm asking up there? It's a very specific one. At no point am I trying to argue in favor of increased centralized federal power or whatever.

I'm pointing out an abuse of local power that doesn't seem to fit with the assertion that local power is less subject to abuse.

Personally I think neither centralization nor decentralization are themselves limits on power, and other constraints must be found and imposed.