“Former White House adviser Karl Rove defied a congressional subpoena and refused to testify Thursday about allegations of political pressure at the Justice Department, including whether he influenced the prosecution of a former Democratic governor of Alabama.”  — The Washington Post, July 10, 2008

When did we reach a point where the former deputy chief of staff to the president of the United States ignores a formal request by a congressional committee to discuss events concerning the business of the American people?

“Representative Linda Sanchez, chairman of the subcommittee holding the hearing, declared herself ‘extremely disappointed and deeply concerned’ about Rove’s behavior,” wrote Post reporter Dana Milbank.

How can we believe that our elected officials and their staff are acting in the best interests of the country?

“Sanchez spoke of his ‘role in the alleged politicization of the Justice Department’ and his hand in ‘the unprecedented firing of nine U.S. attorneys in 2006.’”

What happened to duty and respect?

“‘If such allegations were true,’ said Representative Chris Cannon, the ranking Republican on the panel, ‘they would be very serious.’”

Where is the accountability?

“White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and former White House counsel Harriet Miers have already been held in contempt of Congress — but even if Bush’s Justice Department decides to prosecute those cases, his administration will be out of office before they are resolved.”

What happened to a public servent honoring the trust of the American people?

“A contempt citation for Rove, which could come as soon as next week, would face the same sort of delay.”

Where are you, Mr. Rove?

“‘This meeting today is a travesty of a mockery of a sham,’ protested Cannon, paraphrasing the great authority on separation-of-power disputes, Woody Allen.”

Sadly, it’s worse than that.  It’s another example of the breakdown in trust and confidence between the American people and those who serve yet think they are above being held accountable.