A great part of the article was that they did not break laws because they are backed by a government that allows them to be assholes with impunity. They did not break any laws, but they behaved like Soviet tyrants and people are getting tired of it. Just because the government allows them to be assholes does not mean they should be.
The government doesnt allow them to be assholes.
IT REQUIRES IT.
The entire incident was spawned because United had to get the other crew to the next stop for an ajoining flight to meet Federal Regulations.