Most of the problem with this entire mess is that regular people think the mega wealthy and powerful are like them, but with more power and money. They dont understand that that crew sees human life as disposable. They are bound by power, not law or morality.
Regular people cannot wrap their head around the true meaning of amorality. And where it invariably leads. They see it as a movie, not a reality. thats why such people so easily hold power. Most don't believe their excesses are real.
If they have been at it any length of time, for those who decide to play rough, there are no coincidences, no accidents, no weak links are tolerated, and mistakes have terminal outcomes easily judged to be isolated and separate unfortunate incidents with no ties to anything 'important'. Not even a threat of complaint is tolerated, not so much as a hint of disloyalty, and the staff is as disposable as the objects they play with.
Not all rich and powerful people are thus. Some (usually old money) winnow through the descendants, groom the fitting and give trust funds or small subsidiary companies to those found lacking the right stuff. The real reins of power can skip a generation, but will only be handed to someone deemed suitable, and who conducts themselves so as to not leave loose ends laying about that need to be cleaned up. The less that has to be done, the less the chance of a 'problem'. Morality is a distinct plus, because it makes fewer messes. Quiet power accomplishes far more, far more discreetly, than ostentation and braggadocio. Seeming important is not as important as simply
being important.
'New' money tends to be less discreet and less careful, often ostentatious and insecure about its status. The penumbra of descendants is smaller and more likely to behave in ways that end dynasties before they start, if the parents haven't done so. Making the transition to the 'old money' club is not done lightly, and that group is small, indeed. Most of the nouveau riche are found wanting. They are poorly read, ill mannered, and can't properly handle more than a half dozen pieces of silverware at a setting. They don't handle vast concepts well, not a territory, but a continent, not a company, but an industry, etc., and don't think long term (4-5 generations hence). They tend to be sloppy, morally and socially, and that creates problems, for which the solutions create even more loose ends (It takes two to carry one body). Old money doesn't need the amateurs or wannabes making messes in their yards, and tends to avoid the noobs who aren't discreet, sharp, and well behaved.
The concepts are tough for folks who are tied up in paying the light bill this month to understand at any level.
