You wrote: "Could it be that these wealthy elites are bad people, and they are simply trying to prevent any politicians from openly acknowledging this fact and targeting them for punishment?"
Perhaps I am answering a rhetorical question, but you may find The Iron Law of Oligarchy to be most instructive. TL:DR: we are led by high-functioning sociopaths.
You wrote: "Could it be that these wealthy elites are bad people, and they are simply trying to prevent any politicians from openly acknowledging this fact and targeting them for punishment?"
Perhaps I am answering a rhetorical question, but you may find The Iron Law of Oligarchy to be most instructive. TL:DR: we are led by high-functioning sociopaths.