[MtnClimber]

Yep, they would rather rule over ruins than participate in prosperity.

[RoosterRedux]

Our rulers have their prosperity.

What they are ruining is the opportunity for prosperity of that uppity middle class.

Serfs should know their place, says the Ruling Class.

[Fred Hayek]

Or as John Milton wrote in Paradise Lost, “Better to rule in Hell than serve in Heaven.”