publius

Well put. Thus far I have yet to encounter another system that is capitalism's equal, much less its superior. The problem is not the system per sé, but with human culture. People like pushing the envelope - it is part of our creative drive. The only problem with it is that it becomes subverted, as judged by whatever standard there may be in place short of "anything goes". People like to see how far they can take things and often lose sight that their actions bring serious harm to others at times. The "ends justify the means" mentality sets in and goes mainly unquestioned. That is why we are supposed to have watch dogs.

There is nothing wrong with curbing corporate behavior. Criminal law, for example, prevents employers from executing employees who do not perform to their expectations. The question is not whether businesses are to be regulated, but rather where the line is to be drawn. I am all for business and for capitalism, but I do not approve of the corporate free-for-all that has been raging with ever greater intensity since the Reagan administration started cutting the reins on the big boys. Efficiency in the use of resources is not a legitimate basis for screwing the pants off the very people an industry is supposed to serve. But it isn't that way anymore - now it is the customer who is to serve the business. Very dangerous stuff.

On the other hand lies the social-liberal - a cutesy euphemism for the socialist - who generally advocates that government be in everybody's business. Few appear to be interested in the middle path where corporations make their happy profit and the individual retains his full liberty. This can be achieved, but the parasitic politicos whose real agenda is power need to be removed from the equation. I'm all for ignoring them, but have no compunction to kill them if need be.

It seems to me, and I may be way wrong on this, that the world of humanity is rapidly approaching a nexus where we will have to decide what we really want: freedom and the acceptance of its requirements, or slavery and the corresponding price the illusion of a free ride exacts. And what will really be interesting is the conflict between those wanting the latter and those in favor of the former. Can they coexist? I doubt it.