[allochthon]

> But compare it with feudal economics, where a rent-seeking class had a monopoly on everything and had absolutely no incentive to improve the economic conditions of their subjects.

This sounds a little like the US today. In order for capitalism to deliver what promise it holds, it must be saved from the capitalists. That means intelligent regulation (as opposed to mere red tape).

[chad_oliver]

I don't really have experience with the US (I'm from New Zealand), but from first impressions I agree with you. Capitalism is a system of regulations to restrict the actions of capitalists.