The recent economic collapse has brought out cries that unfettered
capitalism has failed and doesn't work. I say the problem is even deeper
than that.

The problem is that democracy has failed and doesn't work. Look at where we
are heading. Soon, a very small percentage of the population will be paying
taxes for the entire country. "That's fair and patriotic" claim the
parasites as they vote themselves more entitlements. That's just fine with
the freeloaders. Suppose those select few who have the privelege of paying
for everyone decide to stop working or work less? Where is the money going
to come from? What will the government have to do to keep the producers
producing more wealth to be redistributed? Force them?