[marktwain]

the American government is proving the thesis that prosperity is created exclusively in the private sector — not through state regulation.

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Not exactly correct. Without state protection to keep the peace, provide for domestic tranquility and protect from foreign invaders, private enterprise is greatly hampered.

The American system shows that some minimum of the rule of law is required. We do not know what that is, but certainly a lower level of regulation than what exists today.

[MtnClimber]

The American system shows that some minimum of the rule of law is required.

Exactly. Because the other end of the spectrum is anarchy which is also destructive to society as well. Finding the right balance of limited government is the key. Certainly, law enforcement for criminal acts is a minimum requirement of a functioning government.