[Sam Gamgee]

We may just be arguing semantics. My definition of capitalism is like Ayn Rand definition that takes it to mean something beyond simply economics to define an entire thinking that believes in the freedom of individuals. I can’t think of a concise definition, but the idea that capital should be freely retained, freely allocated – simply that men should be free to engage in commerce or not engage in commerce with whomever they desire – as long of course that it is within the bounds of the law. It doesn’t apply preference for big business or small business. If a business grows to become a large business because it successfully provides a product the consumer desires, so be it. But if it grows on the backs of taxpayers, which often happens when politics mixes with business, that is not desirable.

[hedgetrimmer]

We may just be arguing semantics.

No, I don't think so.

The word capitalism wasn't used in any english language literature until William Makepeace Thackery used it in 1864. America could not have been founded on the theory of capitalism, it wasn't even part of our lexicon until the mid-nineteenth century.

Free enterprise means that individuals can freely engage in a systematic purposeful activity, not necessarily for profit, but for profit if they so desire.

Our government is restructuring itself to eliminate free enterprise on all levels-- including controlling the activities of nonprofit organizations through the idea of "civil governance" and tax breaks for nonprofits and other giveaways if they do what the government wants them to do. Prime examples, the Nature Conservancy, the Red Cross, and so on.