During the great depression, almost all goods used by Americans were made in America.
People can work only if there are jobs available. And to start a small business, there have to be people with money to purchase the goods or services offered, AND no red tape regulations that strangle small businesses.
In the county I live in, the are few jobs, and the onerous taxes and regulations cause almost every small business started to fail within 2 years.
The only solution is to either grow marijuana, which unfortunately many people do, or move to another location, which is very difficult. To rent a person needs a huge lump of cash and a job. And a lot of people here own their homes, and it’s very hard to sell anything now.
So, I disagree with your viewpoint.
move to another location, which is very difficult
In the county where I live, there are Help Wanted signs almost everywhere. Employers CAN'T FIND people with half a brain.
I lived in Texas during the S&L crisis... Lost my job. NO ONE was hiring. Couldn't sell my house for HALF of what I paid for it. I MOVED. All the way to Georgia, where the JOBS were. Two years later? I moved back home, cause thing's had gotten better.
It is EASY to say, "can't be done".
Reality is: It CAN be done. But, it isn't always EASY.
But, it requires desire, imagination, and a willingness to do 'whatever' you have to do.
You're correct that, liberal governments can practically drive out opportunity. But, they haven't taken over EVERYWHERE just yet.