The response to the study, if I understand the findings, is to point out an obvious error. The world, in its entire history, has never practiced capitalism (as free trade, unecumbered by governmental restraint). Not here in the United States, not anywhere, not anytime. What we practice, is an economic system known as a Mixed Economy...which is a mixture of freedoms and statism.
Worse still, the trend in this bastion of freedom - a.k.a. the U.S. - is to move away from freedoms, and instill even more statist regulation. In the Index of Economic Freedom, found at the Heritage Foundation, you will find that the United States, year by year, though still near the top, is moving lower and lower on the lists of countries regarded as "most free".
So, before we proudly clap ourselves on the back...perhaps we ought to feel the profound injection of adrelinine, when we realize that the war we've been waging in this country, is a War on Capitalism...not a War on Terrorism (aside from the few obvious fraudulent persons indicted). Anti-capitalists are fond of blaming their woes on capitalism. Pro-capitalists, are fond of praising capitalism.
Now, isn't it time that we talk about the real state of this economy? A Mixed Economy...and leave capitalism alone, until we have the courage to practice it?
Harry Roolaart
http://www.harryroolaart.com
Thanks for your well thought out response. "Mixed economy." Learn something everyday.
Yes, I share your concerns. I worry that the U.S. is moving away from the freedom and in the arms of more regulation, even worse.
Though, I can't think of any philosophy, system, whatever that has been practiced in its purist form ever. We're too imperfect. But where there are stark differences in quality of life, some factors seem to stand and give a pausible explanation.
From your web page towards the bottom about the Pledge of Allegiance: "the separation clause which forbids government endorsement of religion in any way.."
You appear to be referring to the specific and particular separation clause that everyone is talking about.
I tried looking everywhere for that clause, including the US Constitution, but all I have been able to turn up is the old familiar "Congress shall make no law" in the 1st amendment. Nothing about separation though. I also observe that the federal government is barred from endorsing religion since that is not one of its enumerated powers. But that is not what you are talking about either.
So I'd like to know where I can find "the separation clause which forbids government endorsement of religion in any way," that you mention. Can you direct me? Thanks.