[Alberta's Child]

I look out there today and I see something as simple and silly as Facebook, which most people couldn't even envision as recently as 15 years ago. I mean -- how hard was it to start that company? Sometimes an idea can come out of nothing, right. But your points about excessive regulation, crony capitalism, etc. are all good ones.

You raise another interesting point about younger folks. One of the reasons for the decline in the number of businesses isn't just demographics -- it's that people who retire today are being replaced by a lot of younger people who don't have the same maturity, capacity, drive, etc. to succeed in business.

[Paul R.]

Yes, that (Facebook) is a good example. The right idea can succeed, still. On the other hand, does Facebook contribute to the wealth of the society, or is it more of a recreational activity that actually reduces the productivity of many? So many people seem almost obsessed with it. Hmmmm....

As for the young ‘uns, yes, that’s what an entitlement society tends to do... :-(