Agreed, and how sad it is that we are continuing to lose free markets and drifting none to slowly toward a regrettable form of capitalism that none of us learned about in 9th grade civics class. Oh well, 200 years is not a bad run for a republic.
Maybe you should have paid more attention in your 10th grade American History class? How about http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoils_system ? It's the great fallacy of youth that we believe we live in a unique time.
Most people, even smart guys here on Elite Trader, fail to realise the real meaning of a 'democracy ending'. Perhaps its due to the fact the most here are very young. Let me put it this way: There is no such thing as capitalists, socialists, liberals, catholics, slackers, hard-workers. These are just brands created to divide people and better establish oligarchies. Take Greece, which is a perfect example, given that it's the cradle of democracy and also a country on the verge of collapse. Are Greeks lazy parasites or victims of a system that has made dependants since they are born? And what about Americans? Are they hard working, successful, free thinkers who have managed to create a wealthy and united country? We are ALL victims. Victims of a few families that rule the World and decide the rise and fall of companies, political leaders, banks, governments, markets. The worse part is that they managed to convince many, that democracy is irrelevant.
The proof of the pudding as they say is success. OK so which country is currently the most successful ? Answer China with its 1 party state. Sad but true. All the western free-wheelers are just creating chaos as they fight for a decreasing slice of the cake. Put too many rats in a cage and the result is the same - cannibalism. Democracy may have had its heyday and regretably Christianity could be another losing philosophy. They are perhaps too soft on crime etc. and so crime flourishes in Europe and the Americas. Professional criminals run rings around the do-gooders. Financial crime and even legalised ripping off of companies by their so-called leaders. If you haven't got your share of the millions being syphoned off from companies, especially banks then you are probably not trying or dare I say - honest !!