MagiK

Herein lies the inherent problem with capitalism: in a capitalistic society, eventually some corporations will become so large and powerful that they will either buy out/absorb their competitors or make their products so well (or for such low cost) that their competitors go out of business. What you will eventually have is not healthy competition but a small group of extremely wealthy, large, and powerful companies who literally dominate the market place. Strangely enough, capitalism will result in a situation similar to some of those that led to the 19th- and 20th-century communist revolutions--a small group who are in de facto control of the rest of the population.

Getting back on topic, now.... I'm sure the Russians never considered global conquest (that is an impossibility) but they did consider--and pursue--the spread of their version of "communism".

Also consider this: without the Cold War, some of the technological advances made during the last 50 years would not have occurred; at the very least they would not have occurred at the rate that they did occur.

Just out of curiosity, Avatar, you didn't happen to catch the name of this book, did you?[/QUOTE]ou know, capitalism isn't just about the "Evil Corporations" It also applies to individual entrepenures, every day people who through hard work succeed and get ahead. The one unique thing about America is that ANYONE from ANYWHERE can escape a birth in poverty, if they are smart and hard working. That does kind of leave out the stupid lazy people but...well no system is perfect...and there is no gaurentee for even the smartest people, there is an element of luck....I know one woman who I swear has been cursed by the Universe. She makes all the right choices....just seemingly at the wrong times I feel bad for her.