really - we had none of the that in the late 1800's and early 1900's
we had no national health care, no banking regulations but we did have monopolies, horrible working conditions, corruption, fraud, et.c..
What we have now is not so much a government by and for the poeple but a government controlled by a handfull of people (~ 100 senators and a 500 or so congressmen/woman) who do the bidding of large corporations. That's the current state of our govt.
fine, i agree with you, but that is my point. The govt imposes regulations that these corps want and sell you some BS idea that they are protecting you. They are doing the opposite.
Just look at two things:
1. Repeal of Glass Steagal
2. Fannie/Freddy
In those two instances, the govt directly contributed to the massive bank/housing meltdown we have now. The govt directly aided and abbetted Wall Street in their garbage.
The govt and wall street are partners in crime in this.
We need to let wall street fail when it fails, and not allow the govt to be partners with these bums.