"America can show some strikingly socialistic tendencies."

If by "socialism" you mean "government intervention" then of course the US has such tendencies. Every nation does. The railroads that linked the East and West coast - that literally built the USA - were built with colossal public subsidy.

Mark, London, UK

yes you are right .usa have socialistic tendencies only towards the huge multinational companies not the people.they´ve apparently got the wrong wrong end of the stick.
people are losing their homes by thousands but the government is wasting taxpayers money to save financial institutions.

ebbi britt, valencia, spain

The socialisation/nationalisation of private debt is not Socialism. Quite the opposite. It means that the public or taxpayers foot the bill for corporate gambling losses; robbing the Poor to bail out the Rich. Nor is this an isolated case. It is systemic. Its called the corporate welfare state.

d zoumbe, weymouth,

You forgot to mention US subsidies to 2 of the most socialistic industries: agribusiness and pro sports. You're familiar with socialized agriculture by virtue of your membership in the EU. Pro sports are worse. Build me a new $365 million stadium or I leave--the Glazers (ManU) are masters at this

George, Lutz, FL, USA

When you analyse the US economy it is far from a free market, and only ever touts that message when it is too America's advantage, this includes the reach of 'globalization'. Though Russia and China are circumnavigating this by flouting ownership and IP rights. The world bites back

Duncan, Wokingham,

Absolute capitalism tends toward monopoly. Antitrust attempts to enable the most capitalism benefits and minimize the drawbacks. For all you armchair economists, have you *ever* tried to create a perfect system ... of any sort ... even a small one?? Try it. In the meantime, we humans plod on.

Barry, La Jolla, USA

The economic priciple is quite clear - banks cannot be allowed to go bust. Certainly not in a free market. The results would be catastrophic. The second economic principle which is quite clear is that banks are not casino capitalists. In a casino you usually lose. You never win all the time.

john problem, winchester, uk

"The FDIC safety net will get its money because the US Treasury will not allow US banks to fail".

What's YOUR definition of "fail"?

Depositions with over $100K lose their money.
Shareholders get wiped out.

Ian, Madison, USA

What's with "socialism"? It is as meaningless to label any attempt to make rules for conduct in a market economy "socialist" as it was for the left to label anyone to their right as "fascists". No "anti-trust" laws? Is the market self-correcting? Where's the evidence?

Alec Andrews, Bridgnorth Shropshire, UK

of course they can't have them fail. another great depression would put the congress out of business

ben, cornwall, pei,ca

Names are what ever the politicians can get the voters to believe, The US has been using socialist tools for years, protectionism,farm subsidies,military/industrial complex, protectionism for state industries[oil,drugs] the list is endless.

Slavery ended in 1960's as a result of Dr Kings efforts

Winslow, Toronto, Canada

they said the end of slavery would destroy the south and the new deal would destroy wall street and I fully expect them to scream bloody murder when we end the supply side charade - let em holler- we have the votes - just buy a good set of ear plugs and ignore them

glenn schaefer, holbrook, ny/usa