This crisis may not kill capitalism. The next one might not, or the one after that. But eventually it will happen.

Capitalism has made wealth and poverty. Can we not share the wealth we have already made? Communism has only been tried in poor places. Marx thought the country should be rich first.

Ben, York,

The wealth has not only been created by capitalism alone, but also Imperialism. Capitalism gives a portion of profits to wealthy shareholders which should be given back to the consumer as a reduction in price. Isn't it funny how the banks are all suddenly in trouble when we try to claim charges

Reginald Perrin, reading, uk

Let me ask you this - if Capitalism was a company would you buy shares in it?

haralambos, joburg,

Capitalism has also succeeded in condemning hundreds of millions to poverty (the entire system is based on exploiting a "periphery" to enrich the core), and has reduced so many things to mere commodities. This crisis hasn't drawn attention to the fact that we now prefer to exploit the poor abroad

will haven, london,

David has a very good point above -where IS all the money that banks are still taking in and why won't they lend it? We are told it is to do with confidence but that's utter nonsense! It's because the banks still want to make super-profits, as in 2007, rather than fix a situation they created!

Neil Watkinson, Ipswich, UK

Watch the Tories sell everything back to their chums in the city for a pittance when they think our backs are turned - remember, you read it here first!

Homer, London,

Brown killed capitalism by over regulating everything and everyone. Then the Europe added their regulation to the mix. And in the meantime, as Gordon tied our hands he had free reign to spend our money. Even now is he still throwng money at everything. It is his only answer to everything.

Elaine, London, uk

Actually this is the end of global corporatism of both capitalist and socialist varieties. The death of socialism worldwide is the more likely outcome. The world will no longer accept large organisations trying to rule the roost and failing miserably.

peter, boston, uk

Greed cannot be separated from capitalism. We used to interprete history through objective processes or ideological cliches. Now we return to old religious concepts such as greed and excess. Human beings are driven by desire for money, sex and for power. These know no limits if not restricted.

Kamal Mirawdeli, Wallington, UK

We do not live in a capitalist but instead, a feudal financial world. Current practises are not free market based. A free market transaction concludes as the hammer drops. A Feudal transaction can be changed after the "deal" to provide further income downstream of the sale to the sellers advantage.

Chris Coles, Medstead, Alton, United Kingdom

It is the Fiat money system that has failed. Politicians live of it by printing money that is unrelated to any economic growth in order to fulfill their spending promises and create the illusion of economic success. The bankers took their cue from the corrupt politicians and jumped on the bandwagon.

Scott, Bangkok, Thailand

I just hope we don't see the rise of protectionist policies in the real economy, the type of which will only exacerbate the racial tensions and rise of the far-right seen in some parts of Europe. Any economic historian will tell you global protectionism and global economic downturns go hand in hand.

Tom Addison, Cheshire,

Greed has failed capitalism is alive and well but wait for the greed to return ,as every share that has been sold there is a buyer. It is also prudent to note that as the banks are not lending money out what are they doing with all the billions of cash they are taking in through mortgages

David Hughes, Redruth, UK

Everything has an end and capitalism end is nearer.People will no longer trust this unjust system .People need a mixed economy system with less growth=destruction of earth and more quality of life , life is too short to waist it.

NICHOLAS , LARNACA, CYPRUSPeople will no longer trust this system it n

When we pass the wreckage of a fatal car crash we don't conclude that driving is a bad thing, just bad driving. That's why driving tests always get harder.

David Masu, Zürich, Switzerland

The Snake has swallowed a Rat! It will take a while to digest, but democratic capitalism is the only system that consistently delivers our liberal freedoms (to the extent it can). The news of the death of Capitalism like that of the USA has been greatly exaggerated!

Paul Freeman, London, England

It's about efficient allocation of resources and that's the point that i think is being missed. with such massive (personal) rewards available in banking, this pushes some our brightest people into a sector that ulitmately makes and creates nothing in of itself. that's not a wise use of resources.

stephen, china, china