Just look at the countries that are or were socialist. Russia and China had too many poor people and no thriving economy while totally socialist. Now, they have embraced capitalism to a certain extend and are thriving. Cuba remains socialist and therefore poor and desolate. Just about everyone in Cuba wants to leave to the USA.

The U.S. has been the ultimate capitalist country and therefore has been the most productive and wealthy country in the world. Now, the problem here is the U.S. has slowly been eroding its capitalist system by misguided people. For example, us not drilling for oil in Alaska and offshore has meant wealth from here going to other countries that send us oil. Now you have Obama wanting to overtax the rich, most of whom run businesses and hire many people. you overtax the rich and you get layoffs, companies closing, less consumer spending. In a word, "Cuba" You end up like Cuba were 99% of the population are poor, lack basic goods, and there are very few jobs. Isn't it ironic that a socialist doctor in Cuba can make more money driving a capitalist taxi?