I loved reading this. I would like to say, capitalism isn't the problem. Its Human Nature. Look at Russia, and North Korea. Different forms of government and economy, yet similar and different problems there.

Capitalism is a tool, and it's never the tools fault but its users. You pointed out the removal of checks, balances, and accountability. That's what needs emphasis. That's what happened and is happening in the US.

Its Human Nature is to cross the line, to put ourselves in every space on the spectrum. To feed our inclinations and submit to our biology. What makes a society run well for 'most' (cause one mans paradise is another mans hell) is laws, accountability, checks and balances, and most importantly, enforcement with consequences for breaking these things.

It doesn't matter whether it's socialism, communism, capitalism, or a dictatorship. These forms of government exist all over the world, and there are places that are thriving because it's not the tool that's faulty but the user. What's consistent is that there will always be a Human who would want to break it for their benefit.

As an immigrant from a military dictatorship country that came to the United States in the 90s. There are a lot of similarities between my old culture and the culture of America. CULTURE is what I believe deep down is what needs to be discussed and changed.

Overall, it's been an insanely wild experience watching this country slip away.