Associating "capitalism" to every ill in America is evidence and symptom of what exactly America's problem is. The moniker of "most capitalistic nation" is just another diversion from what is wrong.

The problem of America stems first and foremost from it's 18th century constitution that is treated like a religious text and the form and contours of our political institutions and their unrestrained operation and base on money.

These are the characteristics that differentiate us from the other (now more stable and successful) western liberal democracies.

The use of the word "socialism" as an epithet by the right is simply reflected in the use of the word "capitalism" on the left. I am very "left" in terms of policies. In aggregate, the only overarching characterization I would use for my views of how society should work is empirical progressivism charaterized as one single intention: how do we achieve the best, fairest, and decent life for all Americans.

We should also stamp out the misuse of the word "freedom" since it can mean anything to anyone.

By slinging vastly ambiguous and historically-charged labels like "capitalism" and "socialism" and "freedom" we just create simple-minded targets for the all-to-many simple-minded citizens that exist in every country. Empiricism, goals, and applied policies have to be the basis for the fight for a better USA.