Re: Let history be your guide
^This economy was created by the exploitaion of easily available resources and a much smaller demand. ^
This economy was created by freedom, private property, and the right to profit by it. The Soviet Union had vast resources, and the world is filled with miserably poor nations that have "small demand."
Governments dwarf the private sector in terms of inertia, greed and abuse, with the added bonus of power lust. Never mind environmental abuse. This is one place where history becomes important.