I think it is true that capitalism has been largely responsible for the distribution of those things that we identify with our improved standard of living over the decades of the last 150 years. Many, if not most, of the “things” we use and enjoy were developed in the laboratories of corporations and others in universities (largely supported by gifts and taxes.) Taxes were mostly paid directly by the corporations and indirectly by the employees and owners of the companies and the aggregate of small business owners (and their employees) who deal in the great constellation of tangible and intangible elements comprising the enhanced standard of living enjoyed by a large fraction of the population. And, listening to the complaints of your guests, the standard of living could be much better if not for the spotty record of electing so many politicians not sympathetic to capitalist concepts. The question posed is: Would the great masses still feel as they do today if the wealth remains as concentrated as it currently is?

I think the answer lies in education, prompted by the axiom: ” A democracy deserves no better government than it can elect at the polls” ( Or, sarcastically: Consider a $100,000 Poll Tax).