It worked real well in england and europe and in the usa on those occasions when it was done, as well as all the other times before that in history, like with the greeks and romans, but as Ian is saying and as I suspected, its not the purpose of this thread, and shouldnt perhaps become a dominat sidebar.
The main problem with the current ecomomic system in use in the world today is too much greed and not enough ethics.
I predeict soon the good ole Tree of Liberty will be getting wattered again too if that doesnt change with the blood of the evil tyrants and poor patriots who will have to rise up to stop them.
To be honest Ian I think the reason the USA isnt doing anythuing is becuase its all part of their Government's Corperate directed plan and goes right back to Eisenhower's fears that the Military Industrial Complex would take over if allowed half a chance and wasn't well restricted and regulated.
As to the current american president wanting to only tax and rich and increase spending with no cuts...better do some actual fact checking if you wish to get through the demogogery and "spin"...which btw...is also Corpperatly directed interestingly enough.
As for the BRIC, I think they are as trapped by the same economic greed based system.
I also dont think they will surpass anyone if the the limited resources that are sustaining their growth run out as we expect them too in the middle of this century.
In which case, I wonder who will be coming out of this on the high side of things?
I bet it wont be the poor people.