So we’re clear, I agree with you that the power to break up monopolies is not being used properly, I feel it is corrupted. Look no further than AT&T, which was broken up decades ago, but has hilariously been allowed to merge back together, and potentially grow even larger with a Time Warner merger.
I make the general statement that Capitalism is the greatest thing since sliced bread, because it is a system that allows for human nature while “checking” it. A human is allowed to put positive and helpful virtues, such as intelligence, competitiveness, and work ethic to use. But if they let negative virtues take over too much, such as greed and laziness (as everyone becomes corrupt to a certain extent), then they will likely lose their power through free market competition.
So I agree with you, THE KEY is to maintain a truly free market. Large “corporations” (which you once again bring up in your first sentence), are NOT free market. The solution is 1) Break up the largest corporations 2) Encourage new business and small business growth 3) Encourage competition between medium sized businesses and large, broken-up corporations
The one major problem I will point out with breaking up large corporations, is that we could risk making our large, multinational corporations unable to compete on a global scale. I propose that we allow large corporations to act as monopolies overseas (where non-American companies are also allowed to act as monopolies), while taking action to stop monopolistic practices within our borders.
1% VS BOTTOM 50%:
Do we agree that the bottom 50% has a much, much higher standard of living than they did a century ago? I agree that they don’t get the perks that the upper class does, but at least they don’t (or shouldn’t) have to worry about where their next meal and housing comes from. We have solid safety nets for the essentials of life.
So another way to phrase “sponge-up” is “Demand Side Economic Theory”, and “trickle-down economics” is “Supply Side Economic Theory”. I think that “Supply Side Economic Theory” works better where “increased supply creates increased demand”, AKA where the demand is “elastic”. And Supply-Side works better when you want to see improved product innovation and new tech. “Demand Side Economic Theory” works better where demand is “inelastic”, and where you want to see improved supply chains, manufacturing innovation, and distribution. I see a need for a mix of Demand-side and Supply-side economics.