>That's not a good example since you could have the same
>situation happen in a communist society -- the issue is a
>finite # of resources.

The issue is setting an enterprise up for failure. There really isn't a finite number since the network can easily leverage a larger amount additional funds through the US Dept of Labor/Commerce's TOPS $$$ (for example) but instead are going after the local $$$ and perhaps making it harder for individual sites to get general operating $$$ and more resources than the city trust fund can provide.

The above situation is creating a "divide" even as it aims to bridge another (digital). In this case, if the network is strong then the individual sites may fail. This is what I see as far as how capitalism has worked in this society.

>First. A divide isn't required for Capitalism to work

I think that capitalism causes these divides. By it's very existence it often creates or perpetuates a cycle that many do not have the power or resources to break. Capitalism does not make more poor people but it there is surely a status quo that maintains the cycle.

>Poverty has a large societal cost with respect to Crime,
>Social Programs, Tax Breaks, etc.

The poor are not the only ones to benefit from social programs, tax breaks, etc. I know offspring of the wealthy who are on welfare. I also know some rich folks who get tax breaks and engage in criminal activity. They aren't on the news, either until something like Enron happens.

>Second. Capitalism creates jobs and opportunities for people
>-- you just have to take advantage

Almost anyone can get into the doors but we know there is a glass ceiling for many of us. This is the expectation: there is a double-standard or glass ceiling and sometimes there really is. More often than not it is a false expectation but we make it real. For some there is no advantage.

>In what way? Capitalists aren't taking advantage of the fact
>that someone has less, they take advantage of what they have
>themselves.

Oh but many are. If the existence of capitialism maintains the status quo and perpetuates divides then many capitalists are indeed taking advantage. They already have access to the resources or the expectation exists that there is a certain right or privilege to said resources. This expectation is often a part of social conditioning. I am not placing blame on the people who take advantage but I am not trying to blame those who are on the other side, either. It's the system or structure that isn't working.

>The fact that there are poor people accross the bridge in
>NYC, has nothing to do with my socioeconomic standing in
>North Jersey, or better yet, the success of my business or
>capitalistic endeavors.

Again, I say level the playing field and we'll see what happens.

<--- Blame this lady for Nutty.