I'll admit that I've badmouthed capitalism quite a bit, but I think what the real problem might be is that there is too much blind faith in political systems where capitalism is allowed to flourish.
Both capitalism and communism share a marked similarity in that their adherents are very devoted to their favorite "system" and are so zealously ideologically motivated to embrace that system purely for the sake of the system. When ideological purity becomes more important than common sense, then that is a problem.
I tend to favor a more Keynesian model myself - a mixed economy which takes in the best elements of both capitalism and socialism. I think we can find ways to rein in some of the more egregious and odious examples of unrestrained capitalism - without going overboard, as was done in revolutionary communist societies (which were more driven by revenge against their former masters than in building something new and positive).
Not all capitalists are bad. However, the reason society has been hobbled in doing much of anything about the darker elements of capitalism is largely ideological. In order to rein in the bad capitalists, it might mean having to violate some holy tenet of capitalism which even the good capitalists would balk against. It's because of this that many countries (including ours) become so hampered with organized crime and crooked politicians.
If anyone has ever read any economist jokes, they put capitalism in a different light.
Q: How many conservative economists does it take to change a light bulb?
A1: None. If the government would just leave it alone, it would screw itself in.
A2: None, because, look! It's getting brighter! It's definitely getting brighter!
A3: None, they're all waiting for the unseen hand of the market to correct the lighting disequilibrium.
We all know that, that is why you try to balance it out with social systems.
