As an American living in China, I agree with you 100%.
A few points:<p>- I would not consider Taobao a clone.<p>- The US has its advantages but also its disadvantages. Funding (e.g. SBIR grants) is very corrupt in the US (corrupt in the Latin sense, meaning not necessary meaning bribes but personal relationships. I could tell stories, Lordy Lord).<p>- &quot;true rule of law&quot; The true rule of law is a question of money in the states. For the average citizen the law has become more a risk than an asset.<p><a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.amazon.com&#x2F;Three-Felonies-Day-Target-Innocent&#x2F;dp&#x2F;1594035229" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.amazon.com&#x2F;Three-Felonies-Day-Target-Innocent&#x2F;dp&#x2F;...</a>