The evolution from capitalism to cronyism bears some distinct markers.  Perhaps chief amongst them is the ever-increasing domination of…everything by the biggest of Big Businesses.

In the Cronyism Economy small businesses shrivel up and die.  Because they aren’t large enough to pay Big Government for the cronyism Big Businesses purchase with ease.

The small biz carcasses pile up.  And they – and their marketshares – are then bought on the cheap by the Big Businesses.

Making the Big Bizs even bigger.  And even more able to purchase even more cronyism.  Which does even more damage to small businesses….  Lather, rinse, repeat….

We’ve for decades been told small businesses are vital to our economy.  Mostly because they are.  But Big Biz seems to have paid EVERYONE off – to successfully memory hole this vital truth.

When small businesses are facing this sort of crushing downward pressure?  One thing they definitely aren’t doing is hiring people.  Because they are too busy trying to stay alive.  Which also means things ain’t great for their existing employees.

Well, welcome to the modern US economy for small businesses. (more…)