Ultimately though, all talk of policy is a fools errand and utterly useless unless the overarching corruption in our political system is addressed. The free market dictates that companies can be expected to maximize their profits by whatever means necessary, and it's up to government to make sure "whatever means necessary" stays within an acceptable domain that protects key public interests. The primary requisite for the advancement of any civilization is it's resistance to corruption, and nothing short of a total overhaul will even put a dent on the decline we're experiencing. Until the era of pay-for-play and superPACS is brought to an end, legislation will always mold itself to induce the greatest profits for big corporations at the expense of every other interest.
EDIT: I should add as well though that the other side of this coin is that we as consumers CAN have a great influence outside of politics by voting with our dollars. If everyone refused to buy cheap Chinese goods and boycott Wal-Mart, enacting protectionist policies to protect American manufacturing wouldn't even be necessary. If we refused to put our money in banks involved in scandals or do business with their partners they'd soon be out of business. Alas, there in lies the other doom of the free market; as consumers we can be expected to act exactly in our own interests, which dictates buying the cheapest goods and most attractive deals regardless of the greater effects. There has to be a mass change in psychology, a great awakening. Hmm, good start up idea???!!