Now there is no such thing as a pure free market system, just as there is no such thing as a pure egalitarian system.
The capitalist system as we know it is an amalgam of different markets, industries and entities generally constrained by a system of market-based rules, laws and institutions, all of which is married to a social-democratic safety net. The emphasis and balance between free market institutions and govt based redistribution networks varies a little from country to country, but the basic framework is the same across most developed nations.
I find it amusing that some of the most vocal supporters of the TARP, central bank bailout measures, and government stimulus were also some of the greatest proponents of free markets. The belief that you need to abandon the market to save the market is ironic on its face. This speaks to a crack in the free market ideological armor (it will be interesting to see where this leads).
Taking a step back from the bailout, I just find it strange that we generally don't give two thoughts to the irony of a central bank in the midst of "free" financial markets. Faith springs eternal, and the human ability to sustain incongruent positions is pronounced.
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