> i think it's hilarious that we tell other countries that we're a free market but clearly we're not if you have to ask law makers to allow you to do business.

As a citizen of a backwards, non-free socialist European country, yes, it is.

Its hilarious in a sad and depressing way. Regulation means "to make regular" not "to only let the rich people do" or whatever most people use it as a euphemism for now.