NO.
We can not, because the system itself is fundamentally flawed. This economic suffering, wealth inequality, and constant assault on worker solidarity is the necessary and expected result of fulfilling a capitalist society in the late stage of its existence.
Can we escape capitalism in the US?
Yes.
But there are many, absurdly powerful obstacles that must be overcome, and we must find a way to unite all workers.
In the US, the first obstacle which must be addressed is reversing citizen's united, which is a 2010 decision which allows corporations and other outside groups to spend unlimited money on elections, and further we must remove all big money, and especially lobbying, from politics all together.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_United_(organization)
There are exactly 2 ways to reverse citizen's united, and they both are extremely difficult currently, despite 77% of the US having an interest in removing big money from politics, and a staggering 94% believing wealthy donors are responsible for dysfunction in Congress; they are 100% correct. That number means we CAN elect the representatives we need to reverse this. It seems impossible, but it is actually 100% possible to elect ALL of the representatives needed to reverse this decision in a single election. It would require massive sweeping victories against incumbents, but the current state of congress means there is no reason to even look at the rest of a representative's policy positions past a desire to reverse citizen's united, because this decision ensures that the vast majority of our congressional representatives are bought, paid for, and will ignore the needs of their constituents to the favor of their donors every time. Almost the entirety of the GOP and probably 3/4 of the democrats would need to be replaced eventually, but only 3/4 of the GOP and 1/2 of the dems would need to be replaced to reverse this decision. The two ways we do it are:
-Congress passing a constitutional amendment. This would be the most direct way to overturn Citizens United, but it would also be the most difficult. To pass a constitutional amendment, Congress would need a two-thirds majority in both the House, and Senate, and then it would need to be ratified by three-fourths of the states. This would be insanely difficult and require supreme coordination, despite a solid quarter of the country falling outside the paradox of tolerance, but having the same goals in this regard. Is it worth gaining their support to pass reform? Yes, in my opinion it is, but only for this limited goal, until we can unite all workers without intolerance. This is much more difficult than the other option, while being the more possible of the two.
-The Supreme Court could overturn Citizens United in a future decision. The makeup of the court currently all but guarantees it won't be overturned, and it will take much longer to replace those judges who rule for corporations, without a president who is in favor of packing the court. Additionally while the Supreme Court has overturned its own decisions in the past, it is extremely rare, and would have to be spurned by massive public demonstrations.
Now, we have carefully chosen all of our representatives, even state and local, who support reversing citizen's united, those who reject corporate donations completely should be supported unless wealthy, and hopefully who are interested in aggressive climate / jobs programs, prioritizing the workers, universal healthcare, and taxing the rich, and we have successfully overturned citizen's united.
Congratulations, we are now free to choose our representatives based on the policies they intend to fight for, and they are free to represent their constituents without the master hand of capital directing all of their neoliberal attacks at the working class.
Now, we are still in capitalism which will insist upon destroying congress for its benefit again; how do we create a better, more fair economic system, which still allows supreme individual freedom, and where everyone has the ability and power to shape their own destiny, the way that the capitalist myth of meritocracy purports but cannot deliver necessarily, in which workers can flourish and prosper, but leaves no one behind, and allows the worker their due and proper means from the labor they deliver?
Now, I lean more socialist, but in all cases, if it suits you, replace 'socialist' with 'worker' and you will remain creating a fair system for the totality. Any economic system which unites and supports the working class is worthy of your consideration.
This is how we change things:
-Build a strong socialist movement. This means educating the public about socialism, organizing workers, and other oppressed groups, and building a coalition of forces for change. This is easiest to begin with a common pursuit, such as unionizing, or electing a democratic socialist to office.
-Elect socialists to office. This will give socialists a platform to advocate for policies that will help to move the country towards socialism. Socialist policies are extremely popular for the very reason that they are universal and strengthen the worker while weakening the bosses.
-Enact reforms that weaken capitalism and strengthen socialism. This includes things like raising the minimum wage, instituting universal healthcare and education, and nationalizing key industries such as rail, and the grid.
-Build a socialist economy. This involves creating worker cooperatives, developing a public sector that provides for basic needs, and democratizing economic institutions.
We must be realistic about the challenges of transitioning from capitalism to socialism, or a different worker-centric form of economic distribution. Capitalism is an insanely powerful system, and it will not be easy to overcome it at all. But it is important to remember that socialism is not a utopia either, it is an achievable way of living fairly, and freely, that is well within our reach as humans to accomplish, starting right now. I used to be in the military and by far, the best part of serving was the socialist organization of services, you can go to the hospital when you need, without ever having spoken to an insurance company, you are provided housing and food when you need it, and public services are for all to enjoy. I want this for everyone. It will be a long and difficult process to build a socialist society, but it is a goal that is worth striving for. It is extremely important to be inclusive in the transition to a worker economy. Socialism should be built by, and for, all working people, and those who do not work, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other identity.
Finally, it is extremely important to be democratic in the transition from gnarly, late stage capitalism, to socialism. Socialism should not be imposed on people from above. It should be built by the people ourselves, through democratic processes, and we should all decide together, that it is only when all workers are fairly represented, that all workers are free.
It will be an extremely complex and challenging process, requiring dedication, organization, and talent, however, it is a necessary step in order to create a more just and equitable society.
“Socialism is the abolition of classes and the establishment of a society in which all will be free and equal.” – Rosa Luxemburg
TL;DR please read if you have a minute, unite the workers to create a fair system