Why do you wish to take us back to the 19th century? Life was much harder, people had lower quality of life and America was no where near the power we're currently...Without government regs, laws and investment this is exactly where we're going.
Every era had it's positives and negatives. No era (including the current one) was great in every possible way. Let me give you an example:
When I was a kid back in the 60's, everybody knew each other. Many didn't have air conditioning, so during the summer, people spent much time outside. At night time, all the neighbors were out on their porches. The kids would be playing baseball on the street. People walked everywhere and went places.
Today, outside in the summer means you went from your car to your house. Many don't even know their next door neighbor yet alone anybody else on the street. People barricade themselves in their home because entertainment and technology is all within their four walls. If you wish to speak with somebody, you text them or send them an IM.
I love my technology. I love my cable and my 80" HD television. I love my internet and cell phone. I live my remote starter on my car. I love my satellite radio. But these advancements robbed us of other things that are invaluable. Were all things perfect when I was a kid back then? Of course not, but there were things that were much better.