We've been through much worse than this. The economy is complex enough and our entrepreneurs talented enough that we will rise above this. The economy gets better under two circumstances in my view:

(1) Large opportunities are available for businesses to invest and make money.

(2) People start spending money again because consumer confidence improves.

BTW, the goal is not to produce more than we consume. That, in my view, is a formula for failure. The goal is to create a more stable supply and demand curve. If consumers don't spend enough money, then the problems get worse as a business's gross revenue decreases.

If we stop panicking, spend their money, stop with the bail outs, provide tax incentives for entrepeneurs, and most importantly, provide an opportunity for business to make money as well as compete with existing giants, then the recession will start easing into recovery.