One primary cornerstone of our economy is the housing industry. Not sure that was the case in Germany in the 1920's. They were also saddled by huge reparation payments after WW1, something we don't necessarily have, unless you are alluding to our bond interest payments (primary US debt) as our self inflicted reparation payments.

Not disagreeing with you entirely, but I see some efforts at recovery in the businesses I bank in different sectors. This is the worst recession and the longest recovery phase that the US has experienced in the past 100 years. The depression era of the 1930's was nothing compared to this in impact and length.

Wish we had a modern day FDR (warts, polio and all). Obama had his chance, and he punted.