[quote=gandalf]Also, I think technological innovations related to energy supplies could really boost our economic outlook. An efficient electric car produced here in the US, for example. Powering SoCal’s energy grid with ‘farms’ of solar panels. Could turn things around…[/quote]

Agreed. This is the only way that I see that the USA getting out of this. Add stem cell research to the list. Imagine leading the world in these three areas, and exporting it all to the rest of the world. Magic bullet? Unfortunately, everyone else has a 5-15 year head start on us with respect to auto, energy, and stem cells.