I think we need to get behind job creation in a massive way.  Long term unemployment has many corrosive effects, resulting in long term alientation, poverty, family break up, suicide, drug abuse, homelessness, crime, social breakdown, desparate and dysfunctional cities and neighborhoods.  This is summed up in Don Peck's article in the March 2010 Atlantic, "The Recession's Long Shadow-- How a New Jobless Era Will Transform America".

The social results of the Great Depression brought us facism in Europe.  Perhaps it's easiar to blame and scapegoat, then take responsibiity and build something better.  The Great Recession could bring about a long period of social retreat in dealing with our major problems.  An investment now could bring us huge savings in social costs later, and a much more pleasant society.  But maybe most of all, we simply need to care about each other, and ensure hope for meaningful opportunity for all.