I don't think the screwing is a done deal, but I have to be pessimistic about outcomes.
We would have to set aside our preconceived notions, our most jealously guarded beliefs, and attitudes to get us out of it. I am not sure if the American people are willing or the leaders have the backbone to do. All I have seen for the last 20+yrs is spinelessness and narrow mindedness. The nation has to work fast, direct and with strong resolve recover quickly. It is just hard for me to see them doing it.
They will have to tax the hell out of the rich so you can encourage them to invest in things that create American jobs, to get their money back in the form of tax breaks. When they put people in third world countries to work for slave wages and then tell the working American that he has to compete, that destroys the consumer base that is the general market. It isn't hating the rich. It is for their own good, as well as ours.
We have had such a wormy leadership, it is hard to see it happen. I think they need to grow a back bone, or vote someone else in that has one.

I'm hopeful that the vast majority, as judged by the recent election are going to start facing the realities of what we have done to our country over the last approximately thirty years beginning with Reagan. We did this to ourselves.

I think it is that the American people lost courage to stand up for themselves. We let corporate run legislators run amok.
I have have been physically threatened by conservatives. They resort to physical violence if you refuse to agree with them. We coward. If you are not willing to fight for it, it is not going to happen.
Just because O'bama won, does not mean the fight is over. We have to keep fighting by holding our president and legislator's feet over the fire to keep things going the right way. That is what the big corporate interests do. For us to get what we need, we have to match their political influence. If your are a progressive, liberal, socialist, or independent, you have to speak your mind with no fear. Tell people what you truly think. Don't let all the thieves in this county to get the last world.

I agree with Mike, in respect that people have to keep the momentum of this election result on the boil and to be bold and speak out about what they truly want and think. The fight isn't over, but a major victory has been gained and people all over the world are hopeful and encouraged that great changes will ensue. America isn't alone in this. This is a global crisis and all eyes are on the US.

I don't believe anything is 100% screwed until it ceases to exist.. just need to blow on the embers to build up the fire and I can feel quite a political blaze from across the pond just now.. Hoping for the best ..

We've been through much worse in this country and we've survived, so no, we are not screwed. Things will get better, but not next week, next month, or even next year. People just need to be patient and persevere.

Screwed is right, now that Obama has been elected.

There is no easy reconing for the recession our Country is in and our National Debt. I'm praying we're not going to slide into a depression!

kevmar what exactly makes you so sure mcain would be a better president than obama?

Historians do not like to write about the dark side of a depression. When ever there is one, there is a high increase in violence.
It will be a global depression. The powers that be have choices; make radical changes in the economics system, have a revolution, or focus the violence on a neighbor country. It could be one, or a combination of all three.
Revolution Defined.
What creates the movements toward revolution is where the expectations do not live up to reality. If there is a depression, there will be a lot of disappointed people out there. I think there already is. That is why we had the huge voter turn out.
JFK said, "Peaceful change is made impossible, violent change is inevitable.
The Bama man better put out, or there is going to be big time trouble. Palosi needs to take a vacation and think about what is happening, instead of play politics. We need the real deal, now! For now, Republicans need to focus on social conservatism, and stay out of economics, unless they have something really constructive.

I like the fact that obama has a plan. At least he has one. Versus mcfart talking about "We'll see what happens". We have to pull together as Americans to make this work also. It's not just one man who is gonna fix this all. Kevmar probably doesn't answer. To each his own. The system works and the people of American obviously knew what was best.

I find it curious that some people can only offer name calling as their comments on situations that they do not agree with! Also, remember that 48% of the population DID NOT find Obama's policies something they wanted. That is a small margin of victory, but the majority wins in this case. Even if it is a small one.
But I can agree with Kevmar, with Obama, Pelosi, and Reed, we ARE all screwed! You think we are in debt now??

Well now, Honey!
I have to agree that those are bad folks, but they would have to go a long way to match Bush and his Wall Street Cronies.
The only problem with Democrats are that they are a bunch of spineless suckers. They don't like to stand for anything. At least Bushy boy and his banker buddies stand up and tell you that you better give them the Nation Treasury or there will be hell to pay. The Democratic worms turned.
It is just the final looting, after we have been looted for eight years with phony wars with no bid contracts to other cronies.
I am surprised we last as long as we had.