Ultimately, economic recovery will come from economic demand from the real economy. I think Obama's approach, per today's radio address, of assisting the American economy to develop green energy solutions and infrastructure to support new energy will actually help accelerate our competitive edge in the next new economy in the energy sector.
Think about the relationship between military spending in the '80's and the technology revolution of the '90's. A strong case can be made for energy being the next area in which American innovation can lead and the American economy can reap the benefits of proprietary product development.