Today's Economy- Not Local & National, But Global

We look around us and see numerous town and city governments in dire financial conditions. States are having similar, if not in same cases, even worse challenges. Our national deficit is so large that it will not be repaid for generations. And we're adding to that deficit daily.
By and large, we are not alone in this situation. Almost all nations (except China) are having similar woes. There has not only been a drop in the Dow, but in stock markets around the globe. Gold prices have skyrocketed, and recently oil prices are beginning to rise again. Every time we hear a bit of good economic news, we then hear a bit of bad. And then, each side has to "spin" the information to their point of view.
So, what do we need to do? I believe that the most important thing we need to address is job creation and joblessness. Officially, we claim that the unemployment rate is 9.8%. But that does not include people who are no longer looking, people who no longer qualify for benefits, people who've taken some sort of part-time or lesser employment. When that is calculated in, the rate is closer to 18-20%. Governments need to address that issue now, and make that the number 1 priority. Only when the public regains its confidence will consumers begin once again to spend at the rate that the economy needs.
What can government do? Firstly, focus and use some common sense approaches. Invest in infrastructure, and give businesses incentives only if they hire and maintain workers. Secondly, retrain workers from certain stagnant industries to industries that need workers. Thirdly, create an "idea bank," so that people can brainstorm and find better ways to get back to work. Fourth, address employment and energy together, by giving incentives for alternative energy- related industries, thus creating employment opportunities in those fields.
Let's get away from rewarding incompetence. A bank makes bad loans due to a number of factors. Some are unavoidable, such as when people lose their jobs and can't repay the loan. However, in many cases, the bad decisions were made as a result of greed, etc. Don't reward those banks. Force those people to repay all borrowed funds before they can pay excessive bonuses and salaries -- make bonuses and salaries achievement incentive based. Don't punish small shareholders/ stockholders, by bankrupting these large companies, because all that does is exacerbate the situation by causing pensions, etc. to drop in value, and hurts small investors and mutual fund holders.
Enough of trickle down economics. Most people do not benefit as much from a rising stock market as they do from economic and employment stability, currency stability, and stable, affordable energy costs.
Enough of politicians making empty promises such as, "I won't raise taxes, fees, and I'll balance the budget." Ask, how, and for specifics!
Is this easy? No! Is it do-able? Yes. Especially if the American public woke up and said those famous words from the movie, NETWORK, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore."