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I think our economy could get a huge boost if the average guy who HAS any money available were to start investing it instead of running scared. Our media has caused a panic, more or less, that is preventing people from spending any money.
The housing market being so slow has brough down housing prices tremendously. Some houses are actually being sold for half or less than half of the money it would cost to build the identical house now. Interest rates are extremely low. Anyone who has any half decent credit could get a home loan for next to nothing.
For example: I was renting 5 months ago. Rent was actually pretty cheap for my area. About $300/mo + utilities. I bought a home in August. It was a forcloser being sold for about 1/6th of it's last purchase price. I got a loan for a fixed 6% (reasonable - interest rates have dropped even further since then) and managed to buy this 3,000+ sq ft Turn of the Century Colonial for $18,000. My mortgage payments PLUS my utilities aren't more than my rent was previously. Granted I have home owners insurance and taxes (which are only $6-700/yr each) but the investment will pay itself back EVENTUALLY. In the meantime I reduced my living expenses and get to have my own, LARGE home.
Imagine what it could do for our economy if people in my position would start to buy homes. Housing sales would increase, media would (hopefully) report it, that news would encourage other investors to start using their money, ... who knows what else would be affected. Even if it's only a marginal improvement - I have a feeling it would be a more effective, long term solution than our government is considering.
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"Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama
My Karma just ran over your Dogma. 
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