[Moonman62]

There are a couple of options - increase foreign consumption (however much of the oversupply is global). Or allow for contraction. Neither will be implemented because of the political considerations.

Or we can invest in new businesses that will either use the excess capacity as it is or convert to something that can be used.

[doosee]

Government reports reveal hopeful patches of revival, meaning that the catalysts from the White House and Fed have begun to work.

Several factors have been at work to subdue any recovery process. Energy prices are at the center of my list. Paper plants consumer huge quantities of energy in the pulping operation alone. Why are energy prices high? I think part of it relates to the Arab terrorists. Even now they are working hard to ensure that Iraqi oil doesnt hit the world market. Get gasoline back to 80 cents a gallon and we will have a recovery. People will travel, airlines make money, etc. I think the bitter pill the free world will have to endure is the elimination of terrorist cells and not in ten years. Force is the only true answer to the dilemna but do the people of the US have the courage to make it happen. I am doubtful on this just listening to the "Where are the WMD" crowd. Maybe life in America hasnt gotten painful enough yet to put a stop to those who would destroy our way of life, but we are getting there.

[garbanzo]

Or we can invest in new businesses that will either use the excess capacity as it is or convert to something that can be used.

That could be done - though I would wonder why existing concerns can't find anything to be done with their excess capacity.

[lonestar]

We need a new invention to replace the explosive tech market of the 90's.

Where's Algore when we need a new "internet?"

[norraad]

What makes this real to me are the mountainous stacks of air conditioners at places like Best Buy not moving even though priced as low as $89.

In the fall I bet you get one free if you buy a TV.