After 9/11 we were in a normal biz cycle (for a nation that had it’s economic center hit by terrorism)...things bounced back. After 11/4/08, all things changed - nothing is the same.
That is true - while the US debt was not good in 2001, it wasn't nearly in the position that it is now. And, unemployment wasn't nearly as high as it is now. As for Greece, I don't know their situation at that point in time, but I'm certain that it's a LOT worse now.
The US is only a couple of years behind Greece now, tanks to Obambi and the commies in Congress. Our government's credit rating shouldn't be as high as it is.