My belief is that government did all it could to prevent the crises, however that was the source of the problem. Their continued efforts to interfere like in Lehman’s case prevented a deep but small recession and led to much longer recession with far reaching consequences. The current government under President Obama is worsening the situation. Although it feels like we are out of the recession. What government has done is increased US debt levels to unbearable levels. We can hope for the best but this has led to real possibility of deflation occurring in the economy.  My bet is government cannot afford a deflation or even a double dip recession so they will keep printing money. Hence gold might turn into the best investment. Look at GLD if you are looking at a safe investment haven.