The bailout alone won't solve the problem

To free-market purists, it’s an unpalatable step. But the need for action is unmistakable. Last week, credit channels were so impaired that even blue-chip companies such as General Electric found it difficult or unusually costly to raise short-term cash. Even the legislation’s supporters acknowledge it isn’t a cure-all for what ails the American economy. Too much damage has been done, and growth is likely to be either non-existent or anemic until 2010.