Comparing this recession with a normal recession suggests that GDP is running 6.5% lower than it would after a normal recession. That represents a $1T annual real GDP gap. It is little wonder that the economy feels weak and unemployment remains high. I see nothing* that will bring unemployment under 9% this year and think that it is possible that we will end the year with over 10% unemployment. QE is essential to stabilizing what is now an unstable economy. ij * With the possible exception of large drop-out of job seekers.