Why is the economy still struggling?

Slides by Noble Prize winning economist Robert Lucas

The uncertainty surrounding businesses, along the demonization and crazy restrictions of them, was a huge reason the Great Depression was "Great". I thought with Republicans taking the house in November, things would get a bit better as there could be gridlock. It may still get better soon, but the economy is quick to turn around. With businesses sitting on lots of cash, once they start feeling confident that hiring new workers is a profitable move, the economy could turn around quickly. When that happens, however, is the million dollar question.