Here's where we can see the clear difference in mentalities of Americans and other countries. I'd like to underline the fact that I am NOT saying someone is better and someone is worse, I've made my point of view a long time ago.
The fight with the economic crisis - summits in Canada. First G8 and then G20. Angela Merkel says she has no disagreements with Obama. Some countries chose the way of austerity measures while the other ones want to increase public spending in order to stimulate economic recovery. Guess which way is to be taken by the USA?
Of course it is #2. American people definitely like spending money and even in a critical situation try to find a way out that corresponds with heir lifestyle. I think it is not bad - I only hope it works. But - to my point of view, this might work for the USA only since they - I'll speak in a simple way - have what to spend. Compare monthly salaries there and in Ukraine or Russia for example.
What is more, Americans aren't used to cutting their spending. ^^