US Economy: Safe Landing or Crash Landing?

I'm starting to think we will know the politicians in Washington are getting close to real budget/debt solutions when everyone is unhappy. Is it possible the only "winning" solution is a lose-lose scenario where we raise taxes (a lot) and cut spending (a lot)? Yes, I know, that will probably destroy the economy, but are there any other solutions?

Remember the crash of the United Airlines flight in Sioux City, IA? It was an ugly crash, people died, but some people lived. Most importantly, the pilots didn't have a choice. Is that what is happening to the US economy? The politicians are trying to find a nice, safe landing when that simply isn't possible? What do you think?