Jobless recovery: can the economy stand on its feet?

John Cassidy wonderfully and succinctly summarizes the recession and recovery, and notes:

With short-term interest rates at or close to zero, the government running a record deficit, and taxpayers propping up the housing market and the financial system, it is hardly surprising that the economy is growing again. Even a terminally ill patient often responds positively to aggressive medication, for a while. The big test will come when the government starts to remove the meds. Come the new year, the Fed will be eyeing higher interest rates, and it will also be shutting down some of its generous lending programs. The administration, meanwhile, will be talking about fiscal consolidation. Can the economy stand on its own two feet?

That is, indeed, the gazillion dollar question :-(
Already there is talk of continuing with the first time home buyer tax credit, which otherwise would end next month.  Is that a reflection of the thinking that the economy isn't quite ready to stand on its feet?