Al,
After being in the states last month and chatting to a couple of people from Embry Riddle about the state of State side aviation I can only say 'Go East' and come home. In comparison to the US market the aviation industry over here is positivily bouyant, IF you meet the minimum criteria.
With a large amount of low cost and charter airlines picking up and nobody swimming in the BA or Virgin pools now is a good time for employment.
p.s. BA are really pushing the 777 hard at the moment as the rostering is extremely busy. If you have the experience then expect ZFT on the 777.