deber - I read your comments with interest. So much of the discussion here deteriorates into the trading of the nastiest of insults that it’s not worth a reply. Your post above wasn’t like that, so I’m back for a second comment. Since you have stated that you are a Republican, and you probably know I’m a Democrat-at least for now- we obviously have different viewpoints about how the government should operate. But I believe that we both want those in Washington to make wise decisions that will support an economic recovery. Let’s start with your mistrust of Pres. Obama. Whatever you may have believed during his campaign -and there are myths still circulating - he was elected to the Presidency, fairly and squarely by a substantial majority of voters. So, if possible, put that mistrust on the shelf for now and start examining his current actions and reserve judgment about his character until he’s actually been in office for more than 3 weeks. If we focus on the substantial economic chaos his administration has inherited from the Bush administration (there is plenty of data to support that fact, but if you prefer, from earlier administrations as well - it really makes no difference at this point) - we are where we are. The President walked into a house where the walls were full of cracks and the foundation was crumbling, and for eight years the Republican majority knew this, spent like drunken sailors and refused to deal with the systemic decay that we now see. The litmus test, for me, is how is the President leading? What goals is he presenting to Congress? Is he willing to discuss and compromise when he can’t get consensus? Has he made overtures to and held discussions with the opposing party? How will the upcoming decisions made affect you and me? I disagree that the President is using “fear tactics” as a device to convince Congress to pass the stimulus bill. Congresspeople aren’t stupid, but they can be rigid and spiteful. The Republicans are still chaffing about their trouncing in November. I have listened to several Republican Congressmen and women speak against the bill, and I really cannot follow their logic. This country is in crisis - deep, deep crisis - the most acute crisis in my lifetime. Homes all around me are in foreclosure and businesses in my community are closing every day. Building projects have been delayed or canceled. I’m sure the same phenomenon exists where you live. This are realities, not “tactics.” I understand budgeting - I have had 25 years of creating and controlling multimillion-dollar budgets, and I would consider myself a conservative when it comes to budget and finance. In the current economy, I see no alternative that will save homes and put people back to work other than the stimulus package. Have you read through the entire proposed bill? It’s posted in its entirety on Huffingtonpost.com, and http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-5140, and I am sure it’s on other websites, too. If you read every paragraph, you get a picture of how grave the economic situation is, and how much shoring up will be needed to even begin to correct it. Bottom line, even though I supported him during the campaign, I’m giving President Obama’s administration some serious scrutiny. I’m watching Congress and listening to the speeches -pro and con- about the stimulus. I’m trying to sort the wheat from the chaff, and I’m trying to really see which Representatives/Senators are blowing hot air because they’re worrying about being re-elected or because they want to be obstreperous, and which are sincerely committed to constructive repair for this country’s economy. Aside from contacting my Congressional representatives and continuing to listen and read, that’s all I can do. But I consider it my job to do that.