The U.S. stimulus bill, for all its apparent flaws, is a beginning — preferable to sitting on an inert, conservative duff. If the choice were between a pint of water to keep a patient barely alive and a quart to enable the patient to be discharged from the hospital, the Republicans would insist on the former. I'm reminded of the quote "Traditionalists apply old strategies to new problems."
As for the billions constituting the "spending spree," what administration squandered the surplus? At least the current billions are for improving the economy at home. A miraculous spring might sprout if Republicans decided to cooperate with the president and help the country get on two sturdy feet.
michael g. driver