Better than nothing

As far as I know, no bill passed has ever been perfect. Ever since the beginning of President Obama's term, expectations have been high, with promises of a bright future ahead for (at least)America's middle class. Its not surprise that the $410 billion stimulus package meant to ameliorate the recent economic recession is somewhat flawed; Pres. Obama even stated that he was signing an imperfect bill. Over 9000 earmarks have been pushed in as 'pet projects' (ironic, as most of the earmark money is going towards animals), but this only amounts to around $8 billion dollars, less than 2 percent of the total package - if you want to get particular, its 1.9% . I am not an advocate for earmarks in any way, shape, or form (especially pork barreling), but I would classify this bill as absolutely necessary in order for the government to be able to get back on its feet hopefully as Obama put it, to "mark (get it?) an end to the old way of doing business, and the beginning of a new era of responsibility and accountability." Although it is hypocritical, the unethical behaviour of senators/Reps is nothing new ($200,000 there, $2 million here, etc.), and there is not much we as citizens can do about it ; the economic recession is the presidents first big hurdle, and this bill will (hopefully) be the panacea to one of the biggest of our nation's many problems. Of course this is a short-term solution, but with our economy in the ditch, I don't think we can complain about the size of the tow truck.

Sources:

(1) http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre52a4h0-us-obama-spending/
(2)http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=220522 (4 minutes in, its amusing)
(3)http://www.8000credit.org/150/