When an elected official publicly admits his bill may be wasteful, but wants it passed anyhow, you really know he is going to lose politically, whether right away or over time.
Either the present stimulus bill dies in the Senate or the Democrats provide their opponents an issue that won't go away for years. From board rooms to living rooms, Americans can see that the stimulus is an excuse for political backscratching--passing huge sums of money, without hearings, for proposals that mainly expand government.
Billions for higher education grants, for example? That will take months, if not years, to administer and do nothing to build the workforce in the meantime. It will be popular with university presidents, of course, because they can raise tuition accordingly. That will help shore up their budgets, and the effects eventually will trickle down....to somebody.
This is "Change"?
Why not back down gracefully, Mr. President, and develop a pro-growth package?
