The $787 billion stimulus plan is turning out to be far less stimulating than its architects expected. Back in early January, when Obama was still President-elect, two of his chief economic advisers, and leading proponents of a stimulus bill, predicted that the passage of a large economic-aid package would boost the economy and keep the unemployment rate below 8%. It hasn't quite worked out that way. Last month, the jobless rate in America hit 9.5%, the highest level it ...

It’s not the broad accepted wisdom that create trouble; it’s the specifics. That’s the lesson surrounding  to President Obama’s incentive plan thus far. Already, the head of state has seen some snags on Capitol Hill as Republicans flex their muscles, labeling of the stimulus plan as pork. And in Patchwork Nation’s 11 communities, we are earshot some skepticism on a category of . Some of our communities that lean left are upset that Mr. Obama’s priorities are suitable. Some of our more ...