Talking about "stimulus plans" for the economy, for alternative energy development and the national infrastructure is, well, stimulating. Check out the following article from TruthOut -- t r u t h o u t >> Green Stimulus: Let's Try Again by Dean Baker, Truthout | Perspective, published Tuesday 27 May 2008. Good points, good suggestions -- here's an excerpt:

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These are good forms of stimuli that can increase demand while addressing immediate needs, but we should also think of the long-term. Specifically, we should find forms of stimuli that can get the economy on a more energy-efficient path.

[...snip...]

We should also begin to lay the infrastructure for an energy-efficient economy. This will mean more efficient power plants and transmission lines, increased used of trains and mass transit, and, of course, promoting alternative energy sources. [...snip...] a good stimulus package will not only provide a temporary boost to the economy, it can also help set us on this course toward an energy-efficient economy.

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