As with all things government, the American Recovery and Investment Act of 2009, more commonly known as Obama's Stimulus Package, has some good and not so good points. The fact that it was passed with almost no support by Republicans speaks for itself. With many people having strong opinions about the program, just what is it supposed to do?

The prime mission of this $787 billion piece of legislation is to help pull the U.S. economy out of the recession. It is hoped that between two and three million new jobs will be generated which will help boost the decline in consumer spending.

What some of those in favor of the program believe will happen is:

* Repair to the countries roads, highways, dams, bridges and other necessary infrastructure

* Aid to financially strapped school districts

* New and modern public systems of transportation

If these things are accomplished and the economy is given the vital boost it needs, then Obama will be a hero and the plan will go down in history as a success.

Those who are against the plan believe that:

* That the principle of deficit spending does not work and will fail before it even starts

* The focus of the Recovery and Investment Act of 2009 is not where it needs to be to do the most help

* The amount of money pledged to the bill is not large enough to do the job of lifting the country out of the recession

Whichever side of the fence you happen to fall on, it is certain, that something needs to be done now.