The Republicans are taking a big gamble in opposing the stimulus bill.

The country is ready and in need of a stimulus package.

Whatever caused the economic slump now hardly matters. It is here. Things are getting worse and something needs to be done.

The "lets see what happens if we let free markets work" is just plain stupid. It is a position that has no place in the real world. Conservative talk show hosts that have nothing to loose continue to advocate this position. Because they are now, by default, the real leaders of the republican party, the republican congress is actually following this mantra.

They are taking a big risk in opposing the stimulus bill, however. If the economy recovers without them, they will be out of power for a long time. If things dont improve but stabilize, they will again look like a party without ideas and compassion. If things get worse in spite of the stimulus bill, the democrats can say that at least they tried something while the republicans just opposed for opposition's sake.

But you know that things will improve. You simply cannot put that much money into the economy and not get results.