Setting facts straight about stimulus bill

Many of us are anxious about the economy and whether the stimulus bill will have the desired positive effect. While most economists agree that massive government spending is our best hope of ending the recession, the discussion in the media about the stimulus bill can be very misleading and confusing. On Feb. 15 in a letter titled, "Politicians should follow own rules," the writer states the "little-known fact" that only 11 bills in the package will benefit the public, that ACORN will get $300 million of the package and that somehow Speaker Pelosi will get a new jet. I don't watch the Fox channels, but I am guessing that they might be the source of this misinformation. These types of unsubstantiated claims can be researched. Web sites like FactCheck.org and PolitiFact.com provide accurate information and can help sort through the media talking points. There is no money in the stimulus package for ACORN. There is money for community development, which agencies such as ACORN might apply to receive, in order to buy vacate properties to rehab and rent. There is nothing in the stimulus bill for a jet for Speaker Pelosi. According to Fact Check, there have been a viral smears about her "misuse" of a jet since she became speaker. She uses the same type of jet as her predecessor, Dennis Hastert, for business travel, and flies commercial for her personal travel. All media has the potential to be biased. If we are to make thoughtful choices as citizens, we have to be sure our "facts" are correct.

Lynn Barnett

Vernon Hills