As Congress and the White House get deep into the debate over an economic stimulus bill this week, I must observe that this debate hasn't moved very far, despite the difficult times facing this nation.

Democrats still want to spend money on everything under the sun.

And about the only answer from Republicans is still tax cuts.

I am not saying that either of those approaches is wrong for our current situation.  But it would be nice if leaders in both parties would think outside the box.

Actually, the Democrats get some kudos for including tax cuts in their plan.  Not many of us would have envisioned that a few months ago.

That doesn't mean the tax plan is what Republicans would endorse, but then again, let's remember who won the elections last November.  (Obama evidently did just that to Congressional Republicans in their White House meeting last week.)

But when you look at the stimulus bill that Democrats have unveiled for a House vote this week, you will see that it looks more like a Government Growth Bill.

I'm sure the military needs extra money for its operations.  But should regular "Operations and Maintenance" be part of a regular stimulus bill?  Extra money for cities to hire police officers in a stimulus bill?

Even the Washington Post observed in a lead editorial on Sunday that the Dems might want to re-think some of their spending plans.

Right now, some more moderate Democrats, or even some Republicans could get an awful lot of attention by standing up and proposing to use the stimulus money for projects that will create jobs - instead of funneling more money to a host of government agencies.

Remember the bridge collapse in Minnesota back in 2007?  Weren't we told that a whole bunch of bridges needed repair around the nation?

Yes, some money would be available for that, but not a huge program of infrastructure repair and construction like many expected.

But there is money for a big computer system at the Social Security Administration and the Farm Services Agency too.

Maybe a big time program for high speed rail?  Mass transit?  Airports?  Not really.

And as for the constant GOP refrain on tax cuts.  Yes, you may think it's the right choice.  But you lost the last election for President and the last two for Congress.  Big time.

If this is the worst economic conditions since the Great Depression, then maybe both parties could start thinking a little bit different.

There I go, getting all idealistic again.