The stimulus was not for $10,000 gold toilets. It was to keep fire fighters, policemen, teachers, etc, on every state, on the job. To keep unemployment benefits going. To build infrastructure projects that needed to be done to build bridges and roads that were crumbling. Without the stimulus money things would be much much worse. Think 25% unemployment worse, riots worse, your money in the bank gone worse....
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." - Sinclair Lewis
"Those Who Would Sacrifice Liberty for Security Deserve Neither." -Benjamin Franklin