Obama has two wars already, as well as the amorphous situation called "war on terror". Spending money on public works will substitute for a "good" war.

One of the difficulties facing the US now is that much of the money pumped into the economy will go to purchase goods from other countries, not the US. Or to purchase goods produced by foreign companies but manufactured in the US, with the majority of the profit headed overseas.

Formerly the money stayed in the US. Before we've undone the Bush Presidency the US will be a 'de facto' economic satellite of China. At the least China will be able to jerk the US around at it's will and leisure.

Arf