Stimulus Package or No Stimulus Package?

Two different perspectives from New York Times Op-ed columns have been published in the past two days. David Brooks', columnist for the New York Times, "Stimulus of Skeptics," suggests that an economic stimulus package may not be the answer to get the economy back in order. The article questions whether an economic stimulus package will put the money in the hands of the right people. Brooks refers to Michael Porter's article in October's BusinessWeek.

"A $1 Trillion Dollar Answer" by Joseph E. Stiglitz, a professor of economics at Columbia, expresses belief that a stimulus package is needed, a big one, to build up the economy and keep people working. "Mr. Obama’s announced goal of 2.5 million new jobs by 2011 is too modest. In the next two years, almost four million workers will enter the labor force — or would if there were jobs."

Stimulus or No Stimulus? Do consumers need the extra cash? Are there any real answers for ANYTHING that is currently happening?