No one is being a pessimist on this thread, yet. People are asserting that there are much more important priorities than lighting buildings. That is not defeated thinking. That is mature and responsible thinking. And that is what has been lacking for so long in this whole country. Wasting money when it is plentiful [[or seemingly plentiful) and having nothing in reserve when times get tight.

How about coming up with a novel use for stimulus money that actually does stimulate the economy and benefit the people, preferably in a sustainable manner. That would be impressive.

Oh yeah....and the stimulus money is our tax money.

The idea of the outside lighting is good, just not the use of stimulus money for it.