$5 trillion?

I hate to keep returning to the economy here, but it’s on my mind a lot these days. Look at this story on Forbes.com. Most Americans think we’re involved in a $700 billion bailout. The writer argues it’s more like $5 trillion.
Meanwhile, this op-ed in the Wall Street Journal argues forcefully that bailouts don’t work, even if they go toward infrastructure projects. The money has to come from somewhere. Every $1 government spends has to first be yanked out of the economy through taxation or borrowing. There is no free lunch.
Something to think about as you enjoy your weekend.