When you hear the politicians talk about "cutting spending" do not be fooled.
They do not mean that next year they will spend less than they did this year.
What they actually mean is that they will increase spending less than they had intended.
When they refer to "deficit reduction" they are saying they are going to live beyond their means by a slightly smaller margin.
Another hat tip to Johnny Bravo for this apolitical 3 minute video.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/VtVbUmcQSuk