NBCs "Meet the Press" on Sunday, December 30, 2012

President Barack Obama: "Well, I have to tell you, David (Gregory), if you look at my track record over the last two years, I cut spending by over a trillion dollars in 2011."

Yet, according to the White House Office of Management and Budget, in fiscal 2010, federal spending was $3,456,213,000,000. In fiscal 2011, federal spending was $3,603,213,000,000. An increase of $147 billion.

I can only assume if pressed the President would point to specific programs / departments where spending had decreased while ignoring those where spending had increased.

By this reasoning, I could cut $1,000.00 a year off my household budget by replacing my natural gas furnace and water heater with electric units, thus eliminating my gas bill. Never mind that it would cost me $4,000.00 to purchase and install the new units or that my electric bill would increase by $1,200.00 a year. I would indeed cut $1,000.00 from my household budget by no longer having to pay for natural gas.

Half truths. Smoke and mirrors. Sleight of hand. This is President Obama.

January, 2013