Intellectual? Where is that intellectual curiosity.... like in the facts?
Oh intellectual one....here's a little math problem for you;
The FAA got a 4% sequester cut, yet they are still going to receive more money this year than they got last year. However, they cut the air-traffic controllers by 10%, which they used at the busiest air-ports in the country.
For some extra credit, research how much the FAA cut from their nonessential expenses and future grant allocations.
The FAA also just started a lot of new grant programs at the cost of
-It's typical liberal slight-of-hand.
The Government makes a cost projection, and depending on who they are trying to impress or infuriate will determine how they phrase any deviation from that projection.
Example ;
I project I'm going to spend $100.00 more this year than last.
If I spend only $60.00 more because of my policies, I will proudly proclaim "I have saved 40% of the budget this year !"
If I wish to paint a negative picture of my political enemies, I proclaim "Party X forced me to cut 40% from the budget, costing us important services ! Think of the children !"
Either way, the truth is I have spent $60.00 more this year than last - my budget saved nothing, and the other party forced me to cut nothing. -But that doesn't matter. What does matter is perception, and if enough people are stupid enough to buy into it.