During tonight’s debate, when asked how he would try to break the bad habits of too much debt and too much easy credit, Barack Obama said:

... And that’s why I think it’s important for the president to set a tone that says all of us are going to contribute, all of us are going to make sacrifices, and it means that, yes, we may have to cut some spending, although I disagree with Sen. McCain about an across-the-board freeze.

That’s an example of an unfair burden sharing. That’s using a hatchet to cut the federal budget.

I want to use a scalpel so that people who need help are getting help and those of us, like myself and Sen. McCain, who don’t need help, aren’t getting it.

Thinking about federal spending and knowing how much money goes to fund things that should be supported by the states, it occured to me that using a scalpel on federal spending would be like using a pen knife to clear downed trees blocking roadways in the wake of hurricanes. It just wouldn’t make much of a difference.

“You need a hatchet!“ I yelled at the TV.

(Yes, I’m one of those people who talks to the TV, in case you hadn’t already guessed.)

My husband chimed in, “... More like a chainsaw.“

I laughed.