Republicans and Democrats alike love to spend your money.

Federal government spending has doubled in the last 11 years under Presidents Bush and Obama.

Bush ran up the national debt 8 percent in eight years.

Obama and a Pelosi-Reid Congress increased the debt another 35 percent in just three years.

The so-called debt deal enacted last week will increase the federal debt another 12 percent through 2013.

The legislation calls for $2.1 trillion in spending cuts over 10 years. Simple math suggests annual cuts of $210 billion.

These cuts are minuscule, considering the United States Treasury augments each tax dollar with another $112 billion in borrowing every month to pay the nation's bills.

Politicians could have held firm on the debt ceiling many times in the last decade and avoided potential default by exercising leadership, prioritizing spending and living within their means.

Instead, we witnessed business as usual politics by both parties – rhetoric, scare tactics, last minute urgency and a bill that gets everyone through to the next election.

Spending, not default, is the real issue.

Rating agencies may still lower America's coveted AAA bond rating because massive spending and increased debt will continue.

A lower credit rating would cost America about $180 billion more annually in interest payments.

Both political parties need to significantly curb spending now.

Waiting until after the 2012 elections may be too late.

Steve Whisler

Catonsville

The Baltimore County Department of Aging is to be congratulated on programs for active seniors ("Not your grandfather's senior centers," Catonsville Times, Aug.3).

I wonder where the county's programs for older, frailer seniors are?

Nearly half of the 14.4 percent of the 65 + population is over 75 yet there are no programs for those who can't take Zumba lessons or play basketball.

Even the much touted fitness centers are not available to those with physical disabilities.

Howard County, along with several other Maryland counties, run Senior Plus centers.

Baltimore County shifts that option to two private adult daycare centers.

Budget constraints are cited as the reason these services don't exist.

Yet the department is planning to add an information and referral center for seniors with disabilities and their caregivers when there is already a long established caregiver support group in the department.

The county is failing its oldest citizens.

Marlene Kuhl

Catonsville