In the US the austerity drive is just getting underway, held up by many fiscal conservatives as being the ultimate panacea for our troubles.
However in the UK the Conservatives and their political lackeys the Liberal Democrats were the first out the blocks.
Seems like they are regretting it already.
Backbench Tory leaders are becoming increasingly jittery about the country's flatlining economy
Well when that tends to happen when you throttle it...
Anxiety will be increased by a survey published today showing that fewer than half of Britain's 11 million low to middle-income earners have any money left over at the end of the month
As they keep telling everyone "you cannot spend more than you earn".
Tory MPs admit that increasing food and fuel prices and inflation running above pay rises are leaving many families with no spare money for goods and luxuries that could spur the recovery.
Well....who could have seen that coming?
Their proposal?
They are pressing the Chancellor to trail a go-for-growth package
In other words spend, of course meanwhile blaming everyone but themselves, Europe, USA, and probably the rioters.
First lesson about austerity.
If you take money out of the economy you risk killing it.
Second lesson about austerity.
Don't whine over the economy's body once you have killed it.
Now dear Democrats and Republicans have you been watching closely especially those assigned to the Super Duper Omnipresent Gang of Twelve?
When you are asked about the results please don't say "but but who could have foreseen?"