Let's stop calling drastic cuts to government "austerity", and call it what it is- "bloodletting". Just as quack physicians used to drain a patient's blood in order to "cure" them, today's leeches (and the word is fitting), urge more and more cuts to government, mostly to essential services to those most in need, or in regulatory agencies that have jurisdiction over their pet money-making industry.
I like the way this word works because it connects directly with leeches (no-one likes them!), and cuts (who wants to be cut?) and slashing (likewise?).
Any critiques? -Thanks!
I've put nothing below the squiggle because I wanted to keep this short and easy to read. But there are many other weasel-words used without question, which must be countered with language that conveys what they really mean.