USA Inc.

I know a country is more than an economy, isn't supposed to be run for profit, etc...

But even still, this provides some real numerical perspective, which I can appreciate.

http://www.kpcb.com/usainc/USA_Inc.pdf

I like, (read "Hate") the way in the first page they specifically dismiss cutting military spending as an option and decide to focus on cutting social programs.

As the nineteenth century turned into the twentieth, Argentina was among the ten richest countries in the world. Incompetent governments that mismanaged the economy and over promised on entitlement programs have put that country where it is today. Just because the USA currently has the world's largest economy, doesn't mean it will stay that way - if China ever floats the Yuan, it will likely take over as the world's largest economy.

Several countries are currently in turmoil as a result of promising entitlement programs that they could not support.

Less people paying into the system, coupled with a pay-as-you-go model, has caused disaster for those that did not save in the "good times"

we can support our social programs if we choose to do so.

I do not believe the present mood of the country will allow the federal government to maintain the present system.

Perhaps a state based system in which you must prove being a resident for x years before you are eligible for benefits is in our future.