Currently US households take in more from government payments than they pay out in taxes. What a deal!

Personally, I think the only long term solution is to reduce government spending. Cut ALL government budgets across the board 25%, no exceptions, and learn to live within those means.

Military: Want a war in Iran? Have to close some bases elsewhere because we don't have the money.

Agriculture: Want better crop insurance? Have to cut direct payments elsewhere or cut out some food stamps - were broke!

Pensions & entitlements: can't afford them, cut them all 25%.

You get the idea. Yes, it would be painful. But what is the pain going to be when we have a monetary crisis with a complete collapse of our system? We will not get over a national debt binge without some pain somewhere. We can take our medicine now or be a lot sicker later. Looks like we are choosing to get a lot sicker later.

John