The reality of all of it is that it isn't going to be possible to have a balanced budget for another 10-15 years until after the baby boomers start dying off without causing total social, economic and political collapse and destruction. That may happen eventually anyway but i'd rather it happen after i'm dead. So, fire up those presses and print a whole butt load more money and keep my social security checks coming in. After i'm dead, they can balance the budget all they want.