All of this is academic fun, really. However, let's not forget that the 76 million Baby Boomers, those whom represent the lions share of the economy now, are also starting to hit the pasture, and that will create a significant spike in the number of elderly and those also requiring medical care in the next decade. Obviously supported by a smaller workforce, the majority of burger flipping, shelf stocking, cart pushing small cog in the big machine folks... It will be interesting to see if ANY government bandage will suffice.
In regards to those of you whom cry foul because you feel that this forum like so many others are not 'proper' places to talk about government issues, you need to understand that such thinking is the root cause of our current political climate to begin with. So while you ignore, put aside, or find these conversations for reasons unknown as 'difficult', you do know that a choice will be made for in your absence, and you'll just have to live it with.
"Well Doctor, what kind of government do we have - a Monarchy or a Republic?"
"A Republic, if you can keep it."