In an ideal world, where compromise is unnecessary, US fiscal policy would maintain the commitments embedded in the social-welfare system, even as demographic and other forces drive up costs (especially for health care). It would also maintain current consumptions levels and avoid tax increases, while redressing public-investment shortfalls in order to boost growth and expand employment options for today’s middle class and future generations.
在理想世界中，并不非得做出妥协不可，美国财政政策可以守住社会福利系统的承诺，即便人口和其他因素抬高成本（特别是医疗）。美国财政政策还能守住当前消费水平，避免增税，同时修正公共部门投资短缺以提振增长、扩大当今中产阶级和未来子孙后代的就业选择。最后，未来子孙后代也不必承担再平衡的全部重担。