THIS BOOK GOT ITS START from a luncheon conversation. We talked about the sense of unease that characterizes much of the writing about the future of the American economy. The unease is produced by a feeling that the costs of entitlement programs—Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid—are out of control and will overwhelm the budget. That will bring a catastrophe for beneficiaries whose needs will not be served and for the fiscal stability of the United States. Something, we agreed, needs fixing so that people can be confident that reasonable benefits will be there for them and that the economy will remain healthy.
Anyone can see that the entitlement problems need to be solved. Is it possible? As we tackled this subject, we felt more and more convinced that the problems are soluble, at least in concept. Whether or not the political process can work out sensible changes is certainly an open question, but we are confident that progress can be made by reaffirming the wide consensus that present programs are not sustainable and by showing that there are workable alternatives.
We received a great deal of help in developing our ideas. We talked to colleagues and exploited their patience and goodwill, as well as their knowledge. Paul Berg, Michael Boskin, John Cogan, Victor Fuchs, Greg Rosston, and John Taylor read an early draft of the book and made comments that were very helpful. Vidar Jorgensen suggested materials in the health care area for us to consider. Susan Southworth has managed the manuscript through umpteen drafts with skill and care and has given us the benefit of her editing talent. Drake McFeely, with his editorial and organizational suggestions and his perspective derived from years of success in the publishing world, has been a masterful commentator.
We are deeply grateful for all this help. At the same time, if any reader has an argument, argue with us, not them.