". . . sets out a fresh, yet comprehensive, vision of just what government can and cannot do as we move into the next century. Perhaps even more important than their thought-provoking answers is that the authors are asking the right question: What kind of government do we need to meet America's challenges in the 21st century? The book literally could reshape political dialogue on that question."
— Senator Bob Kerrey, Former Cochair, Bipartisan Commission on Entitlement and Tax Reform

"While I may not agree with all of their analysis and conclusions, the authors have given us a clear roadmap to the important issues for our democracy in the 21st century. I commend them for their extensive research and recommend this book to anyone who wants to become more informed about how public policy needs to adapt to the changing nature and roles of families, communities, and democratic government in our country."
— Senator Pete V. Domenici, Chairman, Senate Budget Committee

"This well-argued foray into how spending commitments made years ago are conditioning our economic future should trigger a long-overdue national debate on what Americans really want out of government."
— Isabel V. Sawhill, Senior Fellow and Johnson Chair, Brookings Institute

"This book should help every American citizen better understand the costs and benefits of current policies. While grounded in a sharply penetrating and balanced reading of where we are today, this book is dominated by ‘outside the box' thinking about programs and institutional constraints. Every policymaker and concerned citizen could benefit from reading this well- informed and thoughtful critique of government's present and potential role in American society."
— Stanford G. Ross, Chair, Social Security Advisory Board. Former Commissioner of Social Security and Public Trustee of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds

"Want to know what the future holds for American government? Don't consult a psychic—read this informative book instead. It will both scare and inspire you. And if you're young, it should motivate you to fight to save your future."
— Richard Thau, Executive Director, Third Millennium

"Have Americans promised themselves more than any government can deliver? This book offers provocative and wise answers to this unavoidable question."
— Judy Woodruff, Senior Correspondent, CNN