How Big A Government Do We Want?

As he so often does, Robert Samuelson neatly packages the problem:

How big a government do we want -- and what can we afford? In closing deficits, what's the best mix between tax increases and spending cuts? What programs are outmoded, ineffective or unneeded? How much should we tax the young and middle-aged to support the elderly? Should wealthier retirees receive skimpier benefits? Should eligibility ages for benefits be raised?

I don't think anyone in government is asking these questions, much less answering.