Around 60% of our budget is mandated and that does include entitlements. IF we had gone for single payer AND raised the social security tax limits on earnings...much of our problem with entitlements would have been "assisted" BUT major corporations in health care, pharmaceuticals et al opposed such changes and kept their "cash cows". Canada, Europe et al are way ahead of us on these issues!!!

The remaining 40% addresses the military (huge bite) and other "discretionary spending" programs...the immediate target of the Trumpies....

Fundamentally...we must seriously address the entitlement issues....to say nothing of the size of the military budget.HOW we address the entitlement issues will dictate the quality and civility of our country in the future...and we are at a major crossroad. Generosity for the most vulnerable amongst us, heretofore a US characteristic, is at very very serious risk.