iriemon is correct you can't just give people money it doesn't work that way, nor will the government cut benefits. they would want obama presidency on a silver platter. i think what they are eventually gonna raise the retirement age to 70 or 72 and cut future receiptents benefits and oh yeah raise taxes.
I think they should make it means tested too. Doesn't make a lot of sense to be sending folks like Warren Buffet SS checks when the system is about broke.
I don't mind 'means testing' after the person has the money that 'was set aside for them' collected. If someone wants to say, "No thanks, give my part to others." Fine too. But, the person should decide what to do with the money that has been forcibly witheld for the past 70 years or so.
I'd agree with you if the Govt weren't $11 trillion in debt and the SS trust hadn't been raided to finance the tax cuts.
But that unfortunately is the situation we find ourselves in. As conservatives constantly point out, we need some spending cuts, and unnecessary Govt subsidies to folks like Warren Buffet is a good place to start.