[fintstone]

My wife and I paid a tremendous amount into social security, and I certainly hope/expect to draw it (as promised) eventually. We have not done so yet.

No, I am not a bit grateful for social security (as I will never get back what I paid in) any more than I am grateful for any other retirement program that I paid into for returning what it was supposed to, maybe less grateful (as it was mandatory). I could have found a much better way to invest my money.

Needing it or not needing it is hardly relevant as it is not an income-based social welfare, although highly progressive (like Medicare).

Much of the country is pretty reliant on SS (whether we like it or not). The fact that it is up 8.7% when food, gas, heating oil, and rent (things one needs to survive) are all up over 10% is really nothing to be happy about IMHO.