CCG, we've may have had this discussion before. SS was sold to us AS a retirement program, and as you pointed out, many of us have been paying into for decades. What exactly are you proposing? That people decline their SS? That they send their checks back, or refuse to cash them?
It needs to be done intelligently and carefully -- but it needs to be done.
A lot of people (including many Conservatives) are totally sold on the concept of government charity when they see themselves as the recipients. Oh, sure, other people don't deserve their gubmint check, but I sure do!
Any legislation which diminishes government support should be embraced.