Actually the supreme court has ruled that it is a tax under the 16th amendment and therefore constitutional.
The government taxes for all types of programs. Hell, the military protects everyone, even Americans who have never paid a dime in taxes. At least with Social Security you, or your spouse or parent, has to pay into the system.
I use to be a get rid of Social Security person too. After much research (prompted by a buddy that’s also an Army Retiree and got hired by Social Security) I’ve come to the realization that Social Security has kept many millions of American out of poverty.
Here’s the reality. Now that we have switched from an agrarian to an industrial to service economy there are three options for society when dealing with out retirees and disabled.
1)Let them eat cake-you didn’t prepare for retirement or plan for the possibility of a disability then too bad so sad. Problem with this is that the American people will never go for it. You put a grandma on the tv that’s living in a cardboard box and a huge majority of Americans are going to demand something be done.
2)A welfare program for those who didn’t plan for retirement or become disabled. With this there is a final safety net but we are still paying for it and the government is going to be more involved because they want to make sure this people are truly needy.
3)A program where we pay in together and we can then get some income from when needed. This allows Americans independence(unlike a welfare program there is no constant checking on if your eligible) and we all have skin in the game because you have to contribute to be able to draw.
I see it as any other service that government provides, like the military, fire, or police.