No, it's not the same thing at all. I don't favor the "gubmint as human resources/benefits department" mentality, but a lot of Americans do. However, if I live long enough to receive a social security check, I'll cash it, and so will you.
Of course it's the same thing. You said it yourself, you look after yourself, no regard to right and wrong, fair or unfair, just whether you get yours.
"Tax someone else so then I will have to pay less." Same thing as tax someone else and give me a check or a subsidy.