My Wife is in an on-line discussion on a "social network" and it turns out that Many folks don't/didn't know that SS is entirely paid for (unless you're Really Old, or a Leach on Society) by The EMPLOYEE and the EMPLOYER. You Paid for it. The Government acts as if it's a Gift from them. They are the leaches on it, along with most SSI and Many Disability claimants (fakes). Don't get in an uproar over that comment. That's where the bulk of the fraud is.
Obama and almost all other Pols are casting it in the "Entitlement Pool".
If you and your employer's payments into SS were accumulated at simple interest over your working life, there is a Bundle of money involved. I've seen calculations on the amount for typical taxpayers, but don't have it available right now.