As have I. And I think it needs to be changed radically to an
Australian-style semi-privatized system.
The problem is that you paid into a "Pay as you go" system, not some form of individualized retirement account or a superfund like they have in Australia. You certainly paid into the system, but that money is no more "in the system" for your benefit than the money you put into a slot machine remains in the slot machine for your individualized benefit.
If I may, what investment programs? Australia has an investment program through superannuation, in which every working Australian has the equivalent of a mutual fund portfolio to which they and their employers contribute to save towards their retirement. The superannuation funds are demonstrably invested. What are Social Security funds invested in? How do the Social Security funds grow and benefit the rest of us beyond simply increasing the withholdings of already-working adults and paying it to retirees and the disabled?
Oh, please do not worry, Obscurity. Political cowardice will keep it a pay-as-you-go system forcing all of us both to pay more for it
and to be able to claim it at an ever-increasing age. One more reason I prefer private retirement investment rather than in what the Federal government will pay out to me in the sweet by and by for my benefit.