There's certainly some validity to that too.  But SS is more of an in-between program that's not nearly as bad.  While PERA has been an overly generous benefit (and thus very costly), SS remains a rather modest benefit - almost a safety net type of benefit.  It's more of a baseline amount to live a very barebones lifestyle if not supplemented.  Anything beyond that is up to the individual to save up for themselves (personally and/or through a job benefit).  And just as importantly, SS (usually) doesn't start paying benefits at a very early age.  Benefits starting years early is often more costly than a big benefit amount is.  Some retirees on PERA are getting a high% benefit as early as their mid-50's which is extremely costly.  Thankfully they've tightened that up in recent years to something closer to being sustainable, but for years it was way too generous (and costly).