1. So even the Republicans really don't trust people with their own money, after all, despite the rhetoric.
2. They fear people would "have to go on welfare" presumes that welfare is good and necessary as well. Many think that the government shouldn't be in the retirement plan business (SS), or in the wealth redistribution business either (welfare). Something about the government being restricted to protecting "life, liberty and property." Oh well, the touching faith in limited government and enumerated powers.
1. Even you have to be realistic enough to know that there are some people who are grasshoppers. Those others who want to will invest for the future, irrespective of any government program. SS was initiated for those who don't.
2. Are you proposing that we let the feckless ones starve? That's a logical position, but rather unpopular.