Social Security Myth #3: Social Security Generates "Returns"

This post from GOP Bloggers identifies the real problem with Social Security: Social Security provides absolutely no "return" at all for people who pay payroll taxes all their lives.

The word "return" implies that there is a linkage between what you put in and what you take out. What you receive in Social Security benefits has nothing to do with what you contribute. Congress dictates benefits, which, therefore, can change at any time. We are each at the mercy of politicians who can alter what the system pays out.

The allure of private accounts is that what you pay in is yours and directly impacts your nest egg upon retirement. Congress cannot touch it and you will not have to plan you retirement based on the whims of politicians to dole out monthly allowances at levels they can change whenever they want. The ultmiate question is this: whom do you trust to manage your retirement money, yourself or Congress?

Are the PRAs that government workers and Congress risky schemes?

If so, why does Congress not change it?

And if not, why would they be risky for everyone else?