While that is certainly true, those who are responsible with their money are also living on the edge.  

Health care emergencies, job loss, pension loss, etc. can swallow up the savings of a middle class family which is living responsibly within its means.  

Especially coupled with the new "every man for himself" cultural philosophy.  One simply does not expect or even hope for one's company, community, or often even one's family (because they too are so close to the edge) to come to one's aid in hard times.  The Credit Card is the new "safety net."  Scary stuff.

Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. -Voltaire