MeganC/unconservative,
We don't have an erosion of income problem so much as we have a lack of virtue problem and an uncritical acceptance of those who claim they can eliminate life's risk. There are never true guarantees, but leading life in a straight forward conservative manner greatly diminishes risk and increases peace of mind.
We should not allow others to pit us against one another with faulty dilemmas that claim we must choose between ideals of reliance, charity, responsibility and sympathy.
RD