Welfare Systems

A branch from the ""Free" market" debate which now requires much scrolling! :)
What should a welfare system look like?
What should the role of money be in our society?
How does the Protestant Work Ethic play into our views on money and capitalism?

Gay marriage

A branch of the Coalition? No coalition? debate. Who would have ever thought! :)
Hmm... questions: Should gay marriage be allowed? Do we have secular governments? Should churches have to marry gay people? Should government officials have to marry gay people even if it goes against their conscience? How should marriage be recorded by our government? What priviledges should married people receive from the government, if any? And... why is this debate happening now in North America?

Poverty in Canada

Vancouver Sun editorial "We ought to be ashamed" December 19th
I agree with this editorialist's opinion that, while we are doing something, it isn't enough. I have long felt that our priorities are not correct when we have money to fund Olympics and the like, without addressing the more basic issues.
I know this isn't particularily a question, but it fits into a discussion here about socialism and such, but please feel free to comment if you like.

My Dad (in law) wrote a book!

and it's GOOD!
The first four chapters can be read at http://hells-fury.blogspot.com/
If you would like to get the rest, contact him at tciado@gmail.com. The cost is $19.95 Cdn and all profits are being given to support Family Violence shelters and programs.

Public financing of political parties

Good idea? Bad idea? What is it saying to have it or to get rid of it? If this was the Conservative's plan, why was it not part of their election platform or throne speach? What will the implications be for small parties (both possibilities)?

"Free" market

What should be the government's role?

Coalition? No coalition?

Just because we've become used to a regular version of our democracy, do we take that to be what should be done, or do we stick to age-old rules? What is democracy? What is democracy in Canada? What do you think is going to happen? Should happen?