Whew! Whew! and Whew! Lots of topics worthy of discussion--and you have a unique angle to many of them. Consider breaking this article down into several smaller pieces.

I like the Canadian welfare part. 40 years ago, welfare in Canada was a political sore spot. Today, even our conservatives recognize the need for this social program(s). Tinker, yes. Dismantle, no longer on the radar.

I spent six years in a Canadian political party, attaining a position I call "lower level management." Life in political parties is dysfunctional---while overly ambitious people are civilly climbing over each other for status, influence, and power. Politics is attractive for psychopaths and sociopaths. They enjoy these games.