The continuum depends on your perspective. As a Reservist in Canada and a Child Protection worker, I have seen it all. Our Canadian system of free medical, support the poor, etc, has created a generational sense of entitlement to many members of our Society. While these same members take no accountability for their personal lack of ambition, they transfer this to their children; their parenting and often the substance abuse.

Is left - right the battle ground or morals and values of individuals?

Yeah PJ ya got a point. I guess i get so sick of the knee jerk reaction of being called a liberal pussy or a wimp I overreacted to get in first with a right wing thug type shot. On thinking about it I don't think I am left wing when taking into account most democratic societies. I would argue I am "not far right." as in the model in the US where the emblem should be a big dog eating a smaller dog. I prefer a fair society where you help the poor instead of bankrupting yourself building jails. I also agree it is a balancing act to make sure they are deserving and they still retain a sense of self responsibility. I believe we have a good balance in Australia with free medical and unlimited unemployment benefits. We also get a minimum 4 weeks holiday a year and our productivity is fairly high. Also with the universal medical care we pay about half per GDP than the US. I think we gained these benefits by having strong unions who fought for them.