Law, Government, and Obligation

It's been far too long since the last meeting of the Calgary Philosophy Meetup Group. I hope there's still enthusiasm for good conversation and thoughtful discussion!

As a topic for this meeting, I suggest the general theme of legal, political, and social obligation. I'll say a few words at the start of our meeting to get things going, but I'd like this to be an open discussion rather than a presentation or Q&A. Some questions we might address:

1. Does the government have the right to intervene in the private transactions of organizations and individuals via taxation and regulation?

2. Do we have an obligation to obey the law, even when we disagree with it? Where does this obligation come from? Are we born into it, or is it the product of some sort of social contract?

3. If, in a democratic election, our prefered political party does not win, are we obligated to recognize the authority of the elected party even if we disagree with its policies?

As this is our first meeting in a while (and my first as organizer), I hope you'll also be willing to spend a few minutes discussing how we'd like this group's meetings to be organized (how often to meet, where to meet, future topics, etc.).

P.S. I've not yet made a reservation at Waves. If I'm unable to do so the venue may change.