Not the Politicians, It's the System That Needs to Get Better Everywhere

I wanted to share some thoughts that have been on my mind lately, and I think many of you might resonate with them. Back in the day, I worked at Sutherland, handling PC issues for Compaq and HP. We had a pretty straightforward way of measuring performance. Among all the metrics, there were these four "fatal errors." These weren't just minor slip-ups; if you made one of these mistakes, it didn't matter how well you did elsewhere—you were disqualified. It was a clear-cut system that ensured certain standards were always met, no exceptions.

This got me thinking about our governments and the way they operate. What if we applied a similar concept of "fatal errors" to the political system? Imagine if there were fundamental principles that no political party could alter—core values embedded into the system that protected individual rights and justice, regardless of who was in power. These wouldn't be policy options up for debate but non-negotiable rights upheld by the highest courts and enshrined in the constitution.

The general idea is simple: matters of personal choice that don't directly harm others shouldn't be dictated by changing political tides. Here are some points I believe should be part of this unchangeable list:

1. Equality for All: It's 2024, and as we approach 2025, there's absolutely no excuse for any form of inequality. Men and women must be treated as absolute equals, and the same goes for all races and social classes. Equality isn't a privilege; it's a basic human right that should be fiercely protected.

2. Protection of Abortion Rights: The right to choose is a deeply personal one. No one should have the authority to make that choice for a parent except the individual(s) directly involved. This isn't a political bargaining chip—it's a matter of personal autonomy and freedom.

3. Responsible Access to Psychedelics: Under safe conditions and with proper guidance, psychedelics should be accessible, especially in clinical settings or through authorized practitioners. There's growing evidence of their potential benefits for mental health, and access shouldn't be hindered by outdated laws.

4. Implementing Sensible Gun Control: It's time to address the issue of gun ownership seriously. Courts should set deadlines for governments to phase out the possession of firearms by private citizens. This could be a gradual process over five or ten years, but the ultimate goal should be to significantly reduce and eventually eliminate civilian gun ownership. Guns are dangerous in anyone's hands—a victim one day can become an offender the next. By phasing out guns, we aim to reduce violence and increase safety for everyone.

5. Safeguarding Personal Rights Through the Courts: Any issue that involves personal rights shouldn't be subject to the whims of political parties. These matters should always be handled through the court systems, ensuring that justice remains impartial.

   
   

By embedding these "fatal errors" into the very fabric of our governmental systems, we create a society where certain rights are protected beyond the reach of political manipulation. It's not about left or right, conservative or liberal; it's about ensuring that fundamental human rights are upheld, no matter who's in charge.

Let's push for a system that prioritizes justice and equality over politics. After all, a fair and just society benefits everyone.

What are your thoughts? Let's start a conversation about making these essential changes a reality.