A revised social contract

Just a draft of a contract for understanding how to behave in modern society. Basically, a more thorough writing down of Wheaton's Law (namely; Don't be a dick)

I, (your name here) agree to follow the following standards of behavior when interacting in public spaces. When used here "public spaces" means all places which exist outside of my own private home; including workspaces, modes of public transportation, public roads, businesses, as well as non-physical locations such as on the internet.

I agree that my right to hold my own beliefs does not come before the rights of others to be free from harassment, their right to live their lives in the way they choose to, or their right to hold opinions which differ from mine. I will accept that people close to me will make choices which I disagree with and that I will have to allow them to make those choices. I also agree that my right to my choice to express certain ideas does not come before the rights of others to be offended by my choice of expressions.

I agree that I am responsible for my own behavior, including my choice to put myself in situations where my ability to be responsible is compromised.  I agree to not actively cause harm (whether that harm be physical or emotional) to others, but I also agree to not engage in acts which could recklessly cause harm to another, or acts where the likelihood of harm is in question.

I understand that I may choose to take reasonable countermeasures against others harming me, but I am not required to take these protections to my self. The choice of others to cause harm to me is not excused by my decision to not take these countermeasures.

I understand that inequalities exist, and that I will not actively perpetuate them or through inaction allow them to worsen. Maintenance of the status quo, however onerous it may be to others is the bare minimum not-unacceptable behavior.

I agree that I am entitled to feel my own personal pain, and that nobody is allowed to question that pain; nor am I allowed to question the personal pain of others. However, that private feeling of pain does not undo existing societal inequalities, nor does it make my life objectively 'more difficult' than the life of anyone else.

I agree to admit that I will not always be right about everything, that I will admit there are things which I am wrong about and there are things with which I will disagree with others. I will disagree respectfully and will admit wrong sincerely. I understand that even this very contract is something about which people will disagree.

Lastly, I agree that adhering to these standards of conduct set forth in this contract does not entitle me to anything from anyone. These standards are basic minimums for behavior, not lofty goals which adhering to is laudable. I will not use adhering to or attempting to adhere to this contract as a means of getting others to do things which they would not want to do.

(signature)

If I were rich

I recently read about a millionaire who spends his time dressed up like Batman, who visits sick children in hospitals. A very noble endeavor indeed. But the problem is that we know who this millionaire is. If I had that kind of money, I'd definitely have the batman suit, but I wouldn't tell anyone who I was. I'd just leave my batsuit hanging up in the back of the closet for my partner to discover one day and let them draw their own conclusions about what I do with my time.

Another reason why I won't ever become president

If I ran for president, I wouldn't pander to rural America. I wouldn't pretend that I can identify with country lifestyles, because I can't. I'm not even 100% sure I know what a cow looks like.

My campaign stops in rural areas would be mostly asking "why the hell do you guys live here? There's nothing to do! And this is Nebraska; it's not like the scenery is especially pretty or anything."

I'd ask a bunch of stupid questions too. "Can't we get robots to do farming yet? How far can you throw a cow? Is it true goats will eat tin cans? Well, have you tried? How come there aren't any African American country singers?"