Imagine your friend “Ann” confides in you that her boyfriend "Don" wants her to sign the following “relationship contract”:
Without Don’s permission, Ann may not:
Apply for a job.
Buy raw milk.
Buy insulin.
Buy birth control.
Buy anything.
Sell lemonade.
Sell anything.
Hire a doctor.
Hire a barista.
Hire anyone.
Invite overseas friends to visit.
Drink a beer.
Smoke a joint.
Open a bank account.
Build a cottage.
Grow grain.
Collect rainwater.
Drive anywhere.
Fly anywhere.
Leave the country.
Break up with Don.
Ann must pay Don a fee whenever she:
Buys anything.
Sells anything.
Hires anyone.
Earns anything.
Starts a business.
Invests in a business.
Breaks up with him.
Dies.
To ensure obedience, Don may …
Listen to Ann’s phone calls, texts, emails.
Monitor Ann’s bank accounts, credit cards, and electronic payment accounts.
Track her movements.
In return, Don promises he will …
Pretend to care about Ann.
Listen to her complaints every four years.
Take out an unlimited amount of debt in Ann's name.
Buy tanks, boats, guns, jets for her "protection".
Pay cops/soldiers to beat / cage / kill strangers for her "protection".
Investigate himself for any wrongdoing.
If Ann fails to abide by any of the terms of the contract, Don may …
Fine her.
Seize her house, car, or bank account.
Lock her in a cage.
Beat her with a club..
Shoot her in the head.
Would you sign this contract? Should Ann sign this contract?