I was unaware of the alarming, regressive, and punitive approach evident in the US, and your articulation of these key points is commendable. I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment that no entity, whether it be a country, individual, or religious leader, should wield such power over people's lives in today's world. Thank you for crafting this piece with both logical reasoning and heartfelt passion. I believe it has the potential to spark meaningful dialogue, prompt introspection among readers, and serve as an advocate for the preservation of fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of choice.