Candidate Profile: Charles Holsopple

The U.S. Transhumanist Party / Transhuman Party Electronic Primary concluded on October 1, 2019. This candidate profile remains on the USTP website for historical and informational purposes only.

The U.S. Transhumanist Party / Transhuman Party (USTP) has asked all of its declared candidates for its 2019 Presidential Primary to answer the same essential questions so as to inform the USTP membership of the candidates’ stances on key issues and provide each USTP member the opportunity to make an informed decision, including through comparisons of the candidates’ answers.

The U.S. Transhumanist Party / Transhuman Party Electronic Primary concluded on October 1, 2019. This candidate profile remains on the USTP website for historical and informational purposes only.

This profile features candidate Charles Holsopple.

Candidate Name: Charles Holsopple

Contact E-mail Address: charlesholsopple@yahoo.com

Campaign Slogan: Welcome to the Party!

Discuss your background and why you think it would render you an effective President of the United States.

I am a Human Rights Activist. My life experiences have taught me to look at the entire picture and seek common ground of all individuals. I work by identifying shared needs and taking necessary actions to bring about dialogue and consensus on urgent and required actions to create a better world with lasting peace, prosperity, and universal rights for all.

I started working at age 12 in the hospitality industry; and since 1972, I have worked to serve this great country and provide for my family in various roles including as a U.S. Army Orthopedic Specialist, Psychiatric Nursing Assistant at A.B. Haley Veterans Hospital, Operations and Territory Manager at Logan Lumber, Department Head at Tampa International Forest Products, and Senior Trader and Department Head at Empire Wholesale Lumber.

In 2005, I decided to quit corporate America to pursue my passion. Our country and the world deserve my dedication, attention, and advocacy for providing basic humanitarian needs for all. I became a Human Rights Activist, founding and operating under the Global Shelter Project.

In 2018, I founded Project222.org Human Rights Campaign, working tirelessly to raise awareness about basic human rights; and I recently took on a position as Executive Director of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Institute for Education, Research, and Scholarships.

What do you consider to be the most important aspects of transhumanism and the kinds of impacts it should have upon the world?

Improving and prolonging the lives of the current and future generations by best using technology and available resources to bring about a sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous society both domestically and worldwide.

What are the areas of the U.S. Transhumanist Party Platform that you identify most strongly with?   

Technological Advocacy and Policies for Achieving Longevity
Civil Liberties / Individual Freedoms
Rights and Well-Being of Sentient Entities
Addressing Existential Risks
Rationality and Education
Reforming Political Processes and Improving Governmental Accountability
Economic and Fiscal Policy
International Initiatives
Technological Solutions to Social Issues

What are, in your view, some of the major problems in contemporary American society? How can transhumanism aid in resolving those problems?

The major problems include tribalism, climate-change denial, and income inequality, as well as the lack of teaching critical systemic thinking related to real and projected threats to civilization in relation to social order and a healthy planet.

Transhumanism can help bridge this divide through research and educating the public on reliable pertinent information about new methods of dealing with shared threats for the benefit of the current and future generations.

In your view, what aspects of contemporary American politics work well? What aspects of contemporary American politics are broken or malfunctioning?

The current division of our political parties has intensified to the point that there is little constructive dialogue between opposing ideas. This is the case in Congress as well as at the family dinner table.

In order to break this gridlock, we must recognize common threats and opportunities and agree and act upon solutions that will be of benefit to all of the human race and the planet’s ability to support life – all life. I will advocate for a transformation into a peaceful, prosperous society using our shared knowledge, technology, and natural resources.

If elected President of the United States, what policy measures will you pursue?

I will seek common ground on the most urgent and needed actions required to ensure that all people within the U.S. have dignified access to a minimum of 2 gallons of clean water, 2,000 nutritional calories, and 200 cubic feet of secure tenure. I would make this the cornerstone of my campaign. 

If elected President of the United States, what changes do you hope to achieve during your first term in office? 

Major issues I would champion during my first term in office are: The environment, homelessness, transportation, resilient food supply, water rights, income inequality, education, healthcare, research, mental health, suicide, immigration, and border security.

I would support legislation to move away from the burning of fossil fuels and towards a comprehensive renewable energy plan. I would support the repeal of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision in order to get money out of politics. I would support eliminating the Electoral College. I would support the privatization of personal information.

What are your thoughts on the U.S. Constitution and its relevance and implications in the transhuman era? Are transhumanism and the current U.S. Constitution compatible?

The U.S. Constitution and Transhumanism are compatible in that they both put the individual’s rights ahead of those of the State. They both are dedicated to providing all people with the necessary tools and materials for the individual to sustain a secure existence and a path to self-expression.

A Transhumanist campaign for President is primarily an educational endeavor. What are the key insights about which you would like to educate the public during your campaign? How would you like to educate them?

To educate the public, I would rely on the support of the scientific community to provide pertinent data to create educational videos and supporting materials depicting real life-threatening situations and projected challenges to our individual wellbeing and our country’s national security.

I would seek the collaboration of local and international NGOs, local and State governments, universities, religious organizations, and corporations to present proposals representing systemic thinking while prioritizing the lives of those most threatened by existing conditions with emphasis on supporting each individuals sustainable self-reliance and their ability to contribute to the greater good. I would like to produce a video series showing the formation of a global collaboration that recognizes the need for urgent action to solve our social and environmental challenges and explain how a transhumanist approach is the best means to accomplish those goals.

Given that a President would need to act on behalf of the interests of the entire population, with regard to members of the public who are either not transhumanists or may be implicit transhumanists (but may not be familiar with or use that term), what would make you an effective candidate for appealing to them and representing their interests?

If I am elected POTUS, I would create a forum, including political and non-political individuals and groups to join our advocacy for the basic needs of the current and future generations.