I really want to _not_ criticize this post. It's from a new programmer who is early in his career. He has a lot to learn -- so did all of us at that stage. I'm not trying to be condescending.
I must, however, shout a 'whoa' at one point: "Programmers shall have the right to...be treated as professionals"
That is never a right. One has a right to be treated respectfully. Professionalism is something you must build into yourself, it's something to earn. When you conduct yourself professionally, you will be treated as a professional. It's not granted by title or circumstance.
The right is earned, I completely agree. However, the point that I wanted to make is that a lot of programmers earn their right to be treated professionally by doing all of the right things, but aren't.
Without the guild like systems that e.g. doctors, lawyers and civil engineers have, I don't think we'll see it. And even then, doctors and lawyers come in for a lot of abuse, don't they?
I very much don't want the barriers to entry that come with guilds. Maybe for some life and death critical domains like flight software and a lot of medical areas, but it would be insane for the sort of consumer web sites this forum is particularly focused on (well, beside leaking customer financial data...).
E.g. we really need to get serious about radiation treatment machines, seeing as how we're now into the second round of disasters, you would have thought the Therac-25 would have taught people their lessons....
I must, however, shout a 'whoa' at one point: "Programmers shall have the right to...be treated as professionals"
That is never a right. One has a right to be treated respectfully. Professionalism is something you must build into yourself, it's something to earn. When you conduct yourself professionally, you will be treated as a professional. It's not granted by title or circumstance.
Here's to a great career for you.