Time and time again it occurs to me, the only thing you need to be worthy of living in the west, is a little forgiveness

I understand where you're coming from, but don't you think what we are seeing in Western politics at the moment is exactly that: no forgiveness. Look at the polarisation in the US and now creeping into the UK. The 'other side' can do no right. Perhaps even at a personal level, as soon as you reveal certain things about yourself whether that be political, religious or perhaps to do with sexual politics, there is an instant thoughtless response, often negative. That's certainly true online, it seems.

I agree with you, forgiveness would be a game changer. (By the way, that does not mean the same as unaccountability.)