You can change a contract before you sign it
replyLet the other side know, ensure you make the change clear and initial the change. 8f they sign the contract too, your change sticks
In my country, anyhow
It took a while to point out all the other stupidity in the contract (this wasn't the only part, just the most blatantly silly) and I ended up taking another one.
reply...if you are told in writing (say over email) to ignore a part of the contract, can you do that? Does that part no longer apply?
replyYou can strike a clause and then both parties countersign next to the strike mark on all copies and it will hold up in court.
replyEven so I would advise you to have the lawyers re-draft the entire thing.