Trying to gauge if I’m going crazy or a little too much “online.”
I currently live in Texas, and moving has been on my mind a lot lately as the Republican party and Texas itself seems to be slowly moving toward fascism. I don’t know when the slide toward fascism will stop, and how much more authoritarian the state will get. I do not feel very good about my tax dollars going to support this state.
I am a middle-aged cishet white man; middle to upper middle class software engineer. I have leftist opinions (libsoc/ansoc), but I’m not an activist (I am very introverted, probably a little bit on the autism spectrum, and pretty much a hermit right now). I do seldom indulge in marijuana consumption, which is illegal here.
I really don’t have much tying me down here. I have no close friends, no family in the state, and no current romantic partners. Last year, I moved within the state for a job, but the company was bought out, and everyone was layed off. I have very high autonomy at my current job, and could probably work fully remote if I wanted. Moving would be expensive (I am in an upside-down mortgage), but I have enough savings to take the hit.
I am personally feeling very isolated here (Texas suburb), at this point in my life, and am thinking about moving into some sort of intentional community (eco-village, cohousing, or land trust; not a commune) in a blue state (or even in Canada if I could pull that off).
Also, the weather in the last 2 years has been absolutely oppressive, and I have a hard time keeping anything alive in my veggie garden :)
Am I being over dramatic? Should I just stick it out here, and try to rebuild my life in a state that doesn’t align with my beliefs?
Also, I’ve heard arguments that libs should stay or even move to red states, but I’m not convinced. The state rules with an iron fist, and pre-empts anything progressive Texas cities try to do. And the district I live in is already pretty solidly blue. Not to mention, red states put families that contain females or lbgt people in danger.
I’m in a similar situation in Florida. Florida is where I’ve spent my whole life and the natural beauty of the state is incredible. However the government here is insane. They attack liberals at every chance, and are rewriting education to fit a disneyfied history. My wife and I are currently looking to get out. Change here seems hopeless between gerrymandering, and the massive influx of red voting retirees. Michigan sounds amazing to me except for the winters. We’ve discussed Colorado , but it’s pretty expensive, and the water management in the west is worrisome. We’re just on the lookout for what fits us. The only thing that’s certain is that we aren’t long for Florida. I am forced from my home by retirees and insane politicians.
Yep. I’m middle aged and have lived in FL most of my life. While the nature is beautiful, they’re paving over more and more of it everyday. It’s hot and humid and buggy. But, the actual reason we’re leaving is my trans child. I don’t want to be in a state that actively hates my family. We’re looking at Illinois.
It’s horrendous how the Florida government is treating trans people. I hope you and your family find happiness and can live comfortably away from these bigots. Maybe one day Florida will change, but currently it’s the absolute worst.
Also on a lighter note is your username a They Might Be Giants reference?
Yes it is! First song I ever heard from them.
Great band! We’re about to have our first child and I can’t wait to introduce her to they might be Giants.
That’s great! I love their kid’s songs. When mine were babies I didn’t really know any lullabies so I sang She’s An Angel. Good luck with the baby!
Thanks. She’s really the catalyst for us to leave Florida. I want her to get a good education and not be surrounded by a hateful shitty government.
I just spent some time in savannah which was great. Reasonably priced and Georgia is a blueish purple state. Charleston SC is quite nice as well but more expensive. Something to consider.