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Conflicting US Travel Feelings (beehaw.org)

submitted 5 days ago by GooseGang@beehaw.org to c/chat@beehaw.org

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Im traveling to visit my parents next month for a few weeks, unfortunately home for them is Texas. It’s been three years and I’m not exactly thrilled to go back (only happy to see them & my sibling).

I’m stuck between having a list of things we need to bring back (ie: can’t buy abroad/cheaply), wanting to eat international food that can’t be found here, and really really really not wanting to support the government. I know it’s a drop in the bucket, but everything sounds so… expensive and destructive.

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[–] t3rmit3@beehaw.org 0 points 4 days ago

It's been years since i lived in Texas, but if you're looking for a small chain to support and have a hankering for burgers, Burger Street was always my go-to. I don't know if they ever grew beyond Dallas/FW area though.

[–] Cris_Citrus@piefed.zip 0 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I agree about supporting small businesses. There are so many people here who may meaningfully benefit from support while they live under a government thats treating them poorly. There is value in that :). Those folks who prepare those international foods are often immigrants and they could use every bit of support right now.

Buy the things you'd like to get, ideally from small local folks where you can, otherwise pick up the things you'd like from where you can get them. Sometimes it is easy to suffocate under the weight of wanting to fix, or not be part of the problem, and that is admirable, but it is okay to attend to your wants and needs when you are not doing so destructively. And there are often ways to do so that are entirely complatible with values :)

I hope you have a lovely time with your family, and that the place you're living now is treating you well ☺️. Make sure to enjoy it for all us folks still back in America, wishing things were different ❤️

[–] GooseGang@beehaw.org 0 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Nice ideas and perspective. I appreciate it. Having something positive to focus on and making small adjustments gives one more agency. Here’s hoping things take a turn for the better soon.

[–] Cris_Citrus@piefed.zip 0 points 4 days ago

I'm glad they were helpful thoughts :)

Sending love, take good care of yourself! ☺️

[–] Powderhorn@beehaw.org 0 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Many people I know have been making plans to flee Texas. One has made it to Washington state, while two others are angling for Colorado (as am I). It's an incredibly regressive state, and it's only gotten worse since Trump was crowned a second time.

[–] GooseGang@beehaw.org 0 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Oof. That’s concerning to hear, since it’s the sane people looking to leave.

[–] Powderhorn@beehaw.org 0 points 4 days ago

In all fairness, there's a difference between insanity and being brainwashed. I think the people supporting Texas politicians simply lack the critical thinking to understand the issues at play (by design ... the education system was intentionally gutted starting decades ago).

[–] ninjaphysics@beehaw.org 0 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Can relate. It sounds like the choice to visit family in Texas is not one you have much wiggle room to make (between seeing them or not, the answer seems obvious if you love/care for/miss them). Best you can do is support local business, aka Mom and Pop places that actually employ local folks and treat them humanely. It takes research but you can direct your energy that way as much as possible. Where we can, we're able to be mindful of our choices to reduce the harm we know is present, without diminishing our lives and being separated from our loved ones. I'm open to other thoughts on this. I just haven't found a good option in this situation either. Good luck, friend.

[–] GooseGang@beehaw.org 0 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Good idea! I’ll do some research, thanks!

[–] ninjaphysics@beehaw.org 0 points 4 days ago

Sending my best, and safe travels! And please have some chips and salsa for me (if that's your thing) lol