As someone who is transitioning from NYC to Warren County, I halfway agree. As to leaving Florida, which is becoming a fascist state, I say aye! But depending on the rest of NY state- especially NYC- to preserve our personal liberties, I say, be careful. We certainly have had conservative leadership- George Pataki comes to mind -and the statehouse was dominated by conservatives not all that long ago. Regarding having your cake and eating it, after Dobbs, one local politician made exactly your argument: she is strongly prolife, but those of us who are prochoice need not worry because Albany would never let her pursue that agenda. Well, we can't say she hasn't warned us.
And I will certainly agree NYC is expensive, but exhausting? It is invigorating, it's Gotham! Yes, politicians from elsewhere in the state like to stand on our subway platforms and make political hay about crime (and after they lose, we never hear from them again), but NYC is the place where many of those oppressed and intruded upon spend their whole lives trying to get to. I love the North Country, but New York City is in a league of its own.
You didn’t mention guns so I will. New York is unlikely to have permitless concealed carry or any other insanity anytime soon.
There’s a good book that mentions the best places to live with the continuing change in climate. It’s “How to Survive Climate Change” by David Pogue. He does not suggest retiring to Florida. Glens Falls is a sweet spot, tho.
New York Times Real estate section has an article on people moving to Duluth, Minnesota, because it is "climate proof". Though, I don't know, if the climate proof climate isn't so great to start with, it gives one pause. Grimmest place I've ever been to was International Falls, Minnesota.
Very well put. You’ve cited many reasons I won’t ever change my residency to Florida and leave New York. Florida is also on the verge of making open carry of guns legal and unlicensed. I’ve always felt that Florida’s best — and maybe only — advantage over New York is its warm winters, of which I do take advantage three months out of the year. But that gun thing and il Duce DeSantis might get me to abandon that too.
WOW, Will, I've read you a long time and this is definitely one of yopur better efforts, in my estimation, thanks for your efforts. There are many well thought out points that you have brought out
in different areas. Thanks Will & GO UPSTATE with all you have to offer!!!
Thanks for your excellent points about our upstate NY, which I have encouraged friends & family to consider relocating to. But I disagree with your characterizations of political poles as "conservative" & "liberal."
Republican politicians are not conservative. They oppose conserving the chemical composition of the atmosphere upon which civilization as we know it depends, instead being paid agents of the extremely radical fossil fuel industry responsible for the climate crisis. As you noted, they are trying to radically take away women's rights to control their bodies, radically remove books and major parts of our history from our schools, and most essential to their politics they have been leading a radical transfer of wealth from the Working Class to the richest 1%. And of course they radically reject truth and Democracy, with massive lying & supporting an attempted fascist coup to prevent the election winner from taking office.
That's the opposite of conservative.
Also, I disagree with the idea that local Republican politicians are reasonable and pragmatic. Stefanik & Trump would be nobodies without the support of local Republican political establishments. Our local Republican politicians and committees share responsibility for the radical plutocratic semi-fascist extreme politics of Trump, Stefanik, Desantis & co.
It’s sad that the political labels have lost nearly all meaning. The GOP has ridden out anyone on a rail that doesn’t offer full obeisance to the orange godking. There’s probably not a lot that I agreed with John Katko on, but I’m sorry he got his career ended by an honorable vote.
It feels weird being a Democrat and being in the adult, moderate, reasonable party. I get much of my opinion from former Republicans these days. Love Chris Hayes and Lawrence O’Donnell, tho. But, I can count on the writers at Bulwark or Tom Nichols and David Frum at the Atlantic letting me know where my party might be going off the rails.
We’re only two months into what’s surely going to be the stupidest Congress ever. Can’t help but wonder how those half dozen Republicans who won in Biden districts are feeling about their chances. They have how many bizarros on their backs? Santos, Marge, Elise. What’s going to be hilarious is when McCarthy gets booted and they have to elect a new Speaker. I don’t see how they do it.
Well said Will! A few years back I hoped to buy property in Florida- snowbird during my Senior years. But the political climate of the state has almost completely soured me to that desire. In fact, to even visiting certain states (Texas, comes to mind). So, to quote Billy Joel, “I’m in a New York State of mind”. So, for the time being, my family will spend most of our travel dollars exploring Our state…A state that historically has fought for personal rights and freedoms. Think women and gay rights, to name a few. It is time to vote out certain individuals who’s conspiracy mongering, false narratives and outright falsehoods can easily turn our state to the dark side.
As someone who is transitioning from NYC to Warren County, I halfway agree. As to leaving Florida, which is becoming a fascist state, I say aye! But depending on the rest of NY state- especially NYC- to preserve our personal liberties, I say, be careful. We certainly have had conservative leadership- George Pataki comes to mind -and the statehouse was dominated by conservatives not all that long ago. Regarding having your cake and eating it, after Dobbs, one local politician made exactly your argument: she is strongly prolife, but those of us who are prochoice need not worry because Albany would never let her pursue that agenda. Well, we can't say she hasn't warned us.
And I will certainly agree NYC is expensive, but exhausting? It is invigorating, it's Gotham! Yes, politicians from elsewhere in the state like to stand on our subway platforms and make political hay about crime (and after they lose, we never hear from them again), but NYC is the place where many of those oppressed and intruded upon spend their whole lives trying to get to. I love the North Country, but New York City is in a league of its own.
You didn’t mention guns so I will. New York is unlikely to have permitless concealed carry or any other insanity anytime soon.
There’s a good book that mentions the best places to live with the continuing change in climate. It’s “How to Survive Climate Change” by David Pogue. He does not suggest retiring to Florida. Glens Falls is a sweet spot, tho.
New York Times Real estate section has an article on people moving to Duluth, Minnesota, because it is "climate proof". Though, I don't know, if the climate proof climate isn't so great to start with, it gives one pause. Grimmest place I've ever been to was International Falls, Minnesota.
Minnesota is beautiful; in the summer.
Wasn’t it DeSantis who struck down mandated masks in schools?
And his administration put out false information about COVID.
Excellent and truthful article!
Right on, Will! Thanks for your insights
Shalom! Peace!
Don Shuler
Very well put. You’ve cited many reasons I won’t ever change my residency to Florida and leave New York. Florida is also on the verge of making open carry of guns legal and unlicensed. I’ve always felt that Florida’s best — and maybe only — advantage over New York is its warm winters, of which I do take advantage three months out of the year. But that gun thing and il Duce DeSantis might get me to abandon that too.
WOW, Will, I've read you a long time and this is definitely one of yopur better efforts, in my estimation, thanks for your efforts. There are many well thought out points that you have brought out
in different areas. Thanks Will & GO UPSTATE with all you have to offer!!!
Thanks for your excellent points about our upstate NY, which I have encouraged friends & family to consider relocating to. But I disagree with your characterizations of political poles as "conservative" & "liberal."
Republican politicians are not conservative. They oppose conserving the chemical composition of the atmosphere upon which civilization as we know it depends, instead being paid agents of the extremely radical fossil fuel industry responsible for the climate crisis. As you noted, they are trying to radically take away women's rights to control their bodies, radically remove books and major parts of our history from our schools, and most essential to their politics they have been leading a radical transfer of wealth from the Working Class to the richest 1%. And of course they radically reject truth and Democracy, with massive lying & supporting an attempted fascist coup to prevent the election winner from taking office.
That's the opposite of conservative.
Also, I disagree with the idea that local Republican politicians are reasonable and pragmatic. Stefanik & Trump would be nobodies without the support of local Republican political establishments. Our local Republican politicians and committees share responsibility for the radical plutocratic semi-fascist extreme politics of Trump, Stefanik, Desantis & co.
It’s sad that the political labels have lost nearly all meaning. The GOP has ridden out anyone on a rail that doesn’t offer full obeisance to the orange godking. There’s probably not a lot that I agreed with John Katko on, but I’m sorry he got his career ended by an honorable vote.
It feels weird being a Democrat and being in the adult, moderate, reasonable party. I get much of my opinion from former Republicans these days. Love Chris Hayes and Lawrence O’Donnell, tho. But, I can count on the writers at Bulwark or Tom Nichols and David Frum at the Atlantic letting me know where my party might be going off the rails.
We’re only two months into what’s surely going to be the stupidest Congress ever. Can’t help but wonder how those half dozen Republicans who won in Biden districts are feeling about their chances. They have how many bizarros on their backs? Santos, Marge, Elise. What’s going to be hilarious is when McCarthy gets booted and they have to elect a new Speaker. I don’t see how they do it.
Well said Will! A few years back I hoped to buy property in Florida- snowbird during my Senior years. But the political climate of the state has almost completely soured me to that desire. In fact, to even visiting certain states (Texas, comes to mind). So, to quote Billy Joel, “I’m in a New York State of mind”. So, for the time being, my family will spend most of our travel dollars exploring Our state…A state that historically has fought for personal rights and freedoms. Think women and gay rights, to name a few. It is time to vote out certain individuals who’s conspiracy mongering, false narratives and outright falsehoods can easily turn our state to the dark side.
DeSantis’ talk of “Free Florida” is a disgusting joke!
Excellent article. Do you think we could persuade Elise to move to Florida?