Do You Need to Leave a Toxic Situation?

             Individuals, families, communities, organizations, and nations are stronger when they realize that some people and some places are toxic to them and/or for them. There are some people and places that poison anyone that comes near them, and other people and places that are welcoming to everyone. We are stronger when we recognize that we must leave people and places behind and move on with our lives.

            Children should be taught that trying to be friends with a bully is not good for them. Instead of always trying to please the bully, they should look for someone who will appreciate them for themselves. This applies to teenagers and people who are married. There is nothing wrong and everything right to leave behind all toxic situations and move on to people and places who will be supportive.

            If children and teens learn this principle while young, they may be able to avoid abusive relationships by leaving them when the first signs of toxicity arise. There are two big examples in the news today that show the value of knowing when it is time to leave.

            It appears that New York City as well as the state of New York have become toxic to the Trump family. When Donald and Melania Trump quietly changed their official residence from New York to Florida in 2019, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out or whatever.” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo wrote, “Good riddance. It’s not like @realDonaldTrump paid taxes here anyway… He’s all yours, Florida.” This week, New York City declared that it will cut all business ties with the Trump Organization. Now, some of the Trump children have indicated that they will follow their father to Florida. Why not, the headquarters of their business does not need to stay in New York.

            Today, the National Rifle Association (NRA) filed a voluntary petition for chapter 11 bankruptcy in a Dallas, Texas, federal court. Executive Vice President and CEO Wayne LaPierre said the following in a letter to NRA members. 

Today, the NRA announced a restructuring plan that positions us for the long-term and ensures our continued success as the nation’s leading advocate for constitutional freedom – free from the toxic political environment of New York. The plan can be summed up quite simply: We are DUMPING New York, and we are pursuing plans to reincorporate the NRA in Texas.

            The move will take the NRA out of “a corrupt political and regulatory environment in New York” to Texas where it will become a nonprofit. Texas Governor Greg Abbott indicated that the NRA could find a happy home in Texas when he tweeted: “Welcome to Texas – a state that safeguards the 2^nd Amendment.”

            For several months, news articles have carried accounts of ordinary Americans flowing out of liberal states like California and New York and heading to conservative states like Florida and Texas. Liberal governors and mayors do not seem to understand that the money to run their cities and states comes from the people and corporations. If the people and corporations move out, the money also goes.

The biggest thing wrong with the people leaving the liberal states is that they take their liberal ideas with them. Conservative states need to be aware that the makeup of their states will be changing and prepare for the change.

Just as the Trump family and the NRA are moving from toxic situations, individuals and families should also be aware that sometimes changes must be made for their good. When people remove themselves from toxic situations and leave the toxicity behind, families, communities, and nations are stronger.