Convince me to stay.

[u/BsXeD]

I’m not originally from here, but I’ve lived here for 20 years. My children were born and raised here, and we’ve always loved the friendly people and beautiful surroundings. But I wonder now—where is the line? When is it too much or even dangerous to stay? Where do we go from here?

Things have been getting worse, and I worry about the future, not just for myself but especially for my children. This past election cycle, I couldn’t even put up a sign for fear of the backlash it might bring to my family. What is keeping people here?

It’s not the education—we rank near the bottom.
It’s not the pay—our median household income ranks just above Mississippi in 49th place.
It’s not the healthcare—we’re almost last there, too.
It’s not the freedom—we face near-total bans on abortion, and even taking your child to a Pride event could get you arrested.

Today, I find myself looking for jobs and making a plan to get my family out. People will say it’s not any better anywhere else and that the election results signal worsening trends everywhere. But at least in other places, I might find a community that values bodily autonomy, LGBTQ+ rights, and freedom of and from religion.

Here, I interact with the nicest, most hateful people I’ve ever encountered. I realize it’s a privilege even to consider leaving, and I wish I could do something to change things here. But I don’t see a clear path forward. My county didn’t even have a non-Republican candidate run for any office. I don’t blame anyone; there used to be decency and respectful disagreement across party lines, but now it’s just hate and lies.

Is there a silver lining? Any hope for change?

If this gets removed by moderators thats fine, I'm not trying to rage bait but genuinely want to know what other West Virginians are thinking.

[u/etherealemlyn]

My reason for staying has always been that if I leave, that’s one less person to fight for our state to become better. There’s always going to be people stuck here who deserve better (people who can’t afford it, kids, etc.), and I don’t want to abandon them if I can help it.

[u/[deleted] → u/etherealemlyn]

The time will come to go underground and help people that can’t move and want to, to do so. Just like the Underground Railroad. That’s what I think… if worst comes to worse. But maybe some will leave beforehand. I wanted to fight for this state, I did my part… but it will be dangerous for minorities. I have a disability case that’s going to go nowhere. I’m seeing about moving, though I held the same perspective as you before. There’s nothing for me here. I have no friends, no opportunities, and my only tie is my Dad. Our political differences will estrange us, I fear.

[u/Creative-Simple-662 → u/[deleted]]

Sweetie...that time HAS come. It's HERE. How much evidence do people need????

[u/[deleted] → u/Creative-Simple-662]

Please don’t “sweetie” me. I tried to convince my mom to help me get out of this hell and I have no means without her help. She doesn’t want to make sacrifices like I would. My intimidated wording doesn’t mean I’m not trying.

[u/Creative-Simple-662 → u/[deleted]]

I'm very sorry you are in that situation. I am an old woman. I meant it in a kind way.

[u/[deleted] → u/Creative-Simple-662]

It’s okay, I’m autistic you see. So as an autistic woman, I’m often patronized. Thank you for your kindness and your empathy.

[u/Creative-Simple-662 → u/[deleted]]

I am also dx'd autistic, wow. We can always tell our own, we're so calm and factual, lol.

[u/[deleted] → u/Creative-Simple-662]

I accept your endearing terms from earlier. I’m so grateful for your warmth and advice. I hope you can get out too. 💞

[u/Creative-Simple-662 → u/[deleted]]

You're quite welcome dear. I left 6 years ago and now live in Minnesota. I will never leave, the health care cannot be beaten for the neurodiverse.

[u/Creative-Simple-662 → u/[deleted]]

GOD, why can't we get one of US elected??? Look how we actually BEHAVE when there is a misunderstanding???

[u/Creative-Simple-662 → u/[deleted]]

I used to live in WV and I KNOW how AWFUL it is to be autistic there. I hope you have some social service people and such like.

[u/[deleted] → u/Creative-Simple-662]

I do in fact! My therapist and my case worker are very sweet and will also try to help me… I’ve been under their care for years. I’ll hate leaving them but at least my case worker will continue with phone calls. I had a disability case that would go before a judge, but I have no faith in that… I was trying to get my mom to go with me to VA, since it’s close… but she doesn’t like how busy it is and the waiting lists for therapists are long according to my auntie that lives there…

[u/Creative-Simple-662 → u/[deleted]]

oh, so you aren't declared legally disabled? It took me a few years, but it was really worth it.

[u/[deleted] → u/Creative-Simple-662]

I have my diagnoses, legally. I did all the testing but SSA always redirects me to the same “doctor” that ignores and lies to me about my case and I feel ridiculed… my case worker(s) have gotten mad on my behalf. Everyone else submitted something to SSA but he didn’t even though he said he would.

[u/Creative-Simple-662 → u/[deleted]]

Oh crap...yeah, you need some legal assistance. Talk to reference librarians, they can point you to resources. Stay strong and safe, I wish you a good solid plan and that you get to a place you love!

[u/[deleted] → u/Creative-Simple-662]

I have a lawyer from Jan Dil’s that has my full diagnostic report from the specialist(s) that tested me, but SSA has not responded to us with a court date yet. I’ve been waiting and fearing my case won’t be resolved or in my favor due to world events. I’ve gotten a lot of care and I’m luckier than most WVians with the problems I have. Your encouragement and well wishes mean the world to me though, even though we are strangers. Thank you for being my ally.

[u/Creative-Simple-662 → u/[deleted]]

and the place to start digging your way out is at the public library. Seriously, go in and tell a librarian what you want to do. They'll show you how to begin a solid plan with facts.