I understand where the argument is coming from, but the attention has been misplaced at the state level. No state is homogenous, they all have progressive urban cores that are surrounded by conservative rural areas. Take my home state, Illinois, for example. Based on the issues brought up, it would seem to be a perfectly 'fine' state to travel through at the state level. The Chicago area, and the areas around the two zoos and the aquarium, are mainly progressive. However, travel a little downstate, and the political leanings completely flip. In the Atlanta example, the Atlanta area is as progressive politically as other major urban areas, while the surrounding rural areas or suburbs are the ones that are more politically conservative. You can travel to nearly any state and can find areas that politically align with your own if that is an important consideration for you.
There are people who mean well in every state, even if their political beliefs don't perfectly align with your own. That being said, if there are particular issues that you are concerned about, specifically those that you don't want your money to be contributing to, then I suggest doing further research on the various establishments you are endorsing, rather than looking at the statewide level. Much more direct funding is provided at that level, and such smaller-scale boycotts will have a more profound impact.
All things considered, what I think is that if you'd like to visit an institution, you should visit it, and worrying about every single political leaning is more than anyone should put on themselves. If there is a certain cause you are especially concerned about not backing financially, you can do research and avoid particular venues that give financial support to such causes. Otherwise, not everything is red and blue, and I think that fact means that you should not worry too much about political issues with regard to this particular issue. Do your due diligence, then enjoy yourself by viewing wildlife, exploring a new place, and giving financial support to a cause you do want to, conservation. It is a cause you wouldn't want to end up boycotting as a bycatch if it was unavoidable, would you?
There are people who mean well in every state, even if their political beliefs don't perfectly align with your own. That being said, if there are particular issues that you are concerned about, specifically those that you don't want your money to be contributing to, then I suggest doing further research on the various establishments you are endorsing, rather than looking at the statewide level. Much more direct funding is provided at that level, and such smaller-scale boycotts will have a more profound impact.
All things considered, what I think is that if you'd like to visit an institution, you should visit it, and worrying about every single political leaning is more than anyone should put on themselves. If there is a certain cause you are especially concerned about not backing financially, you can do research and avoid particular venues that give financial support to such causes. Otherwise, not everything is red and blue, and I think that fact means that you should not worry too much about political issues with regard to this particular issue. Do your due diligence, then enjoy yourself by viewing wildlife, exploring a new place, and giving financial support to a cause you do want to, conservation. It is a cause you wouldn't want to end up boycotting as a bycatch if it was unavoidable, would you?
