Top 10 Worst States in the United States

Not every corner of the United States is a postcard-worthy paradise. Some states have earned a less-than-stellar reputation among residents and visitors alike.

Maybe it's the sweltering heat, the sky-high taxes, the questionable cuisine, or the peculiar local customs. Whatever the reason, these states have developed a certain notoriety.

The Top Ten

Mississippi

Mississippi is a southern U.S. state with the Mississippi River to its west, the state of Alabama to its east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. The state is known for its rich cultural contributions to blues music, literature, and southern cuisine. It has a predominantly agricultural economy with... read more

Well, it's Mississippi. Beautiful state in the best areas but so many other problems. Which is really too bad because it's super affordable.

Mississippi is weird. I'm not counting the racism, no. It's the state where a young Ray Stevens released a squirrel in a church and it ended with everyone being amazed by the squirrel being a holy figure. Yep, like I said, Mississippi is weird.

It's very backwards, rural, and poor. It has a bad economy and no major cities. The beaches are nasty, and it has gross casino towns.
On the bright side, it's cheap, people are nice, it usually has good weather, and there's delicious soul food.
Arkansas

Arkansas is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. Its name is of Siouan derivation, denoting the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas features diverse geography, including mountains, forests, and the Mississippi River.

"In my opinion," Arkansas comes with more cons than pros. I've been to every southern state, and for me, Arkansas had the worst people in that part of the country.
These folks have no consideration for others whatsoever and are terribly closed-minded and trapped in their bubble.
Higher taxes than other surrounding states like Texas and Tennessee.
Narrow points of view, low appreciation for things not from Arkansas. It's very difficult to get through to these people.

Arkansas is not the best place, but it is definitely not the worst. If we could crack down on the crime rate, address racism, and create more jobs, things would improve.
Arkansas is extremely segregated. Some cities here consist of nothing but white people. The law is unfair, and some of the officers and mayors are corrupt. You have to watch yourself here. Arkansas feels like a retirement home, not a land of opportunity.
Alabama

Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. The state played a central role in the American civil rights movement during the 20th century... read more

I understand how Alabama might seem horrible to those who were not born here or have only lived or visited for a short time. As someone from a large family in rural Alabama, I can attest to the true nature of the state. There is significant racial tension. That is no lie, and we can seem dreadfully intolerant from an outside perspective.
However, I believe there is a fundamental lifestyle here. People are polite, but you truly have to earn someone's trust to receive the acceptance and inclusivity northerners claim we lack. My immediate family is Catholic, while my relatives are mostly Baptist, but we get along fine. I am an openly gay woman, and because my community knows me and understands the kind of person I am, they treat me with the same dignity they would anyone else. This might be different if I were a stranger, as they would naturally be more suspicious of a different lifestyle.
However, if people here come to see who you really are and what values you hold, they will treat you like family, which is very refreshing in a world of fake friends. Furthermore, although cities like Birmingham and Mobile have high crime rates, we do have significant cities and accomplishments. Take Huntsville, for example, an attractive, innovative city filled with engineering and missile defense opportunities, proudly known as the birthplace of U.S. space exploration.
In conclusion, Alabama gets a bad rap, but it is truly a great place to grow up, and I'm grateful for the experience.
Louisiana

Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States. It is bordered by Texas to the west, Arkansas to the north, Mississippi to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Louisiana is known for its unique Creole and Cajun cultures, as well as the vibrant city of New Orleans.

Name me one state worse than Louisiana in terms of living there. You can't. This state is a complete nightmare, crime and corruption are rampant, the climate is comparable to Saudi Arabia, and the education system is a joke. The only reason why I would say to go there is for the food and New Orleans, but that's it. Really, anything else is pointless to travel in Louisiana.
So yeah, I'm pretty sure living here is pretty much like living in Venezuela.

It's very poor and rural outside of New Orleans. It's like outside of New Orleans they gave up. The economy is really bad, it's super hot and full of hurricanes, bugs, and alligators.
On the bright side, it's sunny, with nice people, cheap, New Orleans is fun, great food.
West Virginia

West Virginia is a state located in the Appalachian region of the Southern United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland to the east and northeast, Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, and Ohio to the northwest. West Virginia is the 41st largest state by area,... read more

A beautiful state. However, jobs are scarce, and a lot of those working have to deal with uneducated people in management positions. There is also a 'You will do it or your replacement will' mentality.
The pay scale is also low in West Virginia, creating more poverty and working poor. Education is hampered due to cost, and the taxes on small businesses are horrible.

West Virginia's environment is cool, with tons of hiking trails and forests. However, the towns are absolute hellholes.
West Virginia is very poor - it's one of the poorest states in the nation. There are tons of meth problems, nothing to do, and coal is one of the only resources, which is bad for the environment. Rednecks are everywhere (most are friendly, but some are not). The only source of pride is... high school football. Pathetic.
The schools are no better. If you want a place that's both beautiful and has better opportunities, I suggest Vermont or Colorado.
New Jersey

New Jersey is a state in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is bordered on the north and east by New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania, and on the southwest by Delaware. It has one of the highest population densities in... read more

JDL too, with 40 hate groups, most in Bergen County, and many neo-Nazi and reverse hate groups. There have been ISIS and al-Qaeda arrests, with the FBI targeting Hackensack schools to stop ISIS infiltration and videos (search the web), and regular bomb threats to schools and Bergen County Courthouse against the worst judges in the US (leave schools out of it!).
There's also corruption with 40 arrested, including 3 mayors, several assistant mayors, 5 Rabbis, and selling body parts. Bergen County police almost killed a State Police officer who came to help people from them on State Highway, as seen on YouTube.
To be caught in the middle of all that hate is not a good place to be, and it starts young in NJ schools. All those office posts saying 'it's such a nice place with nice schools' are getting old. Christie is disliked even more than the last NJ Governors, even though they set historic lows in the polls. 80% think Christie doesn't care about them because the other 20% KNOW Christie doesn't care about them.
Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central United States. It shares borders with Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Colorado. The state has a strong Native American presence and is known for its oil and gas industry and severe weather patterns, particularly tornadoes.

I live in Kansas. However, every person I've met who's come down here from Oklahoma has given me terrible vibes and reasons not to have a high opinion of them.
Their attitudes, personalities, and overall demeanor around me and others have always come off as totally unpleasant. I'm not a fan of anybody I've met from this state. I have no desire to ever visit if that's how common their behavior is.

I lived in Oklahoma for six years. One in five residents are meth users or opium addicts. Most people are decent and hardworking, but there is no religious tolerance. If you don't believe in their version of Jesus, you need to keep it to yourself.
They're generally distrustful of the outside world and seem to want to remain in the 20th century. If you drive a car with out-of-state license plates, you WILL be pulled over at every opportunity by the police. I never looked back after leaving.
As I cross my fingers behind my back: "Praise Jesus."
California

California is a state in the Southwestern United States. With 39.6 million residents across a total area of about 163,696 square miles (423,970 square kilometers), California is the most populous U.S. state and the third largest by area. The state capital is Sacramento, and the largest city is Los Angeles.... read more

Everything that is wrong with America is symbolized best by what happened to California. If you're a normal American, stay out or move out, because you're considered a second-class citizen there. Illegal immigrants and other criminals are coddled and given tens of thousands in welfare, taken from those who actually contribute to society.
Political correctness is rampant. The cost of living is extreme, and taxes are so high you might as well be living in a socialist dictatorship. California was once a great state, but today it is anything but great.

High unemployment. You can get a mansion elsewhere at the price of a shack here. Drought. Idiot government who spends all our tax dollars on bullet trains and raises taxes. Terrible traffic. Illegal immigrants. Many people crammed onto the coast. Chance of a super quake. Weather is just hot, not nice. I would love to leave California if my money to move elsewhere wasn't taken to fund the bullet trains I will never need to use.
Florida

Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is the southeasternmost U.S. state, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. Florida is known for its warm climate, tourism industry, and diverse population.

I was born and raised in Dade City, Florida. I don't hate it here, but it's really not all it's cracked up to be. Dade City itself is boring as heck. The population is less than 10,000, it's in the middle of nowhere, and there is some crime here and there, which I hate.

Florida sounds like a nice place at first, but you realize that most of Florida is downright disgusting. We went to Kissimmee once, and we passed by a part that looked like a third-world hellhole.
In Florida, it rains literally every day, and every year there's a hurricane. How can anybody live here? It's like living in hell. The weather is unbearably hot, and it's so humid that it's hard to go outside during the daytime. The "rest stops," besides the "Welcome to Florida" one, are like third-world countries - they're often neglected, unlike in Indiana.
It is also extremely hard to grow crops because of Florida's swampy and unbearable nature. And we're not done yet. Floridian people are often rude and inconsiderate. They only look out for themselves. At least Florida still isn't California.
Texas

Texas is a state in the southern United States. It is the second largest by both area and population. Its largest city is Houston, and the state's economy is diverse, including energy, technology, agriculture, and aerospace. It is also known for its hot weather, which can reach around 100 °F in many... read more

My parents worked themselves to death in this place for as long as I can remember. I also worked at a job and got harassed by Latinos who think they own the state because they came illegally or don't have to speak English. Expect overly proud Texan natives, rednecks, drug addicts, and BLM protesters who play the race card. Everyone loves road rage, living in bad neighborhoods, owning debt, and car accidents.
All in the name of "diversity," I guess. I don't know how one can love being poor in the state that my parents are in.

I lived in and grew up in Texas for 20 years. It's got its pros, but I cannot stand the obnoxious attitude of many natives who think this place is the best on Earth when they haven't even been outside their zip code.
It's just ignorant pride. Texas wouldn't have as bad of a reputation if it weren't for those people. They need a lesson in humility and respect.

The Newcomers

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New Mexico

New Mexico is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States of America. It shares borders with Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora. Known for its desert landscapes, Native American heritage, and influence of Spanish colonial culture, New... read more

New Mexico is ranked as the 47th worst state for business and has a 20% poverty rate, making it one of the most dangerous states in the country. It has consistently ranked 49th or 50th for child welfare over the years and has the second-highest heroin overdose rate in the country. Additionally, it's in the bottom five states for education. The Albuquerque "International" Airport only offers direct flights to 23 cities.
Police departments at the city, county, and state levels struggle to fill their ranks. The unemployment rate increased from 6.2% in October 2014 to 6.8% in October 2015, while the rest of the country was recovering. In 2014, the state lost 11,500 in population. There's also political dissatisfaction, as evidenced by the criticism of Governor Susana Martinez, who was re-elected twice.
Mother Jones published a story a few years ago titled "Is Governor Susana Martinez the Next Sarah Palin?" highlighting concerns about her governance. The state is noted for its high level of corruption, which often doesn't make national news due to its small population of only 2 million, a number that is declining. It's considered the second-worst managed state in the country. Adding to the list of issues, the secretary of state resigned after being accused of spending campaign money at various casinos.
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Ohio

Ohio is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. Ohio is the 34th largest by area, the 7th most populous, and the 10th most densely populated of the 50 United States. The state is a key political swing state and is home to major cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.

Yeah, pretty boring and uneventful, besides when LeBron or the Indians go to the Finals or the World Series and lose. The Browns will always be the most garbage team in the NFL.
The second you leave the cities, rednecks run the joint. Racism is the state's favorite pastime, and cocaine is the drug of choice. Weed is tried by literally every high school student by the end of school.
People are generally kind, just don't go to the East Side of Cleveland.

It should be the worst state because of way too much crime, shootings, robberies, disasters, fires, and hackers.

The Contenders

Illinois

Illinois is a state in the midwestern region of the United States. It is the 5th most populous state and the 25th largest in terms of land area. Illinois is home to Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States.

I agree that Illinois is the worst state in US history. Did you know that more people are leaving Illinois than any other state? It has lost residents to almost every other state in the nation. My son, who recently turned 16, says he will never live in Illinois or step on Illinois soil, and I don't blame him.
High taxes, crime, and unionism are why Illinois is losing more residents than it is gaining. I don't mean to make anyone angry, but I think Illinois needs help so it can be a better state than it already is today. It keeps getting Democrat leaders, and people need to stop voting for Democrats to run the state and the nation.
Illinois residents are number one in desire to flee the state. It is the second most hated state in the nation, and more people say it absolutely sucks living there than in any other state in the nation. Hey, I'm sure glad I don't live in Illinois. We live in Texas, but we will be moving back to Colorado, our old home state, on July 1st, 2017. So, Illinois is getting more goodbyes than hellos, and everybody hates the state. I think people who live in the other 49 states in our country are much happier than the residents in Illinois. Period. End of story. No room for discussion. No room for arguments.
Wyoming

Wyoming is a state in the Mountain region of the Western United States. The state is the tenth largest by area, but the least populous and the second least densely populated of the 50 United States. It is home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks and is known for its natural beauty and energy... read more

Wyoming means in Jibberish: No state here. I have cousins who live here and they are the only people within 7 miles! My mom had me here and moved to Colorado (a GOOD state to live in) because she thought it would be horrendous to be in a classroom of 4 people.

The absolutely most miserable place in America. I have lived in 7 states, and Wyoming has the least to offer. Pretty vistas get old after a while, especially in freezing temperatures and with mean-spirited people.

Absolutely the most depressing place you can go to.
The most interesting thing you'll find there is the "Welcome to Colorado" sign.
Tennessee

Tennessee is a state located in the southeastern United States. Tennessee is the 36th largest and the 17th most populous of the 50 United States. It is known for its contributions to country and blues music, especially in cities like Nashville and Memphis.

Man, this state just keeps getting worse and worse. A lot of the cities are what you would probably expect from various deep south cities, with extremely high crime rates, very similar to various upstate NY cities, not offering much opportunity or work. Shootings happen almost every day in the rough parts of cities like Memphis. I literally saw some people urinating on buildings when I was driving through the city, the land that law forgot.
The cities, as well as the rural small towns, aren't that great in general. However, if you go to the far eastern side of the state, east of Knoxville, it's incredible. The Great Smoky Mountains are just stunning and provide a ton of outdoor activities, plus the people are just lovely. Like most US national parks, the best time to visit is most definitely autumn because that's when all the trees pop with colors in the sunset.
In summary, it's a terrible state town and city-wise, but I found the far eastern side great.
Kentucky

Kentucky, officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is a state located in the East South Central region of the United States. It is bordered by seven states: Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north. West Virginia and Virginia to the east. Tennessee to the south. And Missouri to the west. Known for horse... read more

I'd like to say New Jersey or Ohio. I have some personal reasons (and historical excuses) to low-grade Michigan, but Kentucky isn't just another southern state. It's the rotten heart of America. I do not hate it the way I don't disrespect any state.
I've been through the South and New England, and some of it needs much work. Kentucky seems impoverished, isolated, economically stuck in the 50s/60s, and isolated from growth and "capitalism". We need something like a new deal or a massive market boom to improve and build up this place. It's a state of decay.
California is pretty bad too, but for entirely separate reasons.

Because the people of Kentucky are beyond stupid and continue to vote for a traitor like Moscow Mitch McConnell, who has done nothing for Kentucky for almost the past 40 years. Then there's the Louisville police, who murdered Breonna Taylor, and the officers who committed the crime were let go free.
Kansas

Kansas is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. Kansas is known for its agricultural output, especially wheat production, and for being historically significant in the pre-Civil War conflict known as Bleeding... read more

I'm not a huge fan in general of what Kansas is or what it has to offer. But I can't stress this enough, stay away from Junk Town (also known as Junction City).
That place definitely has no positive or quality factors to it. It's just a bunch of conservative meth heads, hick hillbilly rednecks, and low lives who rely on staying that way. They're stuck back in time at least 25 or more years.

I live here, and anymore, I really just don't like it here. I can't move because I don't make enough money to save for moving expenses or a new place. I can't even afford healthcare in this state, and I have insurance.
On top of that, they raised income taxes on everyone! My family is going to lose around $870 this year, PLUS another 4.9% for all earnings over $30,000 on top of that, because our state government doesn't know how to budget!
I want out of this state the first chance I get.
Georgia

Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. Georgia has a diverse economy and is home to major cities such as Atlanta, a major transportation and business hub.

Georgia is a scum pit, at least in the Augusta, GA area. It has the worst drivers I have ever dealt with. I would rather drive in L.A. or San Antonio during rush hour, and that is saying something. Most of the people I have encountered are selfish and rude.
I am sorry, but when the two biggest food recommendations I received before moving to this slum were Cracker Barrel and Waffle House, it made me lose respect for this state. "Good" food in this state seems to be anything that is cheap and plentiful. This description seems to fit my two years living here: cheap and plentiful.
This should be listed as the worst state in the USA to live in. I do have a feeling that Alabama and other states like MO are just as bad, but I am not going to test those waters. Screw the South and the backwards way of life they enjoy.
Colorado

Colorado is a state in the United States that encompasses most of the Southern Rocky Mountains, as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains. It is known for its scenic landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and cities such as Denver and... read more

Well, while Denver's elevation does vary depending on where you are in the city, the lowest point is still 5,130 feet above sea level. This means the air really is thinner here, and you'll feel it. Don't try to do anything too crazy as soon as you get in town, because it can take anywhere from days to months for your body to adjust, especially if you're coming from somewhere like Texas or California. Altitude sickness is no joke. Even people who have been in Denver for a while can still experience the effects of the elevation. Needless to say, headaches, fatigue, and nausea are all the more common when hiking or skiing.
Oh, and don't forget to drink water. A lot of it. Dehydration really sneaks up on you here, and if you plan on drinking certain substances other than water, don't get too carried away by all the great craft beer in town. Alcohol has a much greater effect on your body here, to where one drink is actually the equivalent of two drinks at sea level. Then again, that might also be a positive if you like to party.
Oh, the weather. It's unpredictable.
I've been checking up on the weather in Denver a lot recently because I'm just weird like that, and let me tell you, they're having a crazy time. At the end of October there was a snowstorm with temperatures in the single digits Fahrenheit, and next thing you know it was 80 degrees last weekend, in November. And this isn't an outlier. It's the norm.
Nevada

Nevada is a state in the Western, Mountain West, and Southwestern regions of the United States of America. It is known for its arid climate, vast deserts, and legalized gambling, particularly in Las Vegas. Nevada also has a significant mining industry, especially for gold and silver.

The health care here is so poor that it's dangerous to live here. The street "design" in Las Vegas is so poor that driving around the city and finding anything is almost impossible, even with GPS. Cabs serve only the Strip, and mass transit is zero. Housing is ridiculously expensive, and the state government is run by idiots. Las Vegas is just strip mall after strip mall, and every house looks the same. DON'T MOVE HERE.

Nevada is a boring desert state with nothing of any interest except crime, booze, illegal gambling, hidden nukes, and an anti-medical system. This should be number 1 on worst states.
Idaho

Idaho is a state in the northwestern region of the United States. Idaho is the 14th largest, the 39th most populous, and the 7th least densely populated of the 50 United States. It is known for its mountainous terrain, agricultural output, and outdoor recreational activities.

People who were born here love it. Everybody else looks at them and says, "Really?" It's beautiful, but there are more addicts, drunks, and homeless people than anyplace else I've lived. Poor education, poorly managed cities, corrupt politicians, and high poverty.
Mexico does not send New Mexico its best citizens, just saying. Cost of living and housing are reasonable, but housing value does not appreciate much. Great for retirement if you don't care about the investment value of housing and if you live in a safe, secure housing situation.

Literally nothing but a potato farm.
North Carolina

North Carolina is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west, Virginia to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It is known for its diverse geography, from the Appalachian Mountains to coastal plains... read more

Stay away from Fayetteville, and you'll be fine. Fort Bragg negatively impacted businesses and neighborhoods in Fayetteville. Everything is ghetto and ugly, and it's unbearably hot all the time.
There are no local businesses, and the people can range from alright to bad. Bragg is filled with some of the most despicable children, and education honestly sucks. Crime is pretty commonplace.
Did I mention you can't drive five blocks without seeing a tattoo parlor or liquor store? Fast food places are littered around everywhere, as well as Walmarts. It honestly has zero history and is generally uninteresting.

I am sad to say I am North Carolinian myself, and I hate it. The education system is horrible, and the people are generally either racist, crotchety, or homophobic/transphobic, or any combination of these.
The weather is unbearable. It is extremely humid, at least on the coast where I live, and we only have two seasons: summer and winter. I'm getting out of this godforsaken place as soon as I can, and going to New Mexico. Or maybe just Mexico. Anywhere but the South.
Missouri

Missouri is a state located in the Midwestern United States. It is the 21st most extensive and the 18th most populous of the fifty states. Major cities include Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield, and the state is known for its diverse geography and cultural history.

I lived in Joplin for over 30 years. The economy was terrible. The pay rates in the medical field are some of the lowest in the nation, and there is nothing to do except drive to Kansas City or St. Louis.
We moved to NW Arkansas, where the economy is booming, and immediately increased our income by 20% while maintaining the same cost of living. I go mountain biking 2-3 times a week, as there are hundreds of miles of maintained trails. There is plenty to do and a great sense of community.
The landscape is gorgeous compared to SW Missouri's mountains of chat left over from the mining days. I miss the people, but will never move back to Missouri.
New York

New York is a state located in the Mid-Atlantic region. It was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. As of 2025, it is the fourth most populous state, with over 19 million residents. To distinguish the state from the city with the same name, it is sometimes referred to... read more

New York is a good state in itself, but the city has numerous problems. It is excessively overpopulated, and there's significant pollution. The views can become monotonous after a while, and the New Year's celebrations in Times Square have deteriorated over time.
Do you remember the memorable New Year's celebrations, like those in 1989, 1999, and 2008? Those were exceptional. The city also harbors a large number of stereotypical liberals, including hipsters, SJWs, and extreme BLM supporters. Even as a liberal myself, I find their behavior excessive.
In contrast, upstate is more conservative, and the entirety of this region is beautiful. My visits to the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes areas were delightful. However, cities in upstate, such as Albany, are disappointing. Given a choice, I would prefer to stay in a small country town or on a farm upstate.
Alaska

Alaska is a U.S. state situated in the northwest extremity of the Americas. The Canadian administrative divisions of British Columbia and Yukon border the state to the east, and it has a maritime border with Russia to the west across the Bering Strait. Alaska is the largest U.S. state by area and is... read more

It's full of people who drive their sleds to school.

Honestly, it should just be owned by the Canadians.

We should just give this back to Canada.
Maine

Maine is in the New England region of the northeastern United States and is the easternmost state in the contiguous U.S. Its capital is Augusta, and its largest city is Portland. The state is known for its rugged coastline and maritime history, and it is famous for seafood cuisine, especially lobster... read more

It's filled with more moose than people.
Arizona

Arizona is a U.S. state in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the Western and the Mountain states. Arizona is known for its desert climate, the Grand Canyon, and its rapidly growing urban centers like Phoenix and Tucson.

#DestroyArizona I am tired of them stalking me with their terrible university advertisements and marketing, especially the terrible Universal Technical Institute and the University of Phoenix, with only a 27% graduation rate. Other people are experiencing this. We need to start a movement to give it to Mexico so it can stay there once and for all.

Disgusting university land trying to get your money, and I am scared that people actually support their practice. The terrible advertisements they have forced me and others in this world to watch are trying to get you to go to a stranded desert. Arizona is the worst!