I didn't know how bad it was in Texas until my mom told me. They might be more prepared next time. We can always hope. The state cannot even get plowing help from nearby states like some can. I know there are many donations being made. Can't be enough tho. I feel so bad and am very glad I live where I do and very, very thankful!!

I see Joel Osteen opened his church and helped people out. Oh my, it's difficult to see images on internet. I hope texans everywhere stock up on at least water. Having a gas grill to cook on (outside only!!!) Might not be a bad idea along with canned food that have pull up tabs to open. Calling a restaurant to have food delivery is a big no no. People should stay off the roads.

Texas made a decision to operate their own power grid. Unlike other states, they are unable to borrow/share power with other states. They essentially made themselves an island. Why? They have a history of distrust of the federal government and they avoid certain federal regulations. They won't, but probably should rethink the go it alone policy.

The situation is horrible down their right now. I have friends who are freezing. I have another friend who was just visiting family there and was stuck until yesterday.

In some ways, this storm is worse than a hurricane...... I hope this is a wake up call for many...especially the stinking governor.

I've read/heard on the news that a big part of the problem is the natural gas froze in the pipelines because they are not adequately insulated. Apparently this problem was discovered some years ago but nothing was done because of the enormous cost. Bet they are kicking themselves now.

You are correct. The freezing up problem was identified among others by the Feds in 2013 after a similar but smaller incident. Because it was the Feds, apparently Texas rejected the finding and proceeded to plod on as before. That decision caught up with them. Very sad.

@kimmiemae wrote:

I've read/heard on the news that a big part of the problem is the natural gas froze in the pipelines because they are not adequately insulated. Apparently this problem was discovered some years ago but nothing was done because of the enormous cost. Bet they are kicking themselves now.

@myst4au wrote:

You are correct. The freezing up problem was identified among others by the Feds in 2013 after a similar but smaller incident. Because it was the Feds, apparently Texas rejected the finding and proceeded to plod on as before. That decision caught up with them. Very sad.

Nah. It's fine.
[www.msnbc.com]
Only a child froze to death and some weak immune-system'd people. They don't count. As the Texas mayor, Tim Boyd, said:

@ wrote:

Boyd said people who lack power and water should simply figure out a way to get power and water on their own, without turning to public departments and agencies that ostensibly exist to meet the public's needs. He offered nothing in way of constructive guidance to struggling families.

"If you are sitting at home in the cold because you have no power and are sitting there waiting for someone to come rescue you because your lazy is direct result of your raising," Boyd wrote, without regard for grammar. "Only the strong will survive and the weak will parish."

These weak people should have saved up more money, eaten more healthy food, worked out, bought a spare generator for their homes, and had better genes. What's important is that the energy companies saved a few thousand dollars from not insulating their pipes so their executive's wives could get their hair done and a few extra pedicures and their kids had an extra semester worth of private boarding school.

Reminds me of Puerto Rico and Trump donor corruption: [www.youtube.com]

The entire island was hit by multiple natural disasters in 2017 (including Hurricane Maria) and was without power. Instead of sending qualified professionals or FEMA, Trump sent Whitefish Energy Holdings, which had an entire staff of TWO FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES to service their needs, as it was his way of repaying a political campaign donor (who owned the firm). Three months in, almost 50% lacked power still (the longest power black out in U.S. history).

Meanwhile, close to 3,000 people died, as Whitefish was price gouging and was incompetent and ill-equipped to restore power. But, hey, Puerto Ricans are' not "real Americans" (just a "territory" ) and what's important is Whitefish's owner's kids having their trust funds filled!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/23/2021 04:17AM by shoptastic.

So "Texas" did not provide comprehensive and otherwise adequate energy services. The masses were informed of this condition almost a decade ago. Why didn't people leave there in droves, and in protest? What is up with that?!

I wouldn't live like that. It's way too hot anyways.