Texans consider themselves better than most of us in the other forty-nine states. Most Texans still think life is like it was 150 years ago. Republicans are anti-everything and control state government. Democrats have a few enclaves of power in cities but have not had a governor since George W. Bush was elected Governor. The legislature has been Republican controlled for decades, too.

            Most Texans consider themselves to be independent and are against anything which they consider impinges on theirs or Texas’ rights. The lack of regulation and the independent culture caused their recent problems. A decade ago Texas was advised what needed to be done to avoid another loss of power caused by cold temperature. They ignored it and the calamity in mid-February resulted. The advice was to insulate and join regional grids.

            Some politicians blame wind turbines for the disaster but the real problem was power plants using natural gas lost their supply when the liquids brought up with the gas in wells froze shutting the gas off. The coal plants needed water to produce steam. Their problem was the pumps pumping water to produce steam froze and the coal piles froze from the moisture. Another problem was some of the plants were down for maintenance and refueling during what was supposed to be a low demand time.

            Politicians blame the grid operators but they are directed as to what they can do by Texas legislature. They are prohibited from connecting to regional grids which could have supplied them with adequate power. Even updating and some maintenance were considered too expensive. Their pride and culture caused the fall. As they do after every disaster, they plead for Washington and the other forty-nine states for help.