No decent American takes any pleasure in the suffering of Texans, as they endure a terrible winter storm, and the aftermath of lost power amidst bitter, freezing temperatures.  Anyone whose home has lost electricity for any significant length of time knows it is very scary, nerve-wracking, and potentially dangerous, especially during extended below-freezing temperatures.  The most vulnerable are especially at risk.

However, Texas politicians in the pocket of behemoth oil and gas companies, who decided it was a terrific idea to have their own Texas power grid, apart from any other American system, so as to avoid federal regulation, do deserve our scorn. Keep in mind that it is often a recipe for disaster when a group of Texas business leaders get a “bright idea” on how to evade or reduce federal regulations and red tape that would apply to them.  Remember the Savings & Loan crisis?

Texas politicians are rightfully getting grief for previous comments mocking other states for when their electrical grids failed due to natural disasters (e.g., California wildfires). Their holier than though attitude as they pursued reckless courses of action regarding the COVID pandemic are also still fresh in our minds.

Luckily for them, the current President of the United States, Joe Biden, isn’t nearly as petty as his predecessor, so Biden did not hold a grudge when Texas political leaders begged for a declaration of the entire State of Texas as a disaster area. Nor did Biden try to exact his pound of flesh or make Texans grovel and kiss his ass before granting their request.  Instead, he acted in the best interests of the people and moved swiftly to make the declaration that enables them to have access to much-needed relief. How refreshing for a President to act presidential when people are in need.