“Where you going Little One?”
“Gonna find someone who will ruckus with me. It’s Friday.”
“I will.”
“You have to move to ruckus.”
“Good point.”
It is Friday, and what a difference in the neighborhood. Now that the power is back and the temperatures have gone from below freezing into the high 70s, I have to say I’m a happy camper.
The investigations into the cause of so many homes without power are underway. Six board members of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, the industry nonprofit that operates the grid that supplies power to 90 percent of the state, have resigned. The governor has stated that those resignations do not represent the end of the issue. He has asked the Stare legislature to conduct a full investigation of the root cause of the problem and develop solutions to prevent it from occurring again. He has also called upon the Travis County District Attorney to investigate any basis for criminal charges. This situation needs to be rectified, and it will.
Those most unsympathetic bloggers have used the unfortunate situation to rant about how Texas people should now be sorry they didn’t vote out elected officials and vote in their candidates last November. This is the most insulting shoulda, woulda, coulda imaginable. It’s like telling a flood victim that they should have known better than to live in a flood plain. Such comments directed at the Texas voting population are a disgusting example of political blindness and a total lack of knowledge of the true facts.
One needs to remind these know-it-alls (the most vicious live outside of Texas) that the deregulation of Texas energy in 2002 was supported by Texas’s citizens. They should also know that before this unprecedented weather, Texas’s energy system had been functioning very well under the stress of the extremely high temperatures so common here for most of the year. Although deregulation has not reduced the cost of energy, it has ensured its availability.
Texas tends to take care of its own, and as big a deal non-Texans want to make of Texas’s flaws, we will overcome this current problem. Also, for all those who continue to harp on Ted Cruz’s lack of judgment, let me say he is our problem, and we thank you for sharing your opinions. His future looks bleak and we will have to ride out his term in the Senate.
Today’s JohnKu is a reminder to be careful about criticism. I hope you have a super weekend.
Criticism by John W. Howell © 2021
It is so easy,
To criticize someone else . . .
Look at yourself first.
Fiction Favorites 
Wise words, John. I’m so sad to hear of the criticism and ‘You should’ve known better’ attitudes.
Love the Haiku, which is so on point.
Delighted the power is back on and you came through that unprecedented weather event safely, my friend.
Have a wonderful weekend, John and everyone 🙂
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Thank you, Harmony. I wish everyone in Texas had been as safe as we were, but that didn’t happen. I saw the same kind of vitrol when Hurrican Harvey destroyed so much of South Texas. Haters gotta hate I guess. Have a great weekend. 😁 Thank you for the lovely words.
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its crazy how people still can think about politics (=blame political views) during such a disaster.
Love haiku :)) perfect words for any situation 👍
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Thank you, VR. I hope you have a super weekend. 😊
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Wish you the same!! Here’s is sunny ☀️ btw, finally moving towards REAL spring 🐥🦋🐞
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We have rain right now and 7.7 degrees C
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Ouch 😣 we have 10C 🤔
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What is wrong with this picture? 😳
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☔️🌂🌧❄️
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Well put, John. Glad to read that there is some sense of normalcy returning.
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We still are not back totally but making progress. The supply lines are still slow in catching up, but improving. Thanks, Steve. Have a super weekend.
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This JohnKu is one of your best, John. I agree about the rants from people who have no idea what they are talking about. Much like the Hollywood and music industry, I could care less about their political beliefs, I feel the same when it comes to bloggers. I visit WordPress to connect with friends not to read hateful talking points. I was surprised you didn’t end your post with DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS. 🙂 Enjoy the toasty weather.
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I would have ended my post with DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS if it had not been for one of the worst hate-filled posts I ever read taking that title and mocking those words. I didn’t want the SEO in any way to give any attention to that blogger. They have 250 followers so my 5000 could have been a benefit to them. I also wanted to call out that post so everyone could see how really small some people are, but decided not to for the same reason. Thanks, Jill. Have a beautiful weekend. 😁
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I don’t blame you for that, John. It must be exhausting for those who live with so much hate in their heart, eh? Happy Weekend!
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Yes indeed. Thanks, Jill.
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Great! Great! Great, dear John! Warm weather, the power & spring! Best Friday 1923 ever!🥂🍨🍰My congratulations that your frosty challenge has been over! 😊😉
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Thank you dear Maria.☕️🥐🍪🌷Have a wonderful 1923 weekend. 🤗
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😊😊😊
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😁
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It sounds like a lot of disengage brain, engage mouth, insert foot. Not helpful.
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So not helpful, Liz. Thank you.
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Ranting after the fact does nothing but annoy. IMO
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I agree. Thanks, GP.
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How much better things would be if our first response to events like this would “how can I help?”
I’m glad your temperature is back to normal. I do hope the changes are made. I don’t think this is the last time you’ll see the mercury drop like that. It might be years, but I think we’re all in for some weird weather.
Have a good weekend. Ruckus a little 🙂
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I think Mother nature woke some folks up for sure. Thanks, Dan. Have a great weekend.
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I love the pup dialogue, John. And as for Texas, through the trauma and horror of a massive storm, Texans emerged stronger and more determined. What an example for us all! 💗
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Thak you, Gwen. I like to think so. 😁
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I agree with you. It amazes me how many have stepped up to take advantage for their own personal agendas. Where were they when Texas needed some help?
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They were where they always are. Sitting in their parent’s basement on the computer. 😁
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Ha ha!
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😊
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Think that’s just human nature at this point. Whenever things go wrong in New York, we hear from people about how we deserve it for our politicians. Get that a lot during the winter from southern states. I’d be more surprised if it didn’t happen these days.
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Sometimes people suck is the real answer. Thanks, Charles.
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Sums up our species pretty easily.
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😁
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I think Texans prove to the world just how strong, resilient and compassionate they are. And the naysayers can suck eggs.
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Thank you, Pamula. I like that thought. 😂
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You are right, of course. It is so easy to point fingers when so far from inside the situation.
You are wise, Boss, very wise.
Perfect JohnKu this Friday. And I wish a wonderful one for you!
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Thank you, Dale. I wish the best for you as well. 😁
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Thanks! 😊
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Glass houses. Well said, John. Have a great (and warm) weekend!
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Thank you, Teri. I hoe you have the same. 😁
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Thanks for more of the inside scoop. Does this mean the storm incident wasn’t Obama’s fault?
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No it still is Obama’s fault. In fact, the storm was his fault.
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Whew … I was worried
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Yeah, don’t worry. Perpetual fault.
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👍
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But that’s what social media does, doesn’t it? It’s the gift that keeps on grating, giving an armchair to those quarterbacks who probably can’t even balance a checkbook. Let’s face it, criticism is one of the easiest avenues of discourse. Answers? Much more involved.
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I think you are right, Mark. I no longer look at trending on Twitter. Total hate going on there.
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It’s easy to tweet, much harder to treat.
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Another shirt opportunity. 😁
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We can go for it. Take our profits down to Key West for a weekend.
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I love Key West. Spent some nice time there with the ex. Well the time was nice.
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And I think we’d have a time of it.
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I’ll take that mason jar of margarita, thank you.
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You are my people.
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That’s how I serve them when we lived on the Gulf. On the rocks in a pint mason jar rimmed in salt. I miss those.
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That’s good stuff, Boss.
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😊
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A favorite saying for me has always been “There but for the grace of God go I.” —- Suzanne
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More should think that way, Suzanne. Thank you.
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Your JohnKu said it all.
I’m glad you’re back to normal Texas weather, and hope the rest of the mess will sort itself out.
Wishing you a warm and relaxing weekend, John!
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Thank you, Mae. 😁 I wish the same for you.
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Excellent Johnku! I couldn’t agree more. There’s nothing more annoying than people talking smack without knowing any of the facts. I’m happy you’re finally having some pleasant weather. Enjoy the day and weekend, my friend. ❤
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Thank you, Vashti. 😁 You as well.
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Outstanding, John! My dad always used to remind me, When you point one finger at somebody else, there are three pointing back at you. I can’t believe how some folks get off on criticizing others, especially when they don’t have a car in the race. Hang in there, Texas — my money’s on your good residents to take care of these issues and come out the stronger!
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Thank you, Debbie. I think we will be stronger. 😁
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It’s easy to criticize what you don’t understand, John. A human failing. I am just glad things are getting back to normal, energy-wise. Perhaps installing the de-icers they have for the wind turbines in New York might be a solution, albeit an expensive one. People in glass houses, and all that….
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I think the folks will come up with something. Thaks Noelle. 🤗
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Pleased to hear that the weather has returned to normal, John. That front was unprecedented, and the fallout evidently isn’t over yet.
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Yes we still have some issues for sure,
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Snow and confusion –
Twas but an illusion!
(Ha! only in Arizona!)
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Yes in Arizonia snow is an illusion. Sign of too much MM
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You nailed it, John! The JohnKu is perfect!
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Thank you, Jan. 😁
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Well stated, John. Texans will take responsibility.
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Yes we will. Thanks, Jo.
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Hate is a weight that could so easily be shed. Thanks for your Johnku, my friend. Wise words indeed. 👍
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Thank you, Soooz. 😊
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Glad you are enjoying nice sunny days again John. Your words hit home with me, I much felt the same way during our wildfires and power shut offs. It wasn’t necessary or helpful. Here’s to coming up with solutions 🙂
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Yes, Thank you, Denise.I agree with solutions.
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I know you folks living in Texas know much more than the outsiders. I also know how easy it is to second guess just about anything one wants to view through whatever political lens he/she wants.
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The political lenses are gettingthicker too, Pete. Thank you for the comment and visit. 😁
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Perfect Haiku, John. So glad you’ve warmed up.
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Thank you, Audrey. It is nice to be warm. 😁
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You can’t plan for every eventuality and those temperatures where a freak of nature. No system is designed to cope with a massive surge in need for power.. made worse because so many are now working from home and not in school.. there is no phasing just one mighty switch on.. There will always be those who say ‘I told you so’ but usually they need to get a life… hugsxx
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Thank you, Sally. The Stare House hearings are underway and blame is flying around. I’m confident that some solutions will be found. 😁
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As long as lessons are applied then it is progress. xx
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I agree.
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Your JohnKu says it all, and says it well.
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Thank you, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John.
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I have no doubt TX will figure it out, and hopefully, the next time y’all get a “snowmaggedon” you’ll be prepared, and fewer if any place will lose power.
I sure hope Twiggy got some of that “ruckus” energy out of her system and had some fun. 🤣😍
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Thank you, Deborah.
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Perfect JohnKu! I agree with you, John, and could say more, but I think it’s best to stop here. 🙂 Enjoy the sunshine!
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Thank you, Lauren.
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I think you’ll find this Houston Chronicle article about Griddy interesting, to say the least. The wholesale power company — the one that hit the news because of those exhorbitant power bills charged its customers — is a start-up from California that arrived in Texas three years ago, intent on shaking up the energy market. Well, mission accomplished, I’d say: although not exactly in the way they intended!
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Very interesting, Linda. Only Californians would not question sending someone a $9.000 bill.
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Hi John, I’m glad things are getting back to normal for you. I agree with everything you’ve said here, too. Take care.
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Thank you, Barbara. They are gettting there.
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[…] Head over to read John’s forthright caution to those who meddle: Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF […]
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I missed this post John, but as a fellow Texan, I’m in agreement with you. We survived this and have survived worse. It’s not every year (or century for that matter) that the entire state had temperatures like we did two weeks ago.
Yep, I’d like to tell others who “think” they know better to butt out!
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Thanks, Joan. I agree. Of course, now Abbott just opened up the state. No mask mandate and 100% restaurant capacity. Big Mistake,
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And we’re sure to make headlines over that one!
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The cancel culture folks are goin to go ballistic. I’m still avoiding crowds and wearing a mask.
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Me too. And I’ve had the vaccine.
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I have not yet.
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There often seems be an inherent need for people to lay blame for every situation. Sometimes things just happen. Nicely summed up in your poem. I’m glad you are all safe and ice free.
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Thank you, Mark. We are ice free for sure.
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I live near Portland, OR, John, and it is interesting to hear the opinions of people who don’t live here and have no idea what’s going on. Everyone needs to take a deep breath and enjoy the coming beautiful weather.
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I agree with the deep breath, Diana. Thank you.
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Nice read
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Thank you, Elizabeth.
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