Full House at the Rangers game right now

[FrankWakefield]

There in Texas, as Texans have told me, some favor leaving the Union and returning to The Texas Republic... and there are folks in the other 49 states that would see Texas leaving as an improvement for the Union.

The point isn't to dis Texas... the point is that just because some folks see no problem with a course of conduct does not mean they're correct. I recognize I live in a Democracy. I understand that there are times I'm in the minority with some of my views. I'm good with following majority decisions, but that doesn't mean the majority is right about something, it just means there are more of them. Majorities can be mistaken, ill informed, wrong...

And sometimes majorities can be right.
California... some there think they'd be better off out of the Union, as do some that aren't in California. (It's not just a Texas thing.)

What is good is that we can talk about such... Civily.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by FrankWakefield

I recognize I live in a Democracy.

Actually, you live in a Representative Republic, which has a constitution that protects individual rights.

Example, Gilligan's Island. If it's a democracy (majority rule) the 5 non-rich castaways take the Howell's money from them. The 4 men vote to make the 3 women do all of the domestic work. And, finally, Gilligan is confined to his hut by the other 6, so they might have a chance at being rescued.

In a Representative Republic, with laws protecting the rights of the minority, these things couldn't happen.

If the majority in this country think I must eat potatoes at every meal, I needn't comply, because I have Constitutional rights that protect me.

By the way, on the virus thing, I have no firm opinion. It's just bad news all around with no good options.

[brianp-beme]

First Padres no-hitter in their history (Joe Musgrove) not only knocked the bats out of Texas player's hands, but perhaps also helped minimize the amount of respiratory droplets from exiting the noggins of unmasked Rangers fans.

Brian (congrats Padres, finally!)

[FrankWakefield]

Representative Republic... I don't think so.

Constitutional rights... no Sir. Read the Constitution. It doesn't give you freedom of speech, for example. That's what we were taught in school, what we hear... but take a couple of minutes and read it.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

The First Amendment does not give you freedom of speech. The Constitution doesn't give citizens any rights. It is not a right-giving document. It is a power-limiting document. It limits the power of Congress / the federal government / the Union. Founding Fathers came from 13 colonies, they wanted to create a 14th entity, the Union of States. It was to give a united front in international affairs, keep the states from setting up tariffs on commerce between the states, protect us from enemies... and the idea was that everything else would remain in each state's hands. The document says that the Union will maintain a navy, and raise an army when necessary (being a Navy football fan I like the unequal footing that affords). The Constitution was a document designed to limit the power of this new govenment / Union.

The US government fast tracked and paid for the vaccine. And they can distribute it to states. Once in the hand of the states, the feds can't totally control how some states are ready to vaccinate everyone, and some still have age restrictions.

States have differing license requirements for driving, doctoring, selling insurance, and such... The states held onto a lot of power.

So... that first amendment... Congress shall make no law... It doesn't say I have freedom of speech, it says Congress can't mess with my freedom of speech (whatever that might be).

Baseball... I like fans being at games. 100% seems nuts. Masks seem sensible. The opening up's around the world (including here) are followed by more outbreaks and an occasional mutation variant. If people could hunker down and stay safe, then the spreading and mutating would diminish, and we'd get this behind us.

Baseball... in another thread I saw an Art Girabaldi Zeenut and read that he'd played for the Cardinals. I didn't have his card among my Zeenuts. But now I have one!

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by FrankWakefield

So... that first amendment... Congress shall make no law... It doesn't say I have freedom of speech, it says Congress can't mess with my freedom of speech (whatever that might be).

A distinction without a difference. You say po-tA-to, I say PO-Ta-TO.

[Jason19th]

Originally Posted by Mark17

A distinction without a difference. You say po-tA-to, I say PO-Ta-TO.

It actual isn’t a distinction without a difference and illustrates what people often get wrong about what the first amendment means. A totally unabridged right to speech would mean that no one could suffer any consequence from speech, even private consequences like losing a job or being barred from joining a private club. The phrasing of the 1st amendment simply prevents the GOVERNMENT from penalizing your speech. So it’s actually a pretty big difference

Also McDonal’s French fries are magic not science

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by Jason19th

It actual isn’t a distinction without a difference and illustrates what people often get wrong about what the first amendment means. A totally unabridged right to speech would mean that no one could suffer any consequence from speech, even private consequences like losing a job or being barred from joining a private club. The phrasing of the 1st amendment simply prevents the GOVERNMENT from penalizing your speech. So it’s actually a pretty big difference

Also McDonal’s French fries are magic not science

I certainly understand that the meaning of the simplified term "free speech" has limitations, like not being able to shout "Fire!" in crowded places, not being able to slander others or break legally binding non-disclosure agreements with impunity, and so on. But in the struggle between government and individual rights, what the government can't restrict confers to the individual.

Time for a non fungible digital fantasy asset:

[Gnep31]

Originally Posted by FrankWakefield

There in Texas, as Texans have told me, some favor leaving the Union and returning to The Texas Republic... and there are folks in the other 49 states that would see Texas leaving as an improvement for the Union.

It would be their constitutional right to do so. I seriously doubt our current pres. would invade like Lincoln did.

Many Americans and states feel a more decentralized federal gov't is in their best interest. Texas is in a unique situation because they are large enough and economically strong enough to do so with relative ease.

CA relies on the Fed gov't to prop them up. CA is a textbook example of how big gov't can turn a state with so many resources into a dumpster fire. It doesn't take a high level degree to figure out why its residents are fleeing in droves. Unfortunately...many of them are going to the state who has it figured out....TX

[AustinMike]

Originally Posted by Gnep31

CA relies on the Fed gov't to prop them up. CA is a textbook example of how big gov't can turn a state with so many resources into a dumpster fire. It doesn't take a high level degree to figure out why its residents are fleeing in droves. Unfortunately...many of them are going to the state who has it figured out....TX

Texas, the only state that forces millions of its citizens to go without power for days if the temperature dips below freezing while allowing power companies to jack up prices 1000% during the crisis caused by them choosing not to winterize their equipment.

Yeah, Texas has it figured out.

PS Doesn't California send more money to the US government than it receives back? How is that "CA relies on the Fed gov't to prop them up?"

[irv]

Originally Posted by AustinMike

Texas, the only state that forces millions of its citizens to go without power for days if the temperature dips below freezing while allowing power companies to jack up prices 1000% during the crisis caused by them choosing not to winterize their equipment.

Yeah, Texas has it figured out.

PS Doesn't California send more money to the US government than it receives back? How is that "CA relies on the Fed gov't to prop them up?"

With the brainwashing about the onset of "man made global warming" why would they spend the extra money increasing its citizens electrical bills to purchase solar and wind turbines that can handle cold spells?

[AustinMike]

Originally Posted by irv

With the brainwashing about the onset of "man made global warming" why would they spend the extra money increasing its citizens electrical bills to purchase solar and wind turbines that can handle cold spells?

Can you translate this jibber-jabber to English?

[carlsonjok]

Originally Posted by irv

With the brainwashing about the onset of "man made global warming" why would they spend the extra money increasing its citizens electrical bills to purchase solar and wind turbines that can handle cold spells?

As someone who works in the oil and gas industry, I would point out that natural gas pipeline and distribution systems require large compressors that suffer the same problem as wind turbines. Any kind of rotating equipment, if not properly weatherproofed, will break down. And many did.

Unless you live in Texas you probably aren't qualified to really tell us how perfect or imperfect Texas is. Sometimes things happen like an unprecedented 100+ year Texas winter storm and it creates havoc. No worse than a hurricane or tornado. Similar to the pandemic our country was completely unprepared for. Couldn't even get enough PPE. Yes, they could have prepared better for the storm but more than likely it still would have been a problem for many since the forecast was pretty short notice. Where I live I'm pretty much set up to be self sufficient when needed and anyone else can easily do the same. I live in a flood zone and being an Eagle Scout I'm always over prepared. We had wood, water, fireplace, generator, etc. A lot of people weren't prepared and didn't take it seriously so it's not just on the state or the electric providers.
Also I have said before Texas isn't a free for all right now. In Central Texas all the virus protocols are still in place for masks, distancing, etc. even though the state doesn't have a mandate. They never enforced the mandates anyway. That was always at state and local levels. Seeing that the states that have the surges right now are all north of the Mason Dixon line I think it would be best for everyone to just chill on dissing Texas and other southern states who are using common sense but still practicing protocols. Vaccine appointments are down I read this morning even though it's open to everyone. Let's talk about all of the people who are scared to get one. Now that's an interesting topic.

[carlsonjok]

Originally Posted by Wimberleycardcollector

Unless you live in Texas you probably aren't qualified to really tell us how perfect or imperfect Texas is. Sometimes things happen like an unprecedented 100+ year Texas winter storm and it creates havoc.

Oklahoma and Louisiana are adjoining states and went through the same storm without the same problems. The Southeast Power Pool did have some limited rolling black outs on a couple days, but neither state suffered anywhere near the same level of havoc as Texas.

You know why it is so windy in Oklahoma? Because Kansas sucks and Texas blows! I'm here all week. Don't forget to tip your server.

[AustinMike]

Originally Posted by AustinMike

PS Doesn't California send more money to the US government than it receives back? How is that "CA relies on the Fed gov't to prop them up?"

https://rockinst.org/issue-areas/fis...yments-portal/

In 2019 California sent the US Fed $6.653 Billion more than they got back from the Fed.
Texas got $19.514 Billion more from the US Fed than they sent to the Fed.

So, who's being propped up by the Fed and who's propping up the Fed?

Is that what you consider having it figured out? Surviving on federal welfare?

[carlsonjok]

Originally Posted by AustinMike

T
PS Doesn't California send more money to the US government than it receives back? How is that "CA relies on the Fed gov't to prop them up?"

Yes, that is correct. Data here.

Texas actually gets back more money than it sends. Though, to be fair, it is close enough to break even to not be considered a welfare state.

And, to continue a Texas theme, one of the more egregious error cards I have ever seen.

[Gnep31]

Originally Posted by AustinMike

Texas, the only state that forces millions of its citizens to go without power for days if the temperature dips below freezing while allowing power companies to jack up prices 1000% during the crisis caused by them choosing not to winterize their equipment.

Yeah, Texas has it figured out.

PS Doesn't California send more money to the US government than it receives back? How is that "CA relies on the Fed gov't to prop them up?"

You cherry pick one natural disaster regarding TX as your example? The state didn't force anyone to go without power...the weather did. How exactly does a state control the weather? How did they force their residents to not have generators? (I have 2). Did I miss when they would not allow residents to leave???

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't CA the state who has rolling black outs? LOL. I see people whining all the time about the heat and no power for AC in CA.

[AustinMike]

Originally Posted by Gnep31

You cherry pick one natural disaster regarding TX as your example? The state didn't force anyone to go without power...the weather did. How exactly does a state control the weather? How did they force their residents to not have generators? (I have 2). Did I miss when they would not allow residents to leave???

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't CA the state who has rolling black outs? LOL. I see people whining all the time about the heat and no power for AC in CA.

Are you arguing against yourself or just a hypocrite? Texas is excused because the weather caused its power problems. California is a failed state because of its rolling blackouts ... caused by the heat (i.e., weather).

I do see that one of your solutions is for each of the approximate 10 million households in Texas to have their own generator. [You must have stocks in generator companies ] So, where do the folks who live in apartments put their generators? If you rent a house, I guess you just lug your generator with you whenever you move? How do people power their generators when the fuel supply is limited because of the crisis causing their use? Keep in mind that one of the main problems during the freeze was reduced natural gas supply because of frozen equipment.

I see that another one of your solutions is for people to leave Texas. Is that what you do when you're not happy with your state government or even the federal government. You simply pack your bags and leave? Are you asking the people who stormed the capital in January why they don't just leave the country?

Go back and read earlier posts. In 1989 after power blackouts in Texas it was recommended that companies winterize their equipment. They didn't. In 2011 after power blackouts in Texas it was recommended that companies winterize their equipment. They didn't.

The Texas government could force power companies and natural gas companies to winterize their equipment (like federal guidelines require other US gas and power companies to do). But the Texas government is more concerned about letting companies do what ever they want instead of looking out for the well being of its citizens. Is that really doing things right?

Time will tell if the third time is the charm.

[Mark17]

Originally Posted by AustinMike

The Texas government could force power companies and natural gas companies to winterize their equipment (like federal guidelines require other US gas and power companies to do). But the Texas government is more concerned about letting companies do what ever they want instead of looking out for the well being of its citizens. Is that really doing things right?

Time will tell if the third time is the charm.

Do government mandates and regulations prevent the problems California experiences with its electrical grid (and water supply) all too frequently?

Some people think that whatever goes wrong in this country, from crime to natural disasters, can be fixed through government regulation.

[vintagetoppsguy]

Originally Posted by Mark17

Some people think that whatever goes wrong in this country, from crime to natural disasters, can be fixed through government regulation.

Sad, but true. Some people are conditioned to think that the government can solve all the problems.

[carlsonjok]

Originally Posted by Mark17

Do government mandates and regulations prevent the problems California experiences with its electrical grid (and water supply) all too frequently?

California was one of the first states to deregulate it's gas and electric markets in 1995.

[Gnep31]

Originally Posted by AustinMike

Are you arguing against yourself or just a hypocrite? Texas is excused because the weather caused its power problems. California is a failed state because of its rolling blackouts ... caused by the heat (i.e., weather).

I do see that one of your solutions is for each of the approximate 10 million households in Texas to have their own generator. [You must have stocks in generator companies ] So, where do the folks who live in apartments put their generators? If you rent a house, I guess you just lug your generator with you whenever you move? How do people power their generators when the fuel supply is limited because of the crisis causing their use? Keep in mind that one of the main problems during the freeze was reduced natural gas supply because of frozen equipment.

I see that another one of your solutions is for people to leave Texas. Is that what you do when you're not happy with your state government or even the federal government. You simply pack your bags and leave? Are you asking the people who stormed the capital in January why they don't just leave the country?

Go back and read earlier posts. In 1989 after power blackouts in Texas it was recommended that companies winterize their equipment. They didn't. In 2011 after power blackouts in Texas it was recommended that companies winterize their equipment. They didn't.

My point about the weather is that it isn't controlled by the state....not hard to figure that out. Neither TX or CA has anything to do with the weather.

Your issue with the power companies in TX was a 1 or 2 times historical event. I honestly do not live there or know enough about what the state did or didn't do. Rolling black outs seem to happen a lot in CA....reinforcing my point with one example as to why CA is a mess in comparison to TX.

I didn't say leave the state forever...did I? Residents who did not have generators or another source of heat could have left for a period of time and then come back. Just one solution that a portion of the population could have considered. My future son in law, from OH, happens to be stationed at a base in TX. His barracks were not heated or insulated so he put on more clothes Trying to deflect the conversation to the capitol march does nothing for your argument...but nice try

Another solution would be to purchase or already have a generator. Compared to losing thousands of $'s worth of venison and fish in multiple freezers, in my case, the cost of a generator is minor. For anyone who has a generator, I promise you, the vast majority have enough fuel stored to get through many days without power. It doesn't make any sense to have a gen w/out fuel now does it?

My entire point has always been that the state of TX has things figured out. Allowing full attendance at sporting events is a step forward and the correct call. You changing the narrative to a single weather event is a stretch.

[AustinMike]

Originally Posted by Gnep31

My entire point has always been that the state of TX has things figured out. Allowing full attendance at sporting events is a step forward and the correct call. You changing the narrative to a single weather event is a stretch.

And your entire point is not correct. From that bastion of liberal thought, the US News & World Report:

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings

Texas is ranked 31st of the 50 states "(m)easuring outcomes for citizens using more than 70 metrics." Apparently, US News thinks 30 states have things figured out better than Texas.

I guess you also missed the earlier post that pointed out that Texas receives around 19.5 BILLION dollars from the Fed in excess of what Texas sends to the Fed. Texas depends on the Fed, to the tune of $19.5 billion, to maintain its current standard of living. How is that "Texas has things figured out," unless you consider being a welfare leach having things figured out?

One thing I think all Texans can agree on is that Texas is #1 in BBQ. Sorry all you wanna be BBQ states, but that is a fact.

Plus, we have bluebonnets.

[timn1]

I read a great analysis somewhere about what would actually happen to Texas economically if it did secede, and yes, it was the electrical grid fiasco times a thousand.

And yes, California does send more $$ than it receives...

Originally Posted by AustinMike

Texas, the only state that forces millions of its citizens to go without power for days if the temperature dips below freezing while allowing power companies to jack up prices 1000% during the crisis caused by them choosing not to winterize their equipment.

Yeah, Texas has it figured out.

PS Doesn't California send more money to the US government than it receives back? How is that "CA relies on the Fed gov't to prop them up?"

[carlsonjok]

Originally Posted by earlywynnfan

I assume they just enjoy the freedom that deregulation gives them to maximize profits while foregoing upkeep? I'm not paying close attention, but I'm willing to bet none of the people who got rich off this system for years will have to pay up, just the taxpayers.

I probably should just shut up, but I feel compelled to point out that ERCOT is neither a for-profit corporation nor the government (as someone else implied.) It is a 501(c)4 organization made up of paying members, which includes over 100 companies from various segments of the energy sector. ERCOT owns no assets. It's member companies, however, do and they are free to invest in, and upgrade, their systems as they see fit.

ERCOT isn't blameless here, but their heads aren't the only ones that should be rolling around on the ground.

[earlywynnfan]

Originally Posted by carlsonjok

I probably should just shut up, but I feel compelled to point out that ERCOT is neither a for-profit corporation nor the government (as someone else implied.) It is a 501(c)4 organization made up of paying members, which includes over 100 companies from various segments of the energy sector. ERCOT owns no assets. It's member companies, however, do and they are free to invest in, and upgrade, their systems as they see fit.

ERCOT isn't blameless here, but their heads aren't the only ones that should be rolling around on the ground.

Thanks for the clarification

[vintagetoppsguy]

Many lawsuits have been filed against ERCOT and the electrical providers. As far as I know, none have been filed against the State of Texas.