Why Texas is Becoming America's Most Powerful State
video description
The best way to summarize it is that Texas pursues that economic advantage at the cost of everything else. Instead of reinvesting that incredible wealth back into their infrastructure and communities (like Alaska does with their energy profits, giving it back to every resident as a UBI, the wealthy horde it in Texas and use the right-wing voterbase rooted there to keep things that way. Housing laws skew heavily in favor of landlords, and as a result the cities are infested with predatory landlords and agencies that take advantage of those laws to squeeze their struggling tenants dry. And with how harsh Texas summers are (talking 100+ degrees every day with high humidity, landlords that charge you dry and fail to upkeep things like your AC can ruin your life. That humid, hot weather is pervasive and stifling - unless youre used to that and like it, Id seriously consider at least visiting the state for a few weeks in the summer to get an idea of this before committing to a move.
Ive already got a wall of text here and I havent even touched on issues like crime (especially gun violence, like the abnormal concentration of street violence and school shootings, the abysmal political scene (see: the recent ban on abortion rights, the terrible road conditions, the lack of zoning laws (resulting in things like the industrial explosion that happened in my neighborhood a couple years ago, the flat, uninteresting natural surroundings, and cultural problems surrounding the proudly individualist, egotistic attitude pervasive in the state. It translates down to every level and it made my experience there miserable.
Moving out of Texas (to the PNW) the other year was the best decision of my life. Feels so ridiculous seeing videos like this one painting such a different picture of the state from the one I lived.
Date: 2023-12-14
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Comments and reviews: 29
-keishamurray2711
Here's a fun fact for you. While Texas may be one of the best places to generate energy, we cannot export any electricity to any other state. Why? Because Texas is also notoriously anti federal government control. Our state electrical grid is completely separated from the rest of the country simply to avoid federal regulation. As long as the state is not exporting electricity, the federal government cannot force the state to comply with many of the regulations that it imposes on other states. I thought it interesting that the video mention us having one of the most stable electrical grids. I nearly snorted my drink. ERCOT has tried to tell residents every winter and summer for the last several years that it was afraid it wouldn't be able to meet the demand for electricity and urged residents to conserve power. Even saying that the ideal AC setting is 76 degrees. In 2021 our grid failed catastrophically after a record breaking streak of below freezing days left infrastructure damaged by ice. People across the state had power outages that lasted for days in freezing weather. This wouldn't be so bad, but the majority of homes in Texas are fully electric leaving people with no heat, no hot water, and no stove to cook on. As a state that is more often hot than cold, many homes do not have a fireplace either. People died. Our grid is not well winterized because the powers that be felt it was a waste of money since we don't get cold like that in most parts of Texas. It's not the first time its happened. It's not the first time ERCOT was told they need to improve the winterization of our infrastructure. They never do. Then they act surprised when it happens again. They also gouge electricity prices saying it's because they are improving the system only for it to fail again a few years (if we are lucky) later.
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Here's a fun fact for you. While Texas may be one of the best places to generate energy, we cannot export any electricity to any other state. Why? Because Texas is also notoriously anti federal government control. Our state electrical grid is completely separated from the rest of the country simply to avoid federal regulation. As long as the state is not exporting electricity, the federal government cannot force the state to comply with many of the regulations that it imposes on other states. I thought it interesting that the video mention us having one of the most stable electrical grids. I nearly snorted my drink. ERCOT has tried to tell residents every winter and summer for the last several years that it was afraid it wouldn't be able to meet the demand for electricity and urged residents to conserve power. Even saying that the ideal AC setting is 76 degrees. In 2021 our grid failed catastrophically after a record breaking streak of below freezing days left infrastructure damaged by ice. People across the state had power outages that lasted for days in freezing weather. This wouldn't be so bad, but the majority of homes in Texas are fully electric leaving people with no heat, no hot water, and no stove to cook on. As a state that is more often hot than cold, many homes do not have a fireplace either. People died. Our grid is not well winterized because the powers that be felt it was a waste of money since we don't get cold like that in most parts of Texas. It's not the first time its happened. It's not the first time ERCOT was told they need to improve the winterization of our infrastructure. They never do. Then they act surprised when it happens again. They also gouge electricity prices saying it's because they are improving the system only for it to fail again a few years (if we are lucky) later.
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reallifelore
Great job! - I'm very proud to be a native Texan (Shocking right) LOL. But I had an overwhelming urge to go sshhhhsss, sssssshhhh! We got enough new folks to last us for a while (I'm kidding. I was here in the 80s when there were bumper stickers on cars from Ohio, Detroit, and the other midwest areas, that said the -last one leaving please turn out the lights -and then the joke was on me as the oil glut led to me joing the service in '84 and not being able to move back until 2003 (19 years too long. If we ever get in a bind for space we could / can just terraform a small part of the Bend Big (not that we want the light pollution of course) or the Panhandle. Looking to -finally- get to move to my fav part of Texas -small town- Hill Country when my wife retires from the Gulf Coast area this year. but housing prices have gone through roof. Like many people we love that area. and word got out how nice it was and. well there you go.
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Great job! - I'm very proud to be a native Texan (Shocking right) LOL. But I had an overwhelming urge to go sshhhhsss, sssssshhhh! We got enough new folks to last us for a while (I'm kidding. I was here in the 80s when there were bumper stickers on cars from Ohio, Detroit, and the other midwest areas, that said the -last one leaving please turn out the lights -and then the joke was on me as the oil glut led to me joing the service in '84 and not being able to move back until 2003 (19 years too long. If we ever get in a bind for space we could / can just terraform a small part of the Bend Big (not that we want the light pollution of course) or the Panhandle. Looking to -finally- get to move to my fav part of Texas -small town- Hill Country when my wife retires from the Gulf Coast area this year. but housing prices have gone through roof. Like many people we love that area. and word got out how nice it was and. well there you go.
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-benhadd2027
I disagree! Texas will surpass California in the next decade in population and likely GDP right thereafter. Large companies are leading the way which will undercut the middle class and what little is still left of lower class in California. California will not be the first state over 40M. In fact, California has already seen its peak population. The legacy costs will force the remainder of the state to beat a quick path to a new home till the state files bankruptcy. I take no joy in stating what should be already be obvious about the state's prospects. I'll be joining this stampede in the near future.
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I disagree! Texas will surpass California in the next decade in population and likely GDP right thereafter. Large companies are leading the way which will undercut the middle class and what little is still left of lower class in California. California will not be the first state over 40M. In fact, California has already seen its peak population. The legacy costs will force the remainder of the state to beat a quick path to a new home till the state files bankruptcy. I take no joy in stating what should be already be obvious about the state's prospects. I'll be joining this stampede in the near future.
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-RamenHutt
Texas is quite literally one of the only states that could become an independent country and still be relatively powerful. Their own power grid. Some of the largest oil and natural gas reserves in the world. The most solar and wind farms of any state. The large cattle ranches in the country. Some of the most sofusticated silicone chips in the world. And more.
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Texas is quite literally one of the only states that could become an independent country and still be relatively powerful. Their own power grid. Some of the largest oil and natural gas reserves in the world. The most solar and wind farms of any state. The large cattle ranches in the country. Some of the most sofusticated silicone chips in the world. And more.
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-ryansupak3639
I grew up in Orchard, TX, Population 303, about 60mi west of Houston.
When I was a kid in the 80-s, my dad and I would sit on the porch at night. Over the corn and cotton fields, you could see a small orange halo about the size of a silver dollar - that was Houston. Now, that same -silver dollar- is a yellow halo covering half the night sky.
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I grew up in Orchard, TX, Population 303, about 60mi west of Houston.
When I was a kid in the 80-s, my dad and I would sit on the porch at night. Over the corn and cotton fields, you could see a small orange halo about the size of a silver dollar - that was Houston. Now, that same -silver dollar- is a yellow halo covering half the night sky.
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-igottabigdong7985
It makes you wonder if the real reason they want electric transportation is not because it's not sustainable forever, but because they want to import less, and maintain the #1 spot as an oil exporter. They want the US to use less oil, so that they can sell off almost everything we make.
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It makes you wonder if the real reason they want electric transportation is not because it's not sustainable forever, but because they want to import less, and maintain the #1 spot as an oil exporter. They want the US to use less oil, so that they can sell off almost everything we make.
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-taz598
Have a cousin who has lived in TX for nearly 40 years and is making plans to move out of state ASAP. not only is the population growing but she says the crime rate has sky rocketed and her once peaceful neighborhood has turned into a battle zone where there are shots fired almost every night.
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Have a cousin who has lived in TX for nearly 40 years and is making plans to move out of state ASAP. not only is the population growing but she says the crime rate has sky rocketed and her once peaceful neighborhood has turned into a battle zone where there are shots fired almost every night.
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-prephampaul
Now as long as we can prevent all these 'move-ins' from turning Texas blue and passing all the liberal laws that make places like California, New York, etc. unlivable. Move here, and enjoy Texas, but enjoy it as it is, don't actively work to change it like what you left behind!
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Now as long as we can prevent all these 'move-ins' from turning Texas blue and passing all the liberal laws that make places like California, New York, etc. unlivable. Move here, and enjoy Texas, but enjoy it as it is, don't actively work to change it like what you left behind!
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-JRodRodZ
Texas has too many killers. Everybody carries a knife and gun. Look at someone wrong, and they will go bat crap crazy and cut you up.
These out of state people ought to go to the Carolinas or Idaho. Heard people are more friendly there and lots of growing opportunities.
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Texas has too many killers. Everybody carries a knife and gun. Look at someone wrong, and they will go bat crap crazy and cut you up.
These out of state people ought to go to the Carolinas or Idaho. Heard people are more friendly there and lots of growing opportunities.
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reallifelore
Fracking postponed rationing. Texas is nearly out of conventional oil - only the more expensive, more toxic, more technically difficult to extract fracked oil is left. Fracked wells deplete faster than conventional wells. Enjoy it while it lasts.
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Fracking postponed rationing. Texas is nearly out of conventional oil - only the more expensive, more toxic, more technically difficult to extract fracked oil is left. Fracked wells deplete faster than conventional wells. Enjoy it while it lasts.
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reallifelore
no mention of politicians. some disturbing characters there. the growth is steadily ruining this place, not enhancing quality or. sophistication. useless statistics. you sound like a young person who has no real experience of the past.
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no mention of politicians. some disturbing characters there. the growth is steadily ruining this place, not enhancing quality or. sophistication. useless statistics. you sound like a young person who has no real experience of the past.
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-buddyjenkins6913
Think how far ahead of the rest of the world the US would be in terms of energy production if Trump had been president for the last three years instead of who ever is currently running this country.
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Think how far ahead of the rest of the world the US would be in terms of energy production if Trump had been president for the last three years instead of who ever is currently running this country.
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reallifelore
As a Texan, if you move here, we will welcome you. That said, please try your best to become a Texan when you get here. Leave California in California and New York in New York and let Texas stay Texas.
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As a Texan, if you move here, we will welcome you. That said, please try your best to become a Texan when you get here. Leave California in California and New York in New York and let Texas stay Texas.
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reallifelore
I-m from Texas and had to move to OK. because the high taxes and the overpopulation of illegal immigrate. And crime is getting worst. So we sold our home in Fort Worth to a organization in California.
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I-m from Texas and had to move to OK. because the high taxes and the overpopulation of illegal immigrate. And crime is getting worst. So we sold our home in Fort Worth to a organization in California.
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-rogerkern
All these people left California for a reason but when they move to Texas they still vote the same way which is why they left. So sooner or later they-ll ruin Texas just like they ruined California
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All these people left California for a reason but when they move to Texas they still vote the same way which is why they left. So sooner or later they-ll ruin Texas just like they ruined California
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-IsThisHandleTaken
Great, let-s have the most Old Testament abortion hating gun toting state have the most influence yayyy. The US provides firm evidence against the idea that societal progress is linear
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Great, let-s have the most Old Testament abortion hating gun toting state have the most influence yayyy. The US provides firm evidence against the idea that societal progress is linear
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-ashtonduda9971
California did it to itself, the left wing government has done everything to slow down and kill economic output and did the opposite of encourage new business. Dying state in 20-30 years.
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California did it to itself, the left wing government has done everything to slow down and kill economic output and did the opposite of encourage new business. Dying state in 20-30 years.
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-78. BANDIT
Just remember any of you CALIFORNIANS that come here. If you don't want to have the same problems you just left. Then leave your SOCIALIST IDEA'S in CALIFORNIA and vote REPUBLICAN.
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Just remember any of you CALIFORNIANS that come here. If you don't want to have the same problems you just left. Then leave your SOCIALIST IDEA'S in CALIFORNIA and vote REPUBLICAN.
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-anthonyfrost9220
The problem with the last cenus is trump. trump stopped it on purpose to get the results we got. People were not counted. This will be fixed in the next one.
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The problem with the last cenus is trump. trump stopped it on purpose to get the results we got. People were not counted. This will be fixed in the next one.
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-TheKillerEng
Its a natural part of the boom and bust cycle. But the toxic partisan politics will undermine the lone star state, the same way CA and NYC were dragged down.
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Its a natural part of the boom and bust cycle. But the toxic partisan politics will undermine the lone star state, the same way CA and NYC were dragged down.
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-nicholasmiles4942
To give you an idea, as a Texan in the Texas Triangle, every COD lobby has someone from it. 100% everytime without a doubt. Most are from Houston.
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To give you an idea, as a Texan in the Texas Triangle, every COD lobby has someone from it. 100% everytime without a doubt. Most are from Houston.
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-makanaima
I think you have to acknowledge the success of republican policies in the astounding growth of Texas and democrat policies in the decline of California.
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I think you have to acknowledge the success of republican policies in the astounding growth of Texas and democrat policies in the decline of California.
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-fryguy714
If the United States didn't have Texas United States would go bankrupt Texas needs to be on its own we don't need the United States and its problems
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If the United States didn't have Texas United States would go bankrupt Texas needs to be on its own we don't need the United States and its problems
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-soup3097
Liberals that ruined California will now move to Texas, vote the same way and try and destroy Texas and be confused when everything goes to shit
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Liberals that ruined California will now move to Texas, vote the same way and try and destroy Texas and be confused when everything goes to shit
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-icedragon23472
I hate this video because it remjnds me of how much my home stats sucks now and it makes me want to don the cowboy hat and move to Texas
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I hate this video because it remjnds me of how much my home stats sucks now and it makes me want to don the cowboy hat and move to Texas
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-juanherselman9837
Lets be honest. The most important reason Texas is doing so well and everyone wants to move there is because of -the unmentionable-.
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Lets be honest. The most important reason Texas is doing so well and everyone wants to move there is because of -the unmentionable-.
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-GBNTGroup
Would be good to have a look at Texas/US military bases and capabilities. Nuclear Weapons, Air Force capabilities, Army, Special Ops, etc.
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Would be good to have a look at Texas/US military bases and capabilities. Nuclear Weapons, Air Force capabilities, Army, Special Ops, etc.
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-roberth3200
Im not an American. Im a texan born and raised. My ancestors were given land by Stephen F. Austin. I will never identify as an American.
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Im not an American. Im a texan born and raised. My ancestors were given land by Stephen F. Austin. I will never identify as an American.
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-BNDTO5_Reggie
A third of the way through I knew you were a Texan. By the DFW love I assume a North Texan? Sending love from a native Houstonian
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A third of the way through I knew you were a Texan. By the DFW love I assume a North Texan? Sending love from a native Houstonian
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