If you've never experienced cold like ppl are facing in Texas right now, you can't imagine how horrible it can be, especially for those who are unprepared for it, which is basically all of Texas. Their government has abandoned them. 1/

Their utilities are for-profit, so have no extra capacity to help. Their houses are not insulated against extreme cold, they don't have cold-weather gear, they don't have extreme cold-weather plans, because *they live in Texas.* Historically, there is no need for any of that. 2/

We who grew up in places like North Dakota learn lots of mechanisms to cope with extreme cold temperatures. Our houses & vehicles are insulated against it. We are taught from childhood what to do if we are stranded in the elements. We know how dangerous this is. 3/

This is why we MUST have compassion for the people of Texas, who are literally dying in the grip of this extreme cold. As a society, we must do everything we can to help. Yeah, the GOP that run the state have fucked their ppl & have been shitty to other states under emergency. 4/

None of that matters now. What matters is figuring out how to help people stay warm & stay alive. Mocking Texas right now is cruel & inhumane. People are in danger. Figure out how to help if you can. But don't pile on. Find the courage to be kind. We are all in this together. 5/5