As of yesterday there were AT LEAST 70 deaths in Texas directly attributable to last week’s winter storm. The tragic list of victims includes not only those who lost their lives from exposure to the cold but also those who died from carbon monoxide poisoning. From running the heater in their car. Because they were freezing.

Folks, it got VERY cold in Texas last week. Freakishly cold, in fact. But guess what? It WILL get that cold again in the future. Maybe not this year. Maybe not next year. But it WILL happen again. Let’s keep that in mind and DEMAND that the correct steps are taken to winterize and upgrade the suppliers of the Texas energy grid.

In Houston a mother and her 7 year old daughter died while running the car engine in the garage while trying to charge a cell phone.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

In Galveston, officials had to ask for help storing the bodies of storm victims.

A 60 year old man in Abilene froze to death in his recliner while covered with blankets trying to keep warm.

In Coleman, 2 elderly people were found frozen in their homes after the city had been under a 46 hour controlled blackout.

In Conroe, an 11 year old boy was found dead in his bed from the cold after his family’s mobile home lost power.

The boy’s family is suing the power grid operator for 100 million dollars.

ERCOT is claiming they are not liable for any of the deaths because they have “sovereign immunity”. Sovereign immunity is a concept that allows certain agencies from being sued because allowing the lawsuits would disrupt “key government services”. You know…like keeping the power on during a deadly winter storm.

LOOK: 50 essential civil rights speeches

Many of the speakers had a lifetime commitment to human rights, but one tried to silence an activist lobbying for voting rights, before later signing off on major civil rights legislation. Several fought for freedom for more than one oppressed group.

Keep reading to discover 50 essential civil rights speeches.

More From NewsTalk 940 AM