As you point out, the Phoenix issue was incompetence, and the impact was uneven. Some didn’t have issues, others missed paycheques, yet others still got paid more than they expected.

But the US situation is a function of US Government that results in massive impact against the more vulnerable members of their society. I believe the comment remains valid.

I think it odd that Texas, a wealthy state, would attack the digital safety and privacy of its residents instead of addressing how power can cut out for days at a time or water boil advisories for its populations.

Anything but meeting the barest expectations of a “first” world country.