Reply #11: As one who grew up in Oklahoma

[swilton]

it now doesn't surprise me that I chose to go into the military but, since the 70's, Oklahoma has taken a turn to extreme conservatism from even back then.,,,

Is it surprising that the infamous Haliburton got its start in OK...that may not affect your list but just thought I'd mention it...

So many companies have gone multi-national that it's hard to target those that are state-centric. And given the ignorance/isolationism in the country and also Oklahoma, the locals probably have no idea what their businesses are doing. Furthermore, the businesses probably operate there because regulation is so lax. Look at Utah, for example. There you have all of the pyramid management styles of business - Amway is an example - do some digging and you will find those types of businesses (sponsoring those wonder-foods like Tahitian noni berry and Acai and their ilk) have minions working at the bottom of the pyramid. They work, invest, and acquire more disciples for their own businesses....Yet all of the money goes to top leadership.

Contrast these schemes to the other end of the spectrum of state businesses that are more fair - those in Vermont.