As I like to point out every now and then on this site, the state of Oklahoma is controlled by the energy industry. In addition to overseeing all levels of Oklahoma government, from the Governor's office to the halls of the legislature to local city councils, they also use their influence and power to keep a leash on the local media.
That's why we now get comical editorials like this one that appeared in The Oklahoman on August 16th, a mere 19 days before that terrifying 5.6-rocker struck Pawnee: