There are a lot of people, groups and organizations to blame for the failing state of Oklahoma.
One that deserves a lot of the credit is the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs. A conservative think tank that operates more like a lobbying group, the organization follows an extreme right-wing "every tax is a bad tax" obstructionist ideology, and has used its clout and influence to place its most loyal minions and supporters – like House Speaker Charles McCall – in positions of power.