The all consuming quest to be the richest guy on the block is less important than on the coasts.<p>Religion plays a part?  I&#x27;ve been to a few Midwestern states, namely Missouri, and Ohio.  There&#x27;s a morality they have that&#x27;s missing here.<p>When I was there, I never felt like I was being lied to, or taken advantage of.  Here, on the west coast, I&#x27;m leary of most people daily--regardless of socio-economic class.  I&#x27;m not claiming the Midwest is some utopia, but it&#x27;s less about the almighty Buck.<p>I&#x27;ve met a few women in my days.  The only two I ever considered marrying just happened to be from the Midwest.  I would have done anything for Gena at one point in time; she shot me down pretty quick.  I still think about her.