After living in the eastern part I can tell you that it should not surprise you. All of the people that make life kinda miserable live on the coast. Most of the others I've met are just like the Texans I had to (sadly) leave behind.

Many are rural people that farm and ranch. They don't have time to put up with bullshit. They talk straight . . . aside from the fact that there is not a shred of BBQ here, it's like living back in Texas.

God! I really miss BBQ. I'm thinking very seriously about opening a joint up over here.