We are a very self-sufficient region that has a great living standard, great education, great health system and more. If it weren't for a lot of the smaller states that hold more say on things at a federal level than us (Wyoming, the Dakotas, Arkansas, Idaho....etc) we'd probably be fighting Norway for best place to live honestly. But these other states hold us back at a federal level in a lot of problems. Such as gun solutions, student relief, and other elements we would have if they didn't represent us as much as they do.