“Not at the moment, but there's potential for a turnaround with the upcoming election. If whoever gets elected is really going to push to end our dependence on foreign oil, I'm hopeful that things will get better.”

— Emily Sears, nurse technician, Lawrence

“In general the world is not moving in a positive direction. Whether the Republicans or Democrats, which are just two different wings on the same bird of prey, get elected, it's going to continue moving in the same direction.”

— John Cooney, painter, St. Marys

“I think it could move in the right direction. People have known since 1973 that the energy policy has needed to change and many of the problems we're now facing were predicted back then. So if we can finally get this energy crisis off our back, I hope we'll be OK.”

— Sharilyn Wells, administrative clerk, Lawrence

“I'd probably have to say no. The economy's not doing too well, we're in a controversial war, and Bush has put us so far into debt. It doesn't look good.”

— Alex Ross, Kansas University freshman, Chicago