“Totally opposite of each other. I think they were really worried about screwing up again. They really got caught with their pants down, and I think they are going to be on the ball for the rest of the hurricane season.”

— Cindy McGinnis, homemaker, Overland Park

“Their reaction to Rita was basically a reaction to the way they completely bungled Katrina. They were overprepared for Rita.”

— Penny Weiner, teacher, Lawrence

“Hurricane Katrina was ridiculous. It shouldn't have taken them that long. They learned from the first hurricane and knew that they would have to do better.”

— Shawn Pearson, machine operator, Lawrence

“It's the difference between black and white - look at the money. It's pretty simple: Look at the water, look at the oil and imagine being one of the people affected.”

— Zack Young, Kansas University senior, Lawrence