“I'm hoping they're known for getting a handle on our environmental issues.”

— John Hood, Book dealer, Lawrence

“The realization that the United States is no longer the 'top dog' in the world, politically and economically.”

— Tom Kurata, software sales, Lawrence

“The mayhem that has been texting, chatting, blogging. The media explosion and how everybody knows everybody's business.”

— Julie Alley, music teacher, Corsicana, Texas

“Excess, people spending too much money.”

— Vickie Goetz, nurse, Lawrence