My cynicism is real, and based upon the two years I spent sitting on my hands at KSC after the Challenger mishap.
KSC is the red-headed stepchild of the space program. Their workforce consists of some of the most talented people in the program, yet the "pretty boys" in Houston get all the coverage, budget, and respect.
Note for instance that in the press conference yesterday, they said they were sending astronauts out into the woods to identify debris "because they are the people most familiar with the shuttle hardware".
That's total BS; The techs at KSC are way more familiar. But nobody is requesting their help.
They will be the fall guys in this accident. Mark my words.
KSC has launch responsibility. When you're the guy responsible for the launch, the pattern will always trace back to you. The only exception is if the corporation/supplier erroneously manufactured a piece or if the engineers in the contractor team erroneously spec'd the part.
The contractors can not predict when ice debris is going to fall off the ET and the velocity of the shedding. The Boeing TPS guys can be responsible for the orbiter because they are the contractors for the orbiter. If you are from KSC, then you are well aware of the difficulties in managing multiple contractor telecons. Such difficulties are the responsibility of JSC, not the guys at the Cape.
JSC is mourning and griefing, like most of the NASA/contractor team. Whether or not you are still in the program or retired, we should observe a few days of mourning for the families and our nations.