Regardless of what happens with Strait of Hormuz, we need new leadership | Opinion

Time is now

The conflict in Iran has placed the president’s actions at the center of global attention. Economist and commentator Paul Krugman recently outlined three plausible outcomes for this situation: a U.S. strategic defeat with Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz, a military quagmire involving ground troops or a humanitarian nightmare involving the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

With the price of one important oil blend recently spiking to almost $147 per barrel, it is evident that Iran’s control of the Strait remains a potent strategic weapon. The current administration’s mismanagement, coupled with Congress’ silence, suggests a difficult path leading to the November elections.

I believe a change in leadership is necessary. At this stage, removing the president from office appears to be the only viable option to address the lack of temperament and diplomatic strategy required to manage this crisis.

Moving forward, the U.S. must transition away from oil by investing heavily in alternative energy — much as China has done with solar power and electric transportation. It is time to shift our focus toward peace and a “moon shot” program for energy independence. To achieve this and restore our international standing, all options for removing the president from office should be considered.

- Christine J. Jantz, Wichita

Efficient, effective

I often hear the word “efficiency” used by people who seem to think “efficient” is synonymous with “effective” or “optimal.” There are differences among these words.

When looking at something, we must remember our goal — better education, for example, or better government. We have to identify what we mean by that.

Let’s take a scenario in which your foot has become infected after an injury. The goal is to prevent our death from infection. So, what do these words mean?

Efficiency is about speed and the path of least resistance. So, the efficient answer is to cut off your foot. It immediately fulfills the goal. The infection is no longer an issue.

Effective treatment would be slathering the infection in the most expensive antibiotic one can find — not cheap, but it will cure the problem. Effective simply means it works.

Optimal is a combination of these two things. It is efficient in that it uses the fewest resources to achieve your goal while not crippling you, and effective in that it solves the problem.

Remember this when people use the word “efficiency.” You might be the foot they want to cut off.

- Christopher Howe, Overland Park

Hoof it

Those of us who need to pay attention to gas prices might want to rethink our driving habits. Every day in America, millions of cars wade through drive-thru lanes for coffee, food, banking, liquor, pharmaceuticals and more. Each of those millions of vehicles is burning fuel and polluting the air with exhaust fumes. This contributes to climate change and raises our gas consumption, causing fuel prices to go up.

It’s a win-win if you park your car and walk in to do business. You get to have face time with actual people, save money on gas, get exercise and do your little bit to save the planet. If you can’t get your coffee without suffering the drive-thru lane someplace, simply get your coffee somewhere else.

- Armand Way, Topeka

Stadium math

Can someone explain why the Chiefs and Royals are planning stadiums with fewer seats than Arrowhead and Kaufman stadiums have? Fewer seats mean less revenue unless ticket prices skyrocket.

No matter what they say, taxpayers will be paying for the teams.

- Ken Henderson, Kansas City

Dental care

As a Missouri dentist, I see a growing disconnect: Patients pay for dental coverage, yet that coverage often falls short when they need care. That’s why legislation now under consideration, House Bill 2471 and Senate Bill 1596, matters.

This proposal would establish a Dental Loss Ratio, requiring insurers to spend at least 85% of premium dollars on patient care or return the difference. It’s a simple idea: Patient dollars should go to patient care. Today, Missouri has no such standard for dental care. Dental insurers can spend significant portions of premiums on administrative costs, marketing or profits instead of treatment. The result is familiar to many patients — unexpected denials, delays and coverage limitations that don’t align with recommended care.

This is part of a broader, ongoing effort by dental organizations in Missouri and nationwide to improve how insurance works for patients. These reforms are not just about fairness — they’re about protecting the doctor–patient relationship. Treatment decisions should be guided by clinical need, not constrained by insurance structures that interfere with care.

Missourians deserve dental coverage that works as expected. I encourage lawmakers to support H.B. 2471 and S.B. 1596 and for patients to learn more at MoreForYourSmileMo.com

- Lisa Bosch, Edina, Missouri