Senate Confirms Mattis As Defense Secretary

The American experiment can be summed up in one big idea: don’t put too much power in one place. That is why the federal government has three branches — executive, legislative and judicial. Unfortunately, the modern presidency undermines that separation of powers and concentrates as much power as possible in itself.

In his first campaign ad of 2024, President Joe Biden asked the question over images of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Jan. 6 rioters: “What will we do to maintain our democracy? History’s watching.” For one last month, Biden retains the responsibilities and powers of the nation’s highest office. If he believes his words, he must take urgent action to strengthen our democracy, even as he works to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. Ben Olinsky. President-elect Donald Trump has made little secret of his desire for unchecked power, whether to be a dictator on day one, weaponize the Department of Justice against perceived enemies, or strip broadcast licenses from disfavored media outlets.

FBI Director Christopher Wray’s decision to resign before his term expires was a grave error in judgment. Donald Trump is a bully — a fact well-known even to those who foolishly voted for him. To not refuse to be bullied as head of the agency tasked with defending the rule of law flies in the face of the oath Wray took. Wray should have forced Trump to fire him and explain his reasons in writing.

Q:  I’m so glad we have Pat Riley. How many organizations would have made such a definitive statement like that instead of being cagey or PR-ing the message? Thanks Godfather! So, with that, and with Jimmy Butler sticking around at least until the end of the season, I have a question: Do you think it’s better for the Heat long-term to have Jimmy opt in or opt out?

Dear Eric: I just love your column – read it every day. I don’t miss it because your advice is straightforward, right-on, sensible and kind. Related Articles Advice | Asking Eric: I’m not the bride, but I’ve still been disowned over the guest list Advice | Miss Manners: How does one give a wedding gift without a checkbook? Advice | Asking Eric: We’d rather this houseguest not hand-wash the dishes Advice | Miss Manners: How do I deter these self-invited party crashers? Advice | Asking Eric: This is why I’m glad I stopped giving gifts to my nieces and nephews So, I saw myself in the letter from the friend of a woman who is so kind and so helpful to everyone else but rather controlling and beastly with her husband (“Bad-Mouthing Do-Gooder”).

By TIA GOLDENBERG TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is having his prostate removed on Sunday, his office said, a procedure that comes as he manages multiple crises at once, including the ongoing war in Gaza and his own trial for alleged corruption. Netanyahu, 75, is among a cohort of older world leaders, including U.