Defense chief’s new dependency: power

It’s good news that Pete Hegseth has given up alcohol — a difficult and admirable decision. But sobriety is more than swapping one habit for another; recent events suggest power may now be his new dependency.

Consider his record: in February, he used a rare U.N. platform to lecture world leaders instead of seeking common ground; in March, he leaked confidential government information soon after becoming Secretary of Defense; in September, he ordered 800 senior military leaders to appear — at a taxpayer cost reportedly around $134 million — to deliver a speech on “wokeness,” fitness, grooming and “warrior ethos.” He has also derided rules of engagement as “politically correct,” “stupid” and “overbearing.”

It should not be surprising to anyone that Hegseth responds to a second strike order killing two survivors by posting a cartoon mocking the attack. These are not the actions of someone committed to service — they are the actions of someone seeking control.

Real leadership takes humility, not hubris.

Anne Krick

Warrenville