Steven Helmer Publications

I’ve mentioned in the past how my wife and I will occasionally spend our date night performing karaoke. And, not to brag, I have occasionally ended a song (usually Poison’s “Every Rose Has its Thorn”) to thunderous applause from the drunk people at the bar. However, even on those good nights, I have never once been under the delusion I could sell out a stadium like Bon Jovi or Taylor Swift. In fact, I am convinced it would be very similar to Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency – an embarrassing failure. OK, I am going to take the high road a bit and say, while I’ve never been a personal fan of Musk, I do respect the success he has had in the private sector, making him the wealthiest person in the world by a large margin. In fact, I’ll take the even higher road and pay President Donald Trump a similar compliment as far as his business successes are concerned. Here’s the thing with that though. Much like how karaoke doesn’t guarantee a singing career, success in t...

I haven't quite crossed into the Libertarian category (though that is my party of choice when I don't like either of the main candidates) but do believe less is more when it comes to government. As a result of this, I am in full agreement an occasional audit is needed to make sure we aren't spending tax dollars unnecessarily. While this may lead many to think I'm a fan of the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), they would be surprised to learn I am both not a fan and think Americans, regardless of who they voted for in November, should be concerned. The United States' system of government was founded on one very clear fundamental belief - the checks and balances of power. The President of the United States is arguably the most powerful leader in the world, but Congress is supposed to be there to keep him/her on a leash with the judicial system in place to be the tie breaker. And this is why DOGE is such a dangerous concept. The Department of Go...