Steven Helmer Publications

Even as I "completed the assignment" and cast my vote for Kamala Harris as President of the United States yesterday, my optimism about her becoming the first female POTUS was already beginning to fade, and I was preparing myself for another Donald Trump presidency. However, even I wasn't expecting Trump to not only win the Electoral College but also (at least at the time I am writing this) the popular vote as well. On the surface, it seems absolutely unbelievable considering Harris endorsements from key media outlets and celebrities and the number of former Republicans and Trump employees who warned the American public about the former president. Yet, with some reflection, it becomes clear Harris had some things working against her. Joe Biden.  I have all the respect in the world for anyone who has served as POTUS (even Trump) and Biden is no exception to that. However, his decision to run for re-election then drop out put Harris at a serious disadvantage from the start. ...

We are days away from the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump as they try to convince voters they deserve to be President of the United States. I have already weighed in on who I plan to vote for but even though I have a candidate I favor; I do feel this year's election has been a bit sparse as far as issues are concerned. The campaigns have focused on specific topics ranging from immigration to who will better protect democracy, but other, just as important issues haven't been discussed at all or at least haven't gotten the media coverage. Image courtesy of Pixabay Here are three questions I myself would be asking: What are your plans to fight the growing national debt? As of my writing this, America's national debt is $35.29 trillion dollars, or roughly $104,000 per person. Meanwhile both candidates are proposing things (tax cuts, more border patrols, etc.) that are much more likely to increase that debt than reduce it. With one-third of that debt held by ...

I usually try to avoid discussing politics. I have my political beliefs but choose to them to myself. So, my decision to post this should speak volumes. For the record, I consider myself an independent who, for the most part, leans a bit to the right. In fact, I have cast a ballot in all seven presidential elections since my 18th birthday and only voted Democrat once. In comparison, I voted for the third-party Libertarian candidate in two of the elections.  The thing is, I don’t really dislike the Democrats. On paper, I support most things they support. It’s just when they talk about taxing the rich, I always somehow seem to be lumped into that category even though I’m living paycheck to paycheck like most people.  That’s why I am as surprised as anyone that I plan on voting for Kamala Harris in November. Image courtesy of Pixabay I don’t agree with everything Harris talks about in her platform. I’m also not completely convinced the excitement over her isn’t anything more tha...