Stephen Hess

Retired CA Mechanical Engineer, PE

[Mark Fabela @markdfabela]

@CAgovernor Now require it for elected officials.

[Stephen Hess @swhess15]

@CAgovernor It’s about time!

[U.S. Soccer Men's National Team @USMNT]

RIP IT AND FLIP IT! A WORLDY FROM JEDI!

#USMNT x @VW

[Senator Mark Kelly @SenMarkKelly]

I’ve been in Odesa, Ukraine for the Black Sea Security Forum. The Ukrainian people are resilient and they’re not giving up, even in the face of attacks on civilian infrastructure. We have to continue standing with Ukraine in their fight against Vladimir Putin and Russia.

[Nikki Haley @NikkiHaley]

America just crossed a dangerous milestone: our national debt now exceeds the size of our economy. Washington spends $1.33 for every $1 it takes in, with a $1.9T deficit this year alone. When the bill comes due, expect higher taxes, a weaker dollar, fewer services, a weaker military—and our kids stuck paying for it.

[Stephen Hess @swhess15]

This is public policy in CA ⁦@GavinNewsom⁩
The Iran War Is Hitting California Harder Than Any Other State https://t.co/Nf3iVnU7am

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

I sincerely congratulate everyone in Ukraine and around the world who is celebrating Easter today.

In these very difficult times for our people and for all humanity, hope grows stronger than ever – the hope for the triumph of life over death, good over evil, and truth over lies. All that is symbolized by the Resurrection of the Lord.

May the strength of every one of our people, their spirit, and everything that is best in humanity – may all of it inevitably overcome evil and darkness, “shaheds” and missiles, injustice and occupation.

I wish everyone God’s grace and a peaceful life on our land and under Ukrainian skies, protected by our brave warriors.

May all prayers for protection from evil be heard today. May faith unite kind hearts and strengthen those who defend their home. May every nation come closer to true security. We believe in peace! We believe in Ukraine!

Happy Easter!

[Cato Institute @CatoInstitute]

Do the rich pay taxes? In the US, they do. And a lot of them.

America has the most progressive tax system in the developed world, where high earners pay the largest share.

If spending keeps rising, taxes will too. The only solution is lower spending, says Cato’s @adamnmichel.

[Senator Rand Paul @SenRandPaul]

I introduced the Shutdown Prevention Act in 2011 and reintroduced it every Congress. It would continue funding agencies at 94% of the previous year's levels for 90 days, then cut 1% every quarter until a deal is made. It’s a simple way to make sure folks get paid while applying pressure on Congress to negotiate.

[Steve Forbes @SteveForbesCEO]

Putin cannot be allowed to win in Ukraine. A bad peace would embolden Russia, threaten NATO, and signal weakness to China and Iran. Defending Ukraine’s independence is not charity. It is vital to U.S. security and global stability. https://t.co/gy12R8wLYQ

[Senator Rand Paul @SenRandPaul]

America spends more on its military than any other country, four times more than China. Our defense budget isn’t inadequate; it’s massive. Proposing a 50% increase, another $50 billion, ignores reality: war isn’t free, in lives or in dollars. We’re already drowning in debt. The real threat isn’t foreign soldiers on our soil—it’s the debt being piled up by the military industrial complex and the big spenders in Washington.

[Rand Paul @RandPaul]

As yet another preemptive war is begun in the Middle East, John Quincy Adam’s words of wisdom still ring true:

“Wherever the standard of freedom and Independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will her heart, her benedictions and her prayers be.”

Like most Americans I have sympathy for the plight of the Iranian people and all subjected people around the globe, from North Korea to Tibet.

But as Adam’s wrote, America:  “goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy.

She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all.

She is the champion and vindicator only of her own.”

The Constitution conferred the power to declare or initiate war to Congress for a reason, to make war less likely.  

Madison wrote that “the Executive Branch is the branch most prone to war, therefore, the Constitution, with studied care, delegated the war power to the legislature.”

As with all war, my first and purest instinct is wish Americans soldiers safety and success in their mission.  

But my oath of office is to the Constitution, so with studied care, I must oppose another Presidential war.

[Steve Forbes @SteveForbesCEO]

The Supreme Court got it right. Tariffs are taxes, and under our Constitution, the power to tax belongs to Congress, not the executive. Free markets and separation of powers are essential to American prosperity. https://t.co/cib4fH6bGS

[Fareed Zakaria @FareedZakaria]

Blue cities are out of control, promising more, spending more, delivering less and pushing off fiscal problems to some future day.

Democrats in city halls should stop governing as if the goal is to announce new entitlements, and instead make government work.

My take:

[Senator Rand Paul @SenRandPaul]

The Supreme Court defended the Constitution by rejecting the use of “emergency” powers to impose taxes. Tariffs are taxes and the power to declare them belongs to the Congress. This goes beyond this case. No future administration, including a socialist one, can use “emergency” powers to get around Congress and tax by decree.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

There is not a single power plant left in Ukraine that has not been damaged by Russian attacks. Not one. But we still generate electricity. Thanks to our people. We have kept our system running thanks to physical protection of the facilities – and thanks to everyone who helps us with air defense.

Just as important, Ukraine still has power because of our people – thousands of workers who serve millions. When I see our energy workers, our repair crews, rescue teams – I see something that is often missing in politics: true dedication – the ability to work at one hundred percent, to act immediately – in a real emergency. Not in a month, not in a year or two, but they save lives here, they save lives now. All these years.

Many politicians could learn – and must learn – from ordinary rescuers, from ordinary repair crews, from ordinary electricians – how to act immediately.

[Buitengebieden @buitengebieden]

Dog supporting his best friend in his first steps.. 🙏

[Stephen Hess @swhess15]

The lack of leadership is glaring. ⁦@GavinNewsom⁩
Last year’s wildfire disaster caused billions in losses, and many homeowners are still waiting for insurance payouts and permits to rebuild. https://t.co/DemDVtST8Q

[Stephen Hess @swhess15]

@mcuban Keep up the good work Mark!

[Michael Dell 🇺🇸 @MichaelDell]

$6.25 billion. 25 million children. $250 each.

Susan and I believe the smartest investment we can make is in children. That’s why we’re so excited to contribute $6.25 billion from our charitable funds to help 25 million children start building a strong financial foundation through Invest America. 💪📈🇺🇸

https://t.co/Rua4PBJaEc