Jess Lahitou

Jess Lahitou

Bio

Jess is a literature lover, former teacher, new(ish) mother, and politics junkie. Currently in Miami, this Colorado native is embracing the culture shock. Art Basel? Wynwood? Ropa Vieja? Yes, please.

Jess Lahitou Articles

Duck Dynasty viewers were likely to vote for Trump. (Image Credit: Flickr/Mike Mozart)

The 'Duck Dynasty' Test: Are We This Politically Predictable?

Four years ago, my husband took a job transfer to Bogota, Colombia.

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Pharmaceutical companies, like tobacco companies, are in the business of making a profit.

Big Pharma & Big Tobacco: A Tale Of Two Deadly Scandals

Is there a difference between what the cigs biz did back in the 1950s and ‘60s and the way present-day pharmaceutical companies have aggressively marketed opioids like OxyContin?

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Sinking to new lows as POTUS. (Image Credit: Flickr/Gage Skidmore)

Donald Trump's Speech To Joint Session Of Congress: A New Level Of Egomaniac Emerges, Hidden Under Rapturous Applause

This is the first time I’ve seen a sitting president “spin” a clear military defeat to save his own ego, and use a bereft and heartbroken wife in order to get away with it. Disgust is not the right word. Horror, maybe. Disbelief and revulsion crashing into each other.

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With or without your viewing, this is happening. (Image Credit: Gage Skidmore via Wikimedia Commons)

The Case For Watching Trump's Inauguration

Because it looms a mere three days away, the subject of President-elect’s inauguration is a media fascination. Will there be protests?

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Remain calm, everybody. Delgates got this.

Why Nominating A Primary Candidate Is NOT A Democratic Process

Watching recent cable news talking heads chat about the prospect of Trump/Cruz/Clinton/Sanders being “denied” the Republican/Democratic nomination, you would think that entertainment media is run by 5th graders. (Although... That WOULD explain a lot.)

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Vote!

More Than Just The Presidency: A Look At The Rest Of The 2016 Ballot 

We talk about having debate-watching parties, popping popcorn, making bets… it’s all a little weird, and probably not good for democracy.

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That Christmas Eve in Vegas changed me for life.

Christmas Eve Alone In Las Vegas       

That Christmas Eve in Vegas changed me for life. I’ve tried to remember not to deny myself the things I love about the holiday.

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Donald Trump. Image: YouTube.

Donald Trump Has Officially Destroyed The Republican Party

I recognize there are loads of readers who think the Republican Party’s demise is nothing to cry about. I get that. But for centuries, our country has relied on two strong, restrained parties that operate along shared political norms.

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Is it worth it to you?

Should You Support The Salvation Army?

If you’ve heard recent Internet claims that The Salvation Army doesn’t deserve your money, and you are now wondering whether or not to toss a few coins in the red can on your way to stock up on Christmas goodies, here’s a thought experiment:

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Smiling through the pain of crippling debt.

Red, White, & News: Political Issues Millennials Need To Know About

If you’re a 20 or early 30-something, odds are high that you or someone you know has boomeranged back into a parental basement. In 2012, an estimated 36% of young adults lived at home with one or more parents.

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