Before we start, let’s get one thing straight: I love Oprah. I am a big Oprah fan. I’ve watched her show, listened to her podcasts, joined her book club. I’m all about Super Soul Sunday and Dr. Phil and the OWN network. I think Oprah is an enlightened, kind, and intelligent individual. But I don’t think she should run for president, simply because she has no experience.

I know “experience” seems like an outdated concept these days. When it comes to presidential candidates, it’s more like an added bonus instead of a requirement. Call me old fashioned, but I think the president of the United States should have some previous experience in government. Continue reading →

To the Rest of America, From an Alabamian

December 13, 20171 Comment

By Catherine Miele

You guys—scratch that, Y’ALL—we did it!

We campaigned, we spoke up, we raised funds, we got out, and we voted to defeat an extremist, self-serving man—and alleged sexual predator—twice removed from the Alabama Supreme Court.

I am not sure outsiders realize how monumental the election of Doug Jones is for both Alabama and America.

It’s yuuuggge. Continue reading →

Now Is Not The Time To Be Neutral

October 15, 20172 Comments

By Jillian Stacia

On Friday, the New York Times released its new Social Media Guidelines for its newsroom.

The guidelines covered a variety of topics, but the one that has everyone talking is its first and most vital point: “In social media posts, our journalists must not express partisan opinions, promote political views, endorse candidates, make offensive comments or do anything else that undercuts The Times’s journalistic reputation.”

And while the intention behind these guidelines is clear: The Times wants to remain a nonbiased organization – it seems impractical and frankly inadvisable to require employees to follow these guidelines in today’s society. Continue reading →

Whether You Stand or Take a Knee, I’ve Got Your Back

September 26, 20173 Comments

By Catherine Miele

Conflicted would be the word to describe my feelings of late.

On the one hand, I’m hopeful. I love my country, I love the people in it, and I love the kind things we do for one another, especially when our neighbors are down on their luck or hurting.

But the vitriol and the hate. I’d be remiss to ignore the negative emotions clouding over us, to pretend that we live in our own little American utopia, when so much division, hostility, and pain surround us. Continue reading →

We’re Going To Be Okay

August 17, 20171 Comment

By Jillian Stacia

It’s been a rough couple of days. If you live in America then you know what I mean.

When things like this happen, I find myself falling silent. Not in my personal life, or on social media, or in my own private journals, but here, in this space. More than ever, I’m realizing just how important our words are. I want to make sure I get them right. I don’t want to be another voice in the void. I don’t want to add more fuel to the fire. I don’t want to say something just because. Continue reading →

Raising A Child In The Trump Administration

July 30, 2017July 30, 20175 Comments

By Jillian Stacia

Recently, Thirty On Tap contributor Catherine Miele wrote about how she’s scared to have a second child in today’s political landscape. I’m currently pregnant with my first child and can completely relate to Catherine’s feelings. I’ve found myself thinking about this more and more with every passing news story. I’m insecure about so many things when it comes to motherhood, but nothing scares me more than having to raise a child in the Trump Administration. Continue reading →

Why I’m Scared to Have a Second Child

July 13, 2017July 13, 20171 Comment

By Catherine Miele

I am an only child, and so is my husband.

As a result of my upbringing, I’ve always imagined having at least two children.

That’s not to say my two-year-old son is less than my entire world – after all, his perfectly fitting name means “bringer of light” – yet I, perhaps selfishly, want him to know what it’s like to have a best friend in the form of a brother or sister.

But (because there’s always a but) I’m scared to try. Continue reading →

America Doesn’t Deserve a Birthday Party This Year

July 3, 2017July 3, 20176 Comments

By De Elizabeth

The Fourth of July feels different this year.

While I appreciate having time off from work, a chance to sleep in, and several hours to devote to spending time outside and in the sunshine, I don’t really have a desire to celebrate in any traditional ways. I don’t want to barbecue, eat red white and blue ice pops, bake an apple pie, or put on a stars-n-striped bathing suit. I don’t want to go watch fireworks or Instagram myself on a pool float. I don’t want to do any of these things because Donald Trump is president, and I’m truly afraid for our country’s future. Continue reading →

No, Your Pre-Existing Condition Isn’t Your Fault

May 8, 2017May 6, 20174 Comments

By Catherine Miele

Once again, the majority Republican Congress is pushing the American Health Care Act – healthcare overhaul, although overhaul is too gentle a word – approval. Last week, the House passed the AHCA with a 1-point margin.

The bill still has to pass the Senate and will likely (hopefully) undergo many changes, but that doesn’t mean some lawmakers weren’t celebrating their promise to decimate healthcare as we know it. Continue reading →

Thank You, Trump…

January 26, 2017January 24, 20172 Comments

By Catherine Miele

Before you click that “x” in the corner of your screen, please keep reading and know this is NOT that kind of post.

I’m a registered Democrat although I have voted and always will vote for issues over party. I proudly and almost tearfully voted for Hillary Clinton, and I do not believe that Trump’s values are my values. In a sense, I’m #stillwithher and every single woman who marched—in the flesh or in spirit—on January 21. Continue reading →