In this episode, Emily and Samie tear into the week’s wild headlines before diving deep into an Um Civics lesson on campaign mailers, PAC money, and dirty local politics.
They unpack the shady Everett School Board mailers funded by Mill Creek parents, who poured half a million dollars into negative ads across multiple races, including attacks on a candidate that came out before they even had a chance to serve. Emily explains how PAC money works, how to check filings through the Washington Public Disclosure Commission, and why voters should always read the fine print.
From mattress fundraisers to robot clubs, they highlight how political mail often wastes money, while real community needs go unmet. The conversation connects back to broader lessons about transparency, accountability, and how everyday voters can push back against manipulation.
They also update listeners on Texas’s aggressive mid-decade redistricting push, warning how gerrymandered maps threaten representation and democracy itself. But they find hope in progressive wins, shifting political winds, and even a few fed-up “old white men” ready to stand up against Trumpism.
For your further reading and viewing pleasure...
Learn More:
@UmSirPod on Instagram – Hey, follow us and like our posts!
Washington Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) – Website
Federal Elections Commission (FEC) – Website
Anna Marie Jackson Laurence for Everett School Board - Website
Tom Clarke For School Board - Website
Read:
Republicans Sent More Mail – CN4 Partners Newsletter
Everett school board selects former prosecutor to fill vacancy – Everett Herald
Mill Creek family throws $489k into Everett school board races – Everett Herald
What do School Board Members Do? – Washington School Directors Association
What did Anna Marie Laurence do? - Reddit
Lawmakers are debating GOP congressional maps. What does redistricting mean for Texans? – Texas Tribune
Who Is Common Purple Collective, Ann Davison’s Campaign Consultant? – Publicola
Can California offset Texas in redistricting? – The Dallas Morning News
Listen:
With newly approved maps in Texas, GOP puts its gains with Latinos to the test - NPR
Watch:
Constituent of Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) – TikTok, Medias Toch
Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier (D) Speaks out after Texas House Passes GOP redistricting Plan – TikTok, CBS News
Ijoma Oluo on the idea that we make room for more leftist politics by moving further right – Instagram
Rallying cry to Texans – TikTok, ambernotforpresident
When old white southern men get fed up, you know it’s bad – TikTok, doesnt_really_matter8062
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