This week on Um, Sir, Emily and Samie unpack a modest lineup of American absurdity: a Satanic abortion clinic in Maine, ICE raids straight out of a dystopian fever dream, and a $45 million military parade starring robot dogs and empty bleachers.
Meanwhile, Trump tried to cosplay dictator by sending the National Guard to LA without permission and then called for the arrest of Governor Newsom like it was a Real Housewives reunion. Somewhere in the mess, Walmart got boycotted for funding the wrong protest (it didn’t), and two queer-friendly hats and one full-page NYT ad managed to cause national confusion.
Also, protests happened. Big ones. Like, 5 million people big. The No Kings Day march lit up 2,100 cities, but don’t worry, the president’s taxpayer-funded birthday party had dozens of fans.
Then tragedy: A domestic terrorist murdered MN Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and Trump responded with… a punchline. Because empathy is for losers, apparently.
Um, Civics? Strong mayor vs. weak mayor systems. Spoiler: calling someone a “weak mayor” to their face is not recommended unless you want city council beef.
Tune in for:
Satanic temples doing more for reproductive care than 2/3 of Congress
Civics with a side of trauma
Thoughts on selling out, staying angry, and resisting with joy
💬 Closing thoughts: Resistance isn’t a one-lane highway. Maybe your lane is protest, maybe it’s surviving the damn week. We need them all.
For your further reading and viewing pleasure...
Los Angeles Stuff
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell on deploying National Guard – CNN/TikTok
Gov. Newsom’s crime is running for governor - TikTok
California Gov. Gavin Newsom pushes back – NBC South Florida
America, Hold the ICE w. CA Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis – Hysteria Podcast
The Rachel Maddow Show shares the stories of 3 individuals targeted by immigration actions - TikTok
No Kings Day
Shaina Taub, Tony Award-winning composer at No Kings Protest - TikTok
No Kings Protest is funded by Walmart? - Reddit
Walmart heiress' ad promoting "No kings" protest sparks backlash against retailer – CBS
Ijoma Oluo Debrief on No Kings Day Protest - Instagram
The Other Thing that Happened that Day
Robot Dogs. Not That Adorable - TikTok
Military parade could cause $16 million in damages - NBC4 Washington
One Soldier’s Response to Bad Marching – Pat Loller
Murder of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman
Tim Walz on Rep. Hortman and her partner’s death – CNN, TikTok
And the Dick Response – CNN, TikTok
Melissa Hortman, husband and dog lie in state; suspect attends court hearing – CNN, YouTube
Um, Civis?
Mayor-council government – Ballotpedia
Drama in Seattle Mayoral Race
Mayoral Candidate Katie Wilson on Affordable Housing Week – Instagram
Mayoral Candidate Ry Armstrong’s Response – Instagram
Mayoral Candidate Joe Mallahan – Website
How to Spend Your Time and Money
Washington Bus - Website
The President's Yuge most beautiful, tremendous satanic abortion clinic – Website
