Email from Rural Americans United You don't want to miss this.       What Is In This Newsletter? What we are up to Do facts matter Habeas Corpus (Re) Introducing ourselves   Hello, We could not be more excited for all that lays ahead. Thank you for your continuing support! We filed for 501(c)(4) nonprofit status under the name Rural Americans United for Inclusive Democracy. This designation gives us greater flexibility in our programming, access to new funding opportunities and resources, and a reduced reporting and administrative burden. We're transforming our communications platform to a more robust system that enables us to better connect and grow. As we settle into the new platform we hope you will forgive our tests and trials. We're also actively working with and interviewing agencies that can help us develop more powerful strategies for promoting democratic values across rural Washington State. Over 80% of our neighbors in rural, Central and Eastern Washington have never heard a pro-democratic message!  Please read to the bottom of this newsletter so we can reintroduce our Directors and Advisory Board members.   📰 Do Facts Matter 🧠 Why Understanding Matters I once studied under a professor who was a stickler for truly grasping concepts. He said, “If you can't describe a thing without using the name of the thing, you probably don’t understand the thing.” That lesson stuck with me. Now, as we face the relentless dismantling of our democracy and rule of law under 47, it's critical that we do understand—deeply and clearly—what we're fighting for. ⚖️ The Facts Divide If there's one stereotype that holds up, it's this: Democrats are obsessed with facts. MAGA, on the other hand, seems to have no use for them. This puts democrats at a disadvantage. While we’re buried in research crafting careful rebuttals, the conversation has already moved on—and often the “truth” has been redefined without us.  MAGA’s strategy is simple: make bold, often outrageous claims without regard for the truth. This forces Democrats onto the defensive, tasked with disproving falsehoods instead of driving the narrative.That’s a strategic failure we must correct. 🧭 The Role of Facts in Debate When I walk into a room, I want to be armed with the facts—cold, reliable, in my back pocket. But I also know that spitting out facts in the heat of a fiery exchange rarely moves hearts or minds. The facts are there for me—to make sure my statements won’t come back to bite me. MAGA will lie, double down, and escalate. But as Democrats who believe in truth, civility, and respect, our words should ring true because they are true. 📌 Habeas Corpus, Latin Everyone Should Know. There are terms being thrown around today—like habeas corpus—that many people aren’t familiar with. And yet, we must understand them. These aren’t just academic ideas. They are essential tools in a democracy. Knowing what they mean gives us the confidence to speak up, push back, and defend our values in every conversation that matters. 🏛️ What Is Habeas Corpus? Habeas corpus is a legal right that protects people from being imprisoned without justification. It allows you to ask a court to decide whether your detention is lawful. If the government can’t explain why you’re being held, the court can order your release. It’s one of our strongest safeguards against abuse of power. 📖 Abraham Lincoln Did What? In 1861, Abraham Lincoln suspended habeas corpus to allow the military to arrest suspected Confederate sympathizers without immediate court review. When Chief Justice Roger Taney ruled this unconstitutional—arguing only Congress had that authority—Lincoln ignored the decision. The clash sparked a major debate about presidential power during national emergencies, one that still echoes today. 📅 Modern Example: Guantánamo Bay After 9/11, the U.S. detained hundreds at Guantánamo Bay without charge. The Bush administration claimed these detainees had no legal right to challenge their imprisonment because they were held outside U.S. soil. But in 2008, the Supreme Court ruled in Boumediene v. Bush that habeas corpus does apply. Even in wartime, even at Guantánamo, the right to challenge unlawful detention still stands. 🛡️ Why This Still Matters Habeas corpus might sound technical—but it’s anything but abstract. It’s a firewall against tyranny. And in turbulent political times, those firewalls are the first targets. If we don’t understand these terms, we risk losing the protections they represent. So yes, facts matter. They anchor us to truth, law, and justice. And the better we understand those facts—like what habeas corpus really means—the better equipped we are to protect democracy. Your Donation Is Important Our Board Doug White Director Doug is a fourth-generation farmer from Yakima, Washington, with a global career in project management. He’s led large international teams, navigating complex goals and diverse perspectives to deliver projects on time and under budget. Doug brought those skills home when he ran for Congress, uniting Central Washington Democrats into a coordinated campaign for the first time. He raised more money than any candidate in district history, forced unprecedented spending from his opponent, and led the first bilingual campaign and forums in the region. Now, Doug focuses on building lasting political infrastructure. He believes strong organization—not just elections—is the key to lasting democratic success. Maricela Sanchez, MD Director Maricela is a dedicated advocate for rural prosperity and community health. Born to a Mexican immigrant family in the Yakima Valley, she worked alongside her family as a migrant farm laborer—an experience that shaped her commitment to agriculture, education, and equity. She earned a degree in American Ethnic Studies from the University of Washington and taught through Teach for America in Los Angeles. Driven to make a broader impact, she went on to earn her medical degree from Stanford and completed her anesthesiology training at Columbia University. Now practicing at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, WA, Dr. Sanchez also serves on the Pasco City Council and the board of Heritage University. Her leadership bridges healthcare, education, and sustainable development in service to rural communities. Shirley Grossman Advisory Board Member Shirley was a founding organizer of the Donkey Club in Eastern Washington. The Donkey Club is a pro-democratic values organization second in size only to the Spokane Democratic Party. Her connections up and down Congressional District 5 have proven instrumental in launching the Granny Caravan: Unity Road Tour. She is a consistent fundraiser for Rural Americans United and has started a legacy in honor of her late daughter Eve, with all proceeds going to Rural Americans United. Despite her exuberant spirit, Shirley faces deep challenges in her personal life. She has lost both her husband and a daughter and speaks of the prejudices she faces as a member of the Jewish faith. Soneya Lund Advisory Board Member Soneya is a community leader and small business owner based in Yakima, Washington. As a former City Councilperson and Deputy Mayor, she combines her background in business and public service to address local challenges—especially housing insecurity and homelessness. She serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Yakima Planning Commission, Justice Housing Board, and the Yakima County Homeless Coalition Executive Committee. A graduate of Leadership Yakima and active member of the Rotary Club, Soneya is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive Yakima through advocacy, collaboration, and direct service. Paul Tabayoyon Advisory Board Member Paul Tabayoyon is the Executive Director of APIC-Yakima (Asian Pacific Islander Coalition of Yakima) and a lifelong resident of Yakima, Washington. With a background in industrial automation and project management, Paul returned to school to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Energy Management from Central Washington University in 2019, building on earlier studies at Perry Tech and Yakima Valley College. Paul brings a systems-thinking approach to community advocacy, focused on equity, sustainability, and access to opportunity. He’s committed to improving lives by expanding educational and civic engagement across Yakima’s diverse communities. Odalys Gonzalez Advisory Board Member Odalys is a community outreach coordinator for UFCW Local 21. She is known for her active community engagement, often at protests, marches, and community events supporting democratic values. Her passion for community education is commendable. Odalys’ work to empower workers and establish fair compensation and respect for their contributions is important. She is unrelenting in her defense of workers. Joshua Hastings Advisory Board Member Joshua (he/him) is an IT consultant, nonprofit leader, and LGBTQ+ advocate based in Yakima, WA, with roots in Wapato on the Yakama Reservation. His career spans roles at Microsoft, Kelley Blue Book, and Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, with expertise in technology, digital communications, and design. As President and co-founder of Yakima Pride, Joshua has advanced LGBTQ+ advocacy across Central Washington. He also serves on the Advisory Board of Rural Americans United, where he brings a strong focus on inclusive representation, community empowerment, and digital strategy. Kim Lehrman Advisory Board Member Kim is a dedicated educator, community leader, and advocate for inclusion based in Pasco, WA. Raised on a first-generation cattle and alfalfa farm in the Tri-Cities, she brings a unique rural perspective to her roles as a teacher, mother of four, and Vice Chair of the Pasco Planning Commission. With degrees in Agriculture Science and Educational Leadership, Kim has taught welding, agriculture, and CTE courses across local high schools. She has also been active in youth sports, school district planning, and civic engagement campaigns. Now an art instructor at Chiawana High School, Kim champions equity, safety, affordable housing, and community-driven development across Pasco. Jayce Wright Advisory Board Member Jayce (he/him/his) born and raised in East Pasco, spent 10+ years in Seattle, have been back in the TriCities for nearly 10 years. Background working with at-risk, homeless, and LGBT+ youth, with work experience in and with schools and partnering non-profits. Director of Communications for our new and local NAACP Chapter 1135-B. Committed to community improvement and servant leadership. Believer in continued education/training and the powers of collaboration. Love to explore what great minds can create together! Soulja for the cause. Ivy Murumbei Advisory Board Member My name is Ivy. I graduated from Southridge High School in 2024 through the Running Start program and am now pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science. I was born in Kitengela, Kenya, and moved to Dallas, Texas, when I was five. About four years ago, my family relocated to the Tri-Cities. Being from a developing country comes with challenges, but I’ve learned to embrace those experiences and carry the lessons with me. Kenya taught me the power of community, the value of gratitude, and the responsibility we have to one another. I believe uplifting those in need—locally and globally—is not a burden, but a privilege we should all strive to fulfill. Bertha Alicia Garza Advisory Board Member Bertha Alicia has a dedicated career in community-based and grass-rooted organizations. Bertha Alicia Garza is the founder of La Oficina (CSC Yakima) a grass-rooted Business Resource Center. Prior to starting Centro de Servicios Comunitarios (CSC Yakima), she was employed for over a decade with a non-profit organization bringing youth college outreach and after-school programs to Central Washington school districts. She had co-founded a local business center where she was dealing with many Hispanic families that needed her assistance. As the CEO and founder of CSC Yakima, Bertha Alicia brings expertise in program development and management, strategic planning, and organizational development. Bertha Alicia is bilingual and bicultural and is extensively involved in minority leadership efforts in her community over the past 20 years. She strives to build alliances, break barriers, and culturally inclusive practices that create positive relati Ana Ruiz-Kennedy Advisory Board Member Ana is a seasoned business liaison, community advocate, and recent candidate for Washington’s Legislative District 14. With a background in marketing, financial services, and community development, Ana currently serves as a Business Liaison at Craft3, helping to drive equitable economic impact across the region. She has held key roles at Numerica Credit Union, Fiesta Foods, and New York Life, and served as Vice-Chair of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, advising on issues affecting the Latino community. Ana’s career began as a Spanish interpreter with Pacific Interpreters, where she spent over a decade bridging communication gaps. Her deep commitment to equity, economic opportunity, and public service defines her work and advocacy across Central Washington.   Rural Americans United   Rural Americans United | 420 South 72nd Avenue Suite 180 PMB 110 | Yakima, WA 98908 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice