NTD NEWS
January 31, 2018
|
Last night Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States (what a disturbing thing to type) gave his first State of the Union Address to Congress, to the American public and to the world.
Immediately after the speech, and again this morning, Republican  spokespersons, Fox network sycophants and still-loyal Tru
mp  supporters gave his remarks high praise. In fact, if you missed the actual speech and had only their praise to go by you might believe you missed the powerful rhetoric of a Churchill, the inspiring humanity of a Martin Luther King and the collaborative good nature of a Mr. Rogers.
Today, observers with a more neutral stance expressed disappointment in the things Trump's words failed to include. They felt his speech had little real substance. It lacked any honest clarity. Although he repeatedly made grandiose claims and promises, his words included few specifics. It was mostly just more campaign rhetoric. There were few solid plans presented, virtually no measurable goals.
But in my opinion, Donald Trump's first State of the Union address did a magnificent job summing up the state of our union today. I don't mean that his words alone did that job. It was the entire event that summed up our union's present state in crystal clear terms.
Hearing our nation's President confidently assert exaggerations, half-  truths and outright lies really did expose a huge problem our union now must deal with every day. Watching every Republican in Trump's audience nod their heads in agreement or wildly applaud his words, no matter how untrue, counterproductive or petty, exposed another dangerous weakness in the state of our United States.
 And seeing virtually every Democrat in the hall, all "the loyal opposition," sit sullenly silent, almost motionless through most of Trump's address, clearly filled with disdain and distrust (though well deserved), bared one more failing in our union's present state that must be repaired.
The past twelve months have shown us where having a Republican President and a Congress controlled by the GOP can take our country. Monday night, the dynamics of the evening were a chilling reminder of the present state of our U.S.A. It is not as healthy as it could be or certainly should be. For the remainder of this year we must turn that concern into action.
The man presently in the White House is clearly a thin-skinned  narcissist. He is incurious, impetuous and unscrupulous. (There are so many more negative adjectives I could use to describe this guy. All accurate.) Each of these characteristics make our nation's prospects less promising. -- And here's the reality: there is going to be a Republican in the Oval Office for another three years. (Trump or Pence.)
So, bottom line? The only hope America has for improving the state of our union over the next three years is for we Democrats to take over at least one branch of Congress. Better yet, gaining a majority in both the House and the Senate now looks within reach.
Beyond that, we need to help elect Democrats into offices at every level of our state and local government, physically and financially. And we shouldn't ignore key races in other states either. The Tea Party and the alt-right movement gained their political foothold and experience in local races.
That's it. Electing Democrats should be our goal right up to next November's election. And as you've read again and again in the NTD News that success will require your participation in some way.
I know that every volunteer or donor has his or her own life to lead. Getting involved may take a little self-motivation. So try this: When you're  debating whether to commit to spending some time on a phone bank or ringing doorbells or writing a check, think of Illinois Congressman Peter Roskam applauding one of President Trump's pompous pronouncements. Or think of Wisconsin's Paul Ryan sitting behind the podium with smirking approval of "his President." Or the Senate's Mitch McConnell grinning at the present state or our union he worked so hard to create. Wouldn't next year's State of the Union address be so much more enjoyable if sights like that were nowhere to be seen.
|
Every Thursday Night & Saturday Afternoon
Weekly Phone Banks for Daniel Biss
at New Trier Dems' Office
When: Every Thursday night from 6:00pm until 8:00pm; Every Saturday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm; ongoing through February
Where: New Trier Dems' office, 800 Oak St., Suite 112, WInnetka
What: Phone bank for progressive gubernatorial candidate Daniel Biss, our official New Trier Dems endorsed candidate! You will be talking to voters about Daniel. All you need to bring is a phone, and his campaign will provide other materials. There will be a short training at the beginning. In addition, depending on the weather, t
here may be opportunities to canvass on behalf of Daniel on Saturday afternoons.
|
|
We Need Help!
Weekly Phone Bank For Fritz Kaegi,
Candidate for Cook County Assessor
at New Trier Dems' Office
Message from Josh Kilroy, Field Director, Friends for Fritz:
We are so appreciative of the support we have received from the New Trier Democrats.We have had two phone banks and were just starting to develop a group of regular phone bankers. We would very much love to keep building on this momentum.
In order to keep building, we are looking for volunteer phone
manager(s) to oversee one or two, three-hour volunteer shifts each week. We would like to at least keep Sunday afternoons going, possibly 1- 4 pm and one night a week (Wednesday).
There is a little bit of training involved. We use the Hubdialer, an internet-based predictive dialer, so there is a little bit to learn about that (it would take maybe fifteen minutes). Plus, learning Fritz' talking points. If there is anyone interested in helping, please contact me and
I would love to meet with them.
Thanks again for all the help.
Josh Kilroy
Field Director
Friends for Fritz
312.593.1886
joshua@fritzforassessor.com
When: To Be Determined
Where: New Trier Dems' office, 800 Oak St., Suite 112, WInnetka
What: Join Team Fritz - New Trier Dems' officially endorsed candidate - to phone bank for the next Cook County Assessor at our office!
|
|
Voter Registration Canvass in Evanston
With the Democratic Party of Evanston (DPOE)
This Saturday, February 3rd
When: Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 1:30pm until 4:00PM
Where: Meet at the Democratic Party of Evanston's (DPOE) office, 747 Custer Ave., Evanston
We will meet at the DPOE office (747 Custer Ave) at 1:30 p.m. and then go door-to-door in Evanston neighborhoods with the lowest percentage of registered voters. If we're going to win, we need your help now! So
sign up, grab a clipboard and some voter registration forms, and let's get to work!"
"P.S. If you aren't able to go door-to-door, then please join us for one of our Monday evening phone banks! Our phone banks take place every Monday at 5 p.m. at the DPOE office (747 Custer Ave). If you can, please bring a cell phone, laptop, and any chargers you may need."
|
|
This Sunday, February 4th
Canvass in Kenosha with Indivisible Evanston
for the Southern Wisconsin Voter ID Project
When: Sunday, February 4, 2018; Pick up canvassing materials around 1:00pm; canvass in Kenosha from 1:00pm to 4:00pm (shorter hours this week due to the Super Bowl)
Where: Canvassing materials can be picked up and dropped off at the Common Grounds coffee shop, 5159 6th Ave, in Kenosha. Indivisible Evanston is arranging carpools or you can go on your own. Kenosha is about 75 minutes from here.
What: Indivisible Evanston is organizing volunteers to walk targeted Kenosha neighborhoods, asking door to door whether folks are registered to vote and whether they have a current WI driver's license or state I.D. You will NOT be registering voters, but anyone you contact who says they don't have an I.D. will get follow up phone calls from other volunteers to pave the way for them to get their I.D.s. Once folks access their proper voter I.D., they can easily register online OR on the day of an election, as WI has same day registration.
The project organizer, Nancy Bruski is working with Indivisible Evanston. They are arranging carpools or you can go on your own. Walk packs, data sheets and a script will be provided. Materials can be picked up and dropped off at the Common Grounds coffee shop, 5159 6th Ave, in Kenosha. A representative from Indivisible Evanston will be there with all the materials from 1:00 to 4:00pm. Your materials should be returned at to the Indivisible Evanston representative at Common Grounds coffee shop at the end of your volunteer day so that no data sheets get lost in the shuffle. If temperatures drop below 20 degrees, we might need to reschedule, so check your email. Otherwise, dress warmly!
|
New Trier Dems' Endorsed Candidates Rally
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Wh
en: Sunday, February 18, 2018 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm
Where: Wilmette Community Recreation Center, 3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette
What: New Trier Dems will host a Rally for our endorsed candidates and representatives. We will lay out the action leading up to the March 20 Primary and Mid-Term Election Day in November. More details coming soon.
|
|
Sign, Sign, Everywhere A Sign
Stop by the New Trier Dems' office and pick up lawn signs for Daniel Biss and Fritz Kaegi. Our office is usually open from 9:00am-Noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. BUT,
please phone first
to make sure we are there and still have signs available.
|
Other events of interest:
This Saturday, Feb. 3 in Glencoe - Deputy Voter Registrar Training
When: Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 10:00am
Where: Glencoe Union Church, 263 Park Ave., Glencoe
What: Tenth Dems are hosting a training for Deputy Voter Registrars. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and registered to vote in Cook County. The event is open only to Cook County residents who are interested in helping to register new voters. Deputy Registrars must be trained in the county in which they live, but once trained, can register voters anywhere in Illinois. Training takes less than an hour. This training is being held through the County Clerk's office and is free of charge. Sign-ups will be taken up to 5 hours before the class starts. In most cases, late sign-ups will not be added to the class. For additional information or to RSVP,
register online, email
volunteers@tenthdems.org, or call 847-266-VOTE (8683)
This Saturday, Feb. 3 in Deerfield -
Fundraiser for Bob Morgan, Candidate for State Representative - 58th District
When: Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 10:30am until 12:00 noon
Where: Chaube Coffee, 601 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield
What: Enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee in support of Bob Morgan, candidate for State Representative, 58th District. For further information or to RSVP,
register online or contact Jessica Teuber at
jessica@newchicagollc.com or (312) 448-8014.
This Saturday, Feb. 3 in Winnetka - Daniel Biss' Weekend of Action
When: Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Where: New Trier Dems' office, 800 Oak St., Suite 112, WInnetka
What: Phone bank and canvass for
progressive gubernatorial candidate Daniel Biss, our official New Trier Dems endorsed candidate! You will be talking to voters about Daniel. All you need to bring is a phone, and his campaign will provide other materials. There will be a short training at the beginning.
RSVP here to help with Daniel's Weekend of Action.
Tuesday, Feb. 13 in Northbrook - NOW Movie Screening - "Anita: Speaking Truth to Power"
When: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 7:00pm
Where: Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
What: The North/Northwest Suburban Chapter of the
National Organization for Women (NOW) sponsors a screening and discussion of
the movie, Anita: Speaking Truth to Power. The event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, Feb. 24 in Winnetka - What's Wrong with Illinois' Economy? Gubernatorial Candidates Forum Hosted by Invest to Elect Illinois
When: Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 2:00pm until 4:30pm
Where: New Trier High School - Northfield Campus, Cornog Auditorium, 7 N. Happ Road, Northfield
What: lllinois' three leading gubernatorial candidates will appear front and center at a forum sponsored by Invest to Elect. "What's Wrong with Illinois' Economy - and What are You Going to Do about It?" will give Daniel Biss, Chris Kennedy and J.B. Pritzker each an opportunity to present his vision for Illinois. The candidates will respond to a range of questions on critical topics including taxes, education, healthcare, and more. Each candidate will appear individually for 40 minutes, answering questions from the Invest to Elect moderator and the public. Only questions submitted in advance through the registration process will be considered. Attendees are welcome to submit candidate questions
on this Event Brite registration page.
Click on the green "Register" button and follow the prompts. Invest to Elect Illinois looks forward to welcoming you to this important discussion of issues facing Illinois! Click here for more information or to register for this event.
When: Monday, March 5, 2018 from 5:30 - 7:30pm
Where: Private residence in Chicago - address provided upon RSVP
What: An evening reception in support of Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President.
For additional information or to RSVP, email Scott Kastrup at
scott@tonipreckwinkle.org
or call
773-746-7225.
|
 One of the exciting activities we will be pursuing across the state line in 2018...
will be to help the Democratic candidate for Congress,
Randy Bryce, defeat Wisconsin's Congressman
Paul Ryan. This is going to be a hard fought campaign and Randy Bryce can win it. To see his first campaign message
click here.
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
Your Legislators:
Democratic Legislators
who represent New Trier Township in
Washington, Springfield and Cook County
You'll be hearing a lot from these exceptional public servants. --
And they want to be hearing a lot from you.
The fact is, they need to hear from you and want to hear from you in order to represent you most effectively. So, the first thing you can do is get to know who these people are. The links below to their campaign websites are a good place to start.
Jan Schakowsky
, 9th U.S. Congressional District Representative
and Chief Deputy House Democratic Whip. The new Ninth District boundaries include all of New Trier except for Glencoe.
Brad Schneider
, 10th U.S. Congressional District Representative which includes a number of precincts in Glencoe.
Daniel Biss,
State Senator for Illinois' 9th State Senate District.The Ninth District includes all of New Trier Township.
Julie Morrison, State Senator for Illinois' 29th State Senate District. The district includes New Trier's northernmost precincts.
Robyn Gabel,
IL 18th District State Representative. The 18th District includes much of New Trier up to Hazel Avenue and Dundee Road.
Laura Fine
, IL 17th District State Representative.
The 17th District includes the East Glenview and West Wilmette areas of New Trier Township.
Scott Drury
,
IL 58th District State Representative.
The 58th District includes the northernmost precincts in Glencoe.
Larry Suffredin, Cook County 13th District Commissioner. The 13th District includes all of New Trier, Evanston and Niles Townships.
|
|
Have you visited Senator Biss' website "The Road Back" --
click on the link to his video -- then, throughout the year follow his plan's development on the website.
Daniel explains a lot about how Illinois got where it is today and how we can begin the journey on the road back toward achieving our state's tremendous economic potential.
|
| Dear Fellow Democrats, If you are not already an NTDO member, and enjoy our Newsletter, we hope you consider joining us as a dues-paying member. NTDO is a not-for-profit political action organization. We depend on our membership dues to support our Democratic causes and candidates. There are two options for dues payments: by check or credit card. By Check: Make check payable to NTDO and mail to our office: NTDO 800 Oak St., Suite 112 Winnetka, IL 60093 OR By Credit Card: visit our website by clicking here Click on the "Join/Contribute" button
Find the link for "contribute with ActBlue"
or go directly to ActBlue by clicking here.
|
Still not a member of the New Trier Dems? Your participation in grassroots political action will make a difference. -- Come join us.
 When you're a member of the New Trier Democratic Organization, you have an active role in affecting the political process; participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, playing a role in deciding which candidates are endorsed. You'll also gain free admission to select forums and events throughout the year.
Come be a part of New Trier's grassroots political community.
About Us:
The New Trier Democratic Organization is made up of hundreds of grassroots volunteers dedicated to advancing progressive ideals through the political process. We welcome your participation.
Sincerely,
Dean T. Maragos, Committeeman New Trier Township
We are located at 800 Oak Street, Suite 112, in Winnetka, IL. Ph: 847-446-8030
Contact: newtrierdemocrats@gmail.com.
*This Internet communication paid for by the New Trier Democratic Organization and not authorized by any federal or state candidate or campaign committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available for purchase from the State Board of Elections in Springfield, Illinois.
|
|
|
| |
|
