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NTD NEWS
December 7, 2016
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 It's already been one month since Donald Trump was elected to be the next President of our United States but the lingering shock of that deeply disturbing event still feels painfully fresh. I suppose this is partly because President-elect Trump continues to twist the knife in the ribs of the millions of us who refused to be awed by his pomposity, bullying and lies.
It's true that every president-elect inevitably creates controversy with his cabinet choices (unfortunately, I can't use "his/her" yet). But the list of Trump's nominees and appointees seems purposely constructed to cause maximum distress to the broadest number of Democrats and Independents. Rather than seriously seek out the best-equipped men and women to fill every one of these consequential jobs, a number of President-elect Trump's choices are, to say the least, perverse.
Take his choice of Dr. Ben Carson to be the Director of HUD. Carson has  never had one day of experience dealing with any job resembling the kind of complexity involved with Housing and Urban Development. In fact, he once likened fair housing laws to communism. During his run for the Republican presidential nomination he regularly revealed the narrowness of his intellect (the Egyptian pyramid's stored grain?).
Then there's ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillersom, who is being considered for Secretary of State -- he should do a swell job dealing with national leaders who are deeply concerned about climate change. Steven Mnuchin is slated for Secretary of Treasury. He made a tidy fortune foreclosing on thousands of  families after the 2008 crash. And can you think of any worse choice for our nation's Attorney General than Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions? He has spent much of his political career doing the opposite of what is expected of a responsible U.S. Attorney General as he worked to block or diminish the rights of millions of Americans.
If most of the names on Trump's list didn't hold so much potential for tragic results, they would be laughable -- something Joseph Heller or Kurt Vonnegut might have created. But despite what we will no doubt be seeing on Saturday Night live over the next four years, this is no joke. Combating the destructive forces that the Trump Administration appears to be assembling will require non-stop diligence and dedication. The New Trier Dems President, Judy Mandel, spoke to that need in an email she sent to the NTD Executive Committee members after last night's committee meeting:
"Last night, the NTD Executive Committee had a very spirited meeting and  discussion of the election. While we can be very proud of New Trier township and our state for voting overwhelmingly for Hillary we can also be proud of our NTD organization for accomplishing our goal to make the Northshore totally Blue again with the election of Congresman-elect Brad Schneider.
Moving forward we have elections coming up in 2018 and expect to work with 9United (the 9th Congressional District organization) to take back the Governor's seat as well as improve our Majority in Illinois' Statehouse and also in the U.S. Congress.
President Mandel went on to say that naturally two key elements for future success will be funds and dedicated participants. "We need to raise money to continue supporting good candidates. That means we need more Sustainers (Sustaining Members at $300 per year). If it is too much to do at one fell swoop, you can go to our NTD Page* and pay a modest amount per month."
"We also need E.C. members to commit to take on more responsibility for running programs and Committees. We will be encouraging our volunteers to join these committees but Board Members should lead in this effort and mentor talented volunteers to become committee heads. The bottom line is we must do more than we already do to affect change
in 2018."
As you can see, President Mandel is far from discouraged. None of us should be. Already, actions are being organized to begin pushing back against the Trump agenda. Several of them are noted in the newsletter articles below. If Donald Trump thinks he has now established himself to do as he pleases with the United States of America, it will soon be his turn to be shocked. We're just getting started.
P.S. Last week, New Dem member Nancy Pred sent out a link to a brilliant article by the great writer, Barbara Kingsolver. The title of the article is "Trump changed everything, now everything counts." -- She got that right. To read the article click here.
*(Go the NTD website "contribute page" then click on "Contribute using ActBlue." To set up monthly ActBlue contributions the Act Blue page has a tiny footnote that says "Click here to view the contribution form"). (This may not work with a cell phone.)
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 Here's a Holiday gift idea for New Trier Dems members:
In addition to paying your annual NTD dues why not give a one year NTD  membership gift to a family member, a friend or a relative. They'll become a part of great North Shore grassroots organization and receive a real incentive to participate in the political activities that are sure to enliven 2017. To deliver your gift(s) click here.
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Next Tuesday, Dec. 13 in Lake Bluff -- The Tenth Dems Member Appreciation Pizza Party
 What: Member Appreciation Pizza Party
When: Tuesday, December 13, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Where: Lake House, 525 Rockland Road, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Join the Tenth Dems for their Member Appreciation Pizza Party on Tuesday, December 13, from 6-8 pm. They'll be having pizza, pop and a salad bar.
Saturday, Dec. 17 in Deerfield --
A Conversation on the Affordable Care Act
When: Saturday, December 17, from 2:30 - 4:00pm
Where: Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Rd.,
What: ACA Consumer Advocacy hosts a discussion on what the Affordable Care Act has meant to consumers and how its potential repeal or dismantlement would impact Illinois families. Attendees will be invited to provide personal stories and information to our elected officials before they return to Washington, DC, for the 115th Congress and the scheduled debate on the fate of the ACA. The entire Illinois Congressional Delegation as well as members of the Illinois Assembly and Senate have been invited.
Sunday, January 22 in Evanston --
The Democratic Party of Evanston. is hosting a "Big Ideas" event to discuss the path forward.
 Who: Democrats and Progressives
What: Big Ideas organizing event
When: Sunday, January 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Fleetwood-Jourdain Center, 1655 Foster, Evanston
The Democratic Party of Evanston invites you to a grassroots organizing event to chart the path forward and form action groups for progressives to work together in 2017 and beyond. RSVP here or via Facebook
Friday, Jan 20 in Deerfield -- Tenth Dems Round-trip Transportation to the Women's March on Washington
 When: Friday, January 20, 2017 at 8:00pm
Where: Depart from The Home Depot, 655 Lake Cook Rd., Deerfield, IL
What: Tenth Congressional District Democrats is chartering a bus from Deerfield, IL to Washington, D.C. for the January 21st Women's March on Washington to arrive the morning of the March. It will leave Washington D.C. 45 minutes after the event ends, and will arrive back in Deerfield on Sunday morning, January 22nd. We will be sleeping on the bus for two nights.
Purpose of the March: Because women's rights are human rights. We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families - recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.
To sign up for the bus online, select Women's March on Washington at the top of the screen, and then pick Illinois and Deerfield from the drop down menu.
For further information about the March, please contact Kim Parson via text or call 847-714-3145.,
Friday, Jan 20 in Evanston -- Transportation for the Evanston Women's March on Washington
 Evanston residents who want to attend the Women's March on Washington on Saturday, January 21 but don't want to spend a lot on flights and hotels, have a perfect alternative: take a bus journey with other Evanstonians overnight to the March and back.
Their goal is to have a diverse, inclusive group of women, and anyone who supports human rights, on buses specifically for Evanston residents so that the journey to Washington DC is a community-building experience, and just as important as the destination.
PLEASE SPONSOR A RIDER -- so that every Evanstonian who wants to go to the WMW is able to do so, to help click here. The bus trip will now cost $164 per rider per Rallybus. Every amount is deeply appreciated. Thank you.
Note: We increased our initial fundraising goal to $3,542 so that twenty riders who need 100% support will be able to march in DC ($3,542 includes the gofundme processing fee of 8%). And even more riders will be able to go, should some riders need partial subsidy. Any funds not utilized by riders will be donated equally to Curt's Cafe and the Moran Center for Youth Advocacy; two Evanston non-profits.
Following the lead of the national organization, Evanston marchers will travel to DC on RallyBus, a company that determines the price of a ticket based on the number of riders. Two buses are already full annd a third is filling up fast.
For information on how to receive financial support for the trip or how to sign-up for the March go to wmwevanston.weebly.com .
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Save the date: Sunday Jan. 29, 1- 4pm --
It's the New Trier Committeeman's Annual Pizza Party at J.P.'s Pizza in Wilmette
on 4th St. just north of Linden.
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Other upcoming events and news items:
Friday, Dec. 9 in Chicago -- J Street Annual Chicago Luncheon
 When: Friday, December 9, at 12:00 noon
Where: Venue SIX 10, 610 South Michigan Ave., Chicago
J Street Chicago will hold its Annual Luncheon honoring Marilyn Katz with the Tzedek v'Shalom Award.
To RSVP and for more information, email Rabbi Alison Abrams at
The December 12 Ninth District Community Forum at Loyola University (Rogers Park) has been postponed.
 In the meantime 9th District Committeewoman Carol Ronen has this suggestion for action: Contact the Government Accountability Office (GAO):
You can help hold President-Elect Trump accountable to the people of the United States of America. The conflicts of interest that his business deals create need to be made public. We need to pressure the Government Accountability Office to audit Trump's finances for conflicts of interest
Call the GAO at 202-512-5500
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Have you visited Senator Biss' website "The Road Back" --
click on the link to his video -- then, throughout the summer 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.
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| 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 "Get Involved" tab
Find the link for "contribute with ActBlue"
or go directly there by clicking here.
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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.
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
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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.
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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 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.
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