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NTD NEWS
January 25, 2017
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It's only been a few days since Donald Trump was inaugurated but it feels like it's been months. So much has happened and continues to happen every day. The Inauguration itself wasn't especially dramatic. For most of us it was kind of a non-event. In fact, I skipped it. I didn't expect to see anything to inspire me. So, other than a perverse curiosity as to what The Donald might say and how he might act, there was not much reason to watch. Later, when I did watch highlights from Trump's brief, pugnacious and rambling Inauguration Address, I was glad I hadn't wasted my time. The columnist and Republican apologist George Will said it was "the worst Inauguration Address in history." - Who am I to disagree with Mr. Will?
No, what made these past few days seem overstuffed with such powerful images was what started happening the day after President Trump's swearing  in. Hundreds of thousands of women (like my daughter-in-law to the right) and men showed up in demonstrations across the United States -- and in foreign lands too. They were not marching for any single issue, but you could say they were united behind one common cause. They were all making a statement that there are many, many of us who will not sit still while a new President and his Administration literally attempt to reverse human progress. Over the past several weeks as we watched Donald Trump announce his choices for cabinet, it became clear that this was what was about to occur.
With few exceptions, Trump's cabinet choices have been men and women who built personal careers that depended on continued negative outcomes for our society, whether involving our environment, health care, the rights of women, publicly funded schools, the financial stability of the middle class or universal human rights. So although there were a variety of issues motivating the individuals among the thousands of marchers, the participants were unified behind one cause - stopping Trump.
The President's petulant reaction to the gigantic turnout of post-Inaugural  demonstrations has added to the feeling that the tension surrounding this days-old Presidencyhas been going on for months. His twitter activity and public pronouncements about crowd size has received a ridiculous amount of news coverage. It dominated newscasts several days in a row, and still hasn't completely stopped. I suspect that this will not be the last time we see newscasts dominated by "mine is bigger than yours" verbal battles spurred by President Trump's strange insecurities. Perhaps we will all become accustomed to it to a point where it will be no more than an entertaining Trump eccentricity. But I'm afraid such prideful sensitivity in a President is more dangerous than amusing.
Adding to the feeling that Inauguration Day was weeks ago has been President Trump's immediate signing of executive orders that could develop into large confrontations. Trump's signings do seem to reinforce that he is keeping his promises to his supporters. But whether the actions have real substance is still questionable. For example, he declared that by reopening the XL Pipeline he had instantly created 28,000 new jobs. However, Reuters reports that those jobs will only last until the pipeline is completed in the not too distant future, then the number of permanent jobs will be between 12 and 24. (That's right, two digit numbers.)
We already knew that Donald Trump has become an expert at making headline-grabbing statements. The more his random comments clog up the media, the more we feel the presence of our new "leader." It starts feeling like he's everywhere. It seems to me, the answer to that tactic is that our side must consistently find ways to play that same game - but with actions and statements that have real substance. The gatherings we just witnessed across America are an example. Throughout the rest of this year I think that's what we're going to see happen, and we should support that effort.
Creating a presence doesn't have to be confined to big events. Everyday involvement in town meetings, at forums (Republican as well as progressive) and in grassroots political campaigns are all routes to be followed. Also, our efforts can't all be about opposition. Democrats need to be active in support of specific goals.
During Donald Trump's campaign his crowds heard language that spoke to Trump's goals for the people in his audiences (usually supported by vague promises). In the coming months, as we move into efforts to elect Democrats in 2017 and 2018 contests we should push our candidates to articulate plans that pursue specific outcomes, not just general positions. Democrats should run on agendas that specify legislation and programs that will result in happier, more secure, more hopeful lives for all Americans. And they should  speak out with reasons why the Republican Party's plans led by the Trump Administration will hurt the very people they promised to help.
If the past five days are any indication of things to come, 2017 is going to feel like a very long year. But since we have to put up with it, we should make sure the year feels even longer for the Republicans.
Nels Howard
NTDO member since 1973
PS: Don't forget the New Trier Committeeman's Pizza Party is this Sunday.
See the info below. It's a great opportunity to talk with many of our local elected Democrats in a casual, pizza-feasting setting. See you there!
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The White House has an official petition site, which President Obama initiated and which President Trump has vowed to continue.
The premise is that if a petition receives 100,000 signatures, the issue will be explored. A petition was posted Saturday asking the new president to release his tax returns. It's the first petition on the page. It has already been signed by 200,000+ people. The goal is to get millions to sign it so pass this info n. We need to take actions small and large, and this is an easy one. To add your name to the petition
click here.
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"Join the Resistance" with a choice of activities suggested by Congresswoman Schakowsky and her staff. Click here.
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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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The Senate decision on making Alabama's Senator Jeff Sessions
the next Attorney General of the the United States
is scheduled for next Tuesday, Jan. 31! -- Here is how Senator Durbin responded to the NTDO's personal letter.
 A few weeks ago, the NTD News reprinted a letter sent by the NTDO Executive Committee to
Senator Dick Durbin, urging him to oppose the appointment of
Senator Jeff Sessions to become the next U.S. Attorney General. -- Late last week, we received a response from the Senator's office. Although the words were encouraging, the letter had the impersonal tone of a response sent to concerned constituents in general.
Senator Durbin's letter included this language:
"Senator Sessions has  developed an extensive record on issues over which he would wield significant power as Attorney General. I am concerned by Senator Sessions' long-standing views on an array of issues, including voting rights, immigration, and criminal justice reform." --
However, Senator Durbin included no assurances that he would vote against Senator Sessions' appointment. His letter simply concluded with Senator Durbin saying he "would keep our views in mind."
The letter our Exec. Committee sent to our state's senior U.S. Senator was very detailed in our objections to any action that would legitimize Senator Sessions' long history of opposition to equal treatment for every American regardless of their color, nationality, religion, gender or sexual orientation. There should be no question in Senator Durbin's mind that
Senator Sessions does not deserve the honor of being our nation's next Attorney General.
If you agree with this conclusion, you should contact Senator Durbin by phone at
202-224-2152 and/or 312-353-4952 or through his website.
You should also contact Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth who will also be voting on the Sessions' appointment. Phone (202) 224-2854 or (312) 886-3506 or through her website.
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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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Other upcoming events and news items:
This Saturday, Jan. 28 in Chicago -
A demonstration to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline.
When:
Saturday, January 28, at 12:00 noon
Where:
Trump International Hotel & Tower, 401 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago
What:
Demonstration at Trump Tower to show opposition to President Trump's decision to build the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Thursday, Feb. 2 in Glencoe -- Let's Talk Politics
When: Thursday, February 2, at 7:30pm
Where: Glencoe Historical Society, 375 Park Avenue, Glencoe. -- The building is just through the Eklund Garden on the north side of Park Avenue.
What: TDU's Let's Talk Politics is a moderated discussion that allows opportunities for Democrats, liberals, and progressives in and around the 10th District to talk about important issues of the day with each other and guests who often include elected officials, candidates, political analysts, and authors. For additional information or to RSVP, register online, email events@tenthdems.org or call 847-266-VOTE (8683).
If you're not traveling to Washington on Jan. 20, you can Laugh with fellow Democrats at the Capitol Steps in Skokie!
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.
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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.
Brad Schneider, 10th U.S. Congressional District Representative which includes a number of precincts in Glencoe. (His Congressional website is under construction.)
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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| 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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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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