NTD NEWS
September 6, 2017
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Today's commentary is being written on Tuesday, Sept. 5 because the writer will be headed for Door County Wednesday morning. So, if President Trump or one of his minions does something historically stupid on Sept. 6 (always a good chance) it's not my fault if it isn't mentioned. This was written yesterday.
Monday was labor day,
and I hope all of you out there in America's workforce enjoyed your extended weekend. Personally, being a longtime retired person, the weeks in my life with three-day holiday weekends attached are pretty much like all the other weeks - laid back. In fact, I'm afraid if it weren't for writing this newsletter every Wednesday, I'd really lose track of time.
Until about an hour ago I had planned at this early point in today's commentary to quickly segue into a brief discussion of how time flies. (This is especially on my mind because of the event I'll be celebrating up in Door County getaway.) I planned to make the point that with time flying past us, we should all try to catch special opportunities when they come along - the upcoming NTDO picnic being one of those unique opportunities. Pretty smooth, eh?
Then I saw the news that President Trump had decided to discontinue the government's Dream Act initiative (DACA). In the coming days there will no doubt be many words written about this sad and foolish action. But I felt I should at least mention this most recent example of the triumph of fear, ignorance and political games over logic, human decency and the best interests of our nation.
Recently President Trump hinted that although as candidate Trump he campaigned to end DACA, he now has reservations about following  through on his promise. His heart was telling him that good intentioned, law abiding, productive young members of our society would be terribly hurt through no fault of their  own. Evidently the hearts of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Attorneys General of 10 or our states, led by Texas' A.G Ken Paxton, had no such qualms. And in the end, neither did the heart of "The Donald."
Their cry is "the rule of law comes first." Yeah, right. Back in the good old Jim Crow Days, Alabama's Jeff Sessions sure did  believe strongly in his Alabama laws -- as long as "the law" kept black Alabamans in their place. These hypocrites don't even have the support of many members of their own Republican Party on this issue. One hopes that this opens the possibility for some sort of bipartisan legislation that does the right thing, or at least something close to that. -- It could happen.
I saw in the news that a young DACA Dreamer, Alonzo Guillen,  who had been given hope for his future under DACA died trying to get his boat into a flooded Houston neighborhood to help its residents. I wonder if Jeff Sessions or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ever risked his life to help a person in dire need? What would be your guess?
Based on the rhetoric thrown abound during Trump's campaign we all expected that the election of Donald Trump would generate some disgusting policies. Trump's latest certainly qualifies. History is not going to judge this man or his administration or his unbending congressional supporters kindly.
But let me get back to where I started with these comments. In today's hyper-
political climate,
there are events happening each day with the power to depress or anger us. Today's DACA news was just one more example. And as this seemingly endless string of disturbing days flies past us, it's easy to miss any of the good stuff that's happening.
So, when you get a chance to lift your spirits by conversing with a crowd of smart, caring fellow Americans like yourself, gathered in a  beautiful lakeside setting, you should grab that opportunity. You are invited to join in, this Sunday at 2 pm at the beach shelter in Wilmette's Gillson Park. And if you're a New Trier Dem member, the positive stuff starts one hour earlier at 1pm with the NTDO Annual Meeting in Gillson Park's Lakeview Center.
The NTD picnic is a once a year event. There are always plenty of one-on-one conversations with our legislators and aspiring candidates. The food, hot off the grill, and beautiful Lake Michigan just steps away, make the afternoon even nicer.
So that's my end of summer advice to you. This weekend, take the time to include the New Trier Dems picnic in your plans. You'll feel so much better after you've participated. And next Monday's headlines from the White House may be just a little easier to take. Really, life's too short.
Nels Howard
NTDO member since 1973
P.S. I mentioned above that my thoughts about the flight of time were connected to my getaway to Door County. My wife Linda and I are headed there to join family members and friends in celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary. So, trust me. When I talk about how fast time flies, I speak from experience.
Are your NTD annual dues up to date? You can only vote at endorsement meetings if you're paid up.
Check with the NTD office if you're not sure when your "annual dues date" is.
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To renew your NTD membership or to become an official member of the New Trier Dems for the first time,
visit our
NTDO website. You'll see information on all your membership options.
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This Sunday, September 10
The NTDO Annual Meeting & Picnic
Annual Meeting for NTDO Members
in the Lake View Center Conference Room
at 1 pm
Picnic for Everybody in the Beach Pavilion
2pm - 4pm
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Upcoming Events of interest:
Tuesday Sept. 5 and Friday Sept. 8 in Glenview - Phone Bank for Congressman Brad Schneider
 When: Tuesday, September 5, from 5:00 - 8:30pm
Friday, September 8, from 11:00am - 2:00pm
Where: The Democrats of Northfield Township, 1926 Waukegan Rd., Suite 310, Glenview
What: Join Team Brad to call volunteers and invite them to the campaign kickoff on September 9. Please bring a charged cell phone and laptop computer.
For additional information or to RSVP, register online or email
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHcpyb8fiUt7kYK4qo1yROBlraPtk1z7xjfcz7hqU7zAwWng/viewform
Saturday, Sept. 9 in Deerfield - The Campaign Kickoff to Reelect Brad Schneider.
When
: Saturday, September 9, at 10:00am
Where
: Warehouse Eatery, 833 Deerfield Road, Deerfield, IL
What
: Official kickoff for 10th District Congressman Brad Schneider's 2018 reelection campaign. -- Democrats across the U.S. are fighting to recapture control of Congress. Help reelect Brad and keep the 10th District blue!
Saturday, Sept. 16 in Springfield - The Illinois Democratic Women
45th Annual Convention
 When: Saturday,September 16
Where: IBEW Local 193, 3150 Wide Track Drive
Crowne Plaza, 3000 S Dirksen Parkway. Springfield, IL
Join Democratic Women from across our state to discuss the issues facing our state and nation and what can be done to turn things around.1 pm-5pm Workshop Sessions 6:00-9:00pm Dinner and
Keynote Speaker: Krystal Ball, author, activist and President of the People's House Project. To read her bio click here.
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FYI: The NTDO Events Calendar
for the rest of 2017
June 23-24 GLENCOE SIDEWALK SALE
9 am-5 pm Downtown Glencoe
July 14 -15
WINNETKA SIDEWALK SALE
9 am-5 pm Downtown Winnetka
July 17 ANNUAL MEET AND GREET at AVLI ESTIATORIO
566 Chestnut, Winnetka, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
July 22 -23 WILMETTE SIDEWALK SALE
9am-5pm Downtown Wilmette
Sept. 10 NTDO ANNUAL MEETING AND PICNIC
Lake View Room and Beach Pavilion 1 pm - 4 pm
Oct. 8 2017 NTDO ANNUAL DINNER
Maggiano's Old Orchard, Skokie, 5 pm-9 pm
Nov. (Date & Place TBA)
"HEAD START FOR 2018" CONFERENCE
All North Shore Democrats Invited
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The guest speaker for the October 8, 2017 NTD Annual Dinner has been confirmed.
 It's Congressman Mike Quigley. As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Quigley will bring his perspective on the possible Russian meddling in our 2016 Election and the seriousness of such a threat to our democratic process. (Were any Trump operatives involved?) -- By October, who knows what our guest speaker may have to report?
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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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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
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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 "Join/Contribute" button
Find the link for "contribute with ActBlue"
or go directly to ActBlue 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, 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.
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