Idealism -- Integrity -- Independence

NTD NEWS    January 9, 2019

It's been seven weeks since I wrote my last commentary for the NTD News. -- Wow, that time went by fast! -- So now I will attempt to get back into my commentary groove. During those weeks I did enjoy taking a break from visiting Donald Trump's psychotic incompetence, his MAGA followers' inexplicable blindness and the Republican Party's spineless acceptance of the president's dangerous whims.  
     Of course, I was never completely relieved from thinking about all that stuff. Each day's news made sure of that. Last night's presidential address from the Oval Office was just the most recent event in a growing collection of bizarre presidential moments that will someday fill history's embarrassing chapter about America's 45th president.  
     But getting back to my involvement with the NTD News, I must say that although I have frequently used this newsletter to vent my frustration and anger over President Trump and his enablers, I have tried to keep that from being this newsletter's purpose. Whenever possible, I've tried to present reasons for all of us to not turn our backs on the critically important struggle we progressives face -- for the good of our country and the world.  
     Each week I've tried to remind every reader (as well as myself) that we can't stop believing that a better government is possible if we all stick with it. Last November's mid-term elections certainly bolstered my hopes for the future. And even though we're only into the first few days of the Democratic Party's House majority in the 116th Congress, I feel sure that in the coming months, writing about the ideas and legislation generated by the new Democrats in the U.S. House will be a welcome pleasure.  
     The reason for my optimism was sparked by what I saw this past Sunday as I watched four of those new House Democrats sit in a round-table interview with Face Nation's Margaret Brennan:   
     Rep. Max Rose (D-N.Y.), age 32, is a graduate of Wesleyan University with an MS degree from the London School of Economics, University of Oxford. He is former Army Ranger officer, a veteran of Afghanistan, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient and an impressively reasonable and articulate young man.   
     Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas), age 35, is a Baylor graduate and retired NFL Tennesee Titans linebacker who went on to earn a JD law degree from Berkeley. He defeated an incumbent Republican who had held his district's congressional seat for 15 years. Alred was elected co-president of the 116th Congressional Freshman Class.  
     Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) 46 , is mother of four. She's a Graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who served 9 years in the Navy achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. She holds an MS degree from the London School of Economics, and a JD degree from Georgetown University.      
     Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn), 45, is married, has four children and is the first black Democratic House member from Connecticut. She had a difficult upbringing where street violence was a fact of life. She holds a Masters Degree in curriculum and instruction from University of St. Joseph and in 2016 was named Connecticut's Teacher of the Year.  
     "Thrilling" is the best word I can think of to describe the experience of watching these remarkable young congress members discuss national issues. What a wonderful change from so many past Sunday mornings that settled for the hollow mouthings of Paul Ryan's mediocre crew.  
     And what is so encouraging about what I witnessed last Sunday is that there are dozens more bright, young congressional Democrats who will be adding fresh perspectives to the national dialogue. -- That includes our region's own impressive new additions to Washington, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood and Congressman Sean Casten.  
     No doubt 2019 will be a tumultuous year. The 2020 presidential campaigns have already begun, and who knows what craziness may yet be generated by an insecure Donald Trump. Even so, the quality and fresh perspectives of the new Democratic majority in the House is a solid start for better days ahead.  
     I'm looking forward to it. Hope you are too.

Nels Howard
NTDO member since 1973

P.S. If you'd like to view the Face the Nation interview with the new House Democrats mentioned above, go to the YouTube website and search for "Face the Nation, January 6, 2019." You should get a choice of program segments. It's worth viewing.
Happy New Year!
 
It's time to renew your 
New Trier Democrats  membership 
or become a member in 2019!

Your membership keeps the New Trier Democrats running and supports our ongoing grassroots efforts. Thanks to you  the North Shore is all Blue! 
 
 
Our membership dues renewal will now be required at the start of each calendar year rather than based on random 12 month periods. No more "rolling dues." We are doing this to make it easier for our members to remember when to update their membership. 

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or if you'd rather send a check, make it payable to:

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Thank You for your support!

Sunday, January 20th
Democratic Committeeman Dean Maragos' 
 Volunteer Appreciation Party

When: Sunday, January 20, 2019 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
What: New Trier Democratic Committeeman Dean Maragos hosts his annual Volunteer Appreciation Party to say "thank you" to all those who helped New Trier Dems this past year. It's always a nice event and an excellent way to personally meet other North Shore Democrats and many of our local office holders. Please join us for free pizza and a fun afternoon!

Other events of interest:
 
Saturday, January 12 in Vernon Hills - Tenth Dems Day of Service and Community Expo

When: Saturday, January 12, 2019 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Sullivan Center, 635 N. Aspen Dr., Vernon Hills
What: Tenth Dems hosts an opportunity for local organizations to showcase what they do, hand out flyers, recruit volunteers, or encourage attendees to take part in a service project in the future or even as the Expo is taking place.  More than 30 not-for-profits will be participating.  This family-friendly event supports Governor-elect JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor-elect Juliana Stratton's call for a Day of Service to give back to thousands of our neighbors. Join the Tenth Dems Team on this Day of Service, making a difference in the lives of our neighbors.  If you're interested in helping organize (lead) a service project (small or large) in our area, or if your organization would like to participate, email events@tenthdems.org. Free admission, refreshments will be served.
 
Sunday, January 13 at the new DPOe office in Evanston --  
A Dan Seals Campaign Reunion
 
When: Sunday, January 13, 2pm - 4pm
Where: NEW DPOE Headquarters, 1806 Church St., Evanston  -- Just east of Dodge Avenue.
What: A reunion of all the folks who volunteered in one or more of Dan Seals campaigns. Come say hello to Dan, check out the new DPOE office, conveniently near Evanston High School, and get reacquainted with your old campaign friends.
 
Saturday, January 19 in Chicago -  Young Women's March Rally 2019

When: Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 10:00am
Where: Federal Plaza, 219 S. Dearborn St., Chicago
What: Young women and allies of all ages are coming together in Chicago to stand in solidarity with the Women's March on January 19, 2019! The Women's March believes that the single most powerful act we can do is prepare young people with the skills and commitments to take action around causes that matter to them with courage, compassion, and collaboration. This rally is youth-organized and youth-led, but everyone young and old is invited to attend this event. Youth Empower is the youth voice of the Women's March Network, aligned with the Women's March Unity Principles. Note, this rally is not associated with We March On Chicago/Women's March Chicago.  RSVP online, and for more information  visit their Facebook page .

Sunday, January 27 in Skokie - The Capitol Steps With Tenth Dems

When: Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 2:00pm
Where: Center Theatre, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
What: A performance of "Make America Grin Again" by the political satire comedy troupe The Capitol Steps. For more information or to order tickets,   register online.  If you're interested in joining Tenth Dems for the show and/or for the dinner around 5:00 pm,  click here or call (847) 266-VOTE (8683).
 
Wednesday, January 30 in Chicago -  Personal PAC Chicago Pizza Tour 
 
When: Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Where: Labriola Chicago, 535 North Michigan Ave., Chicago
What: Personal PAC Chicago sponsors a three-hour tour featuring three styles of pizza, wine/beer and transportation by coach.  Attendees will have a unique opportunity to learn about Chicago's pizza culture from a connoisseur, while tasting the best pizza the city has to offer.  Tour guide:  ABC News food reporter Hungry Hound Steve Dolinsky. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Malia Huff at 312-422-0005 or email maliah@personalpac.org.
 
Monday, February 11 in  Northbrook -  Screening and Discussion of Documentary the "The Hunting Ground"
 
When: Monday, February 11, 2019 from 7:00 - 8:30pm
Where: Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
What: A film documenting the stories of undergraduate survivors of sexual assault, the response from their schools, and the campus culture that allows assault to go unchecked.  A discussion, led by the Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (CASA), will follow the screening.  Free admission. For additional information or to reserve a spot,  register online.
 
Thursday, February 21 in Wilmette -  New Trier Democrats' Winter Networking Pop-Up
 
When: Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Rock House, 1150 Central Ave., Wilmette
What: Let's get together and talk politics! New Trier Democrats invite you to join us for drinks, mingling and conversation. Here's a great opportunity to network with like-minded people in our area and form connections with other Dems and activists. Drinks will be available for purchase. This event is not a fundraiser - It's just an opportunity to have fun and meet other area Dems as well as some of our local representatives.

Your Legislators:


Legislators Democratic Legislators
who represent New Trier Township in 
Washington, Springfield and Cook County 
 


  Bob Morgan

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.
     
Laura Fine, 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.   
 
Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, IL 17th District State Representative.
The 17th District includes the East Glenview and West Wilmette areas of New Trier Township.

Robyn Gabel ,  IL 18th District State Representative . The 18th District includes much of New Trier up to Hazel Avenue and Dundee Road.

Bob Morgan,  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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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.