News & Events


April 24, 2019







Mueller Report fatigue

The Mueller Report. It’s hard to believe but it’s only been 6 days (April 18) since a redacted version of the Mueller Report was released to the public. We’ve been hearing so much about it for so many months that many people have come to think of it as “old news.”
 
The stream of indictments of Trump associates, the steady rumors, the news show discussions, the preemptive denials of wrongdoing virtually every day by Trump and his protectors, have us feeling like this has been going on forever.
 
And this Mueller Report fatigue is what Republican leaders have been hoping for. For example, last week I heard a seasoned ABC news correspondent say she found all this turmoil  “exhausting.” – It is. -- But when you’re battling to keep a democracy healthy while others are expending so much energy to weaken it, feeling exhausted is a small price to pay.
 
Even with the Report’s release, we still don’t know all the details of what was uncovered -- nor, all of the implications. There are many redactions that need to be further investigated. And the months of preemptive denials, verbal games and outright lying from the Trump camp have further muddied the public’s perceptions.
 
The Report’s conclusion pretty much wrapped things up by saying, “to be continued.” But, not continued by Robert Mueller. He left it up to the constitutional powers vested in our U.S. Congress to follow up on the information his report provided. – He may, however, play a future role in in all this if he testifies before the U.S. House.
 
Soon after Mueller's Report was released, a newsperson on ABC faulted Democrats for being “obsessed” with Donald Trump when we should be dealing with important legislative work that needs attention. It is true that the unprecedented dance that has been going on between President Trump and Vladimir Putin’s regime has drawn a huge amount of interest from us Democrats. (And it should have received a lot more from Republicans.)
 
The Mueller Report did not find a direct connection between Donald Trump and Russian meddling in our elections. But it did clearly state that there was contact made between the Russians and close Trump associates, and that leading up to the elections the Russians did meddle. A foreign power communicating with our voters to affect the outcome of our elections is tantamount to a foreign invasion! – If that doesn’t justify some level of obsessiveness I don’t know what should.
 
Impeachment. Those thoughts bring me to another subject that has been getting a lot of headlines: The continuing debate about the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
 
In the March issue of The Atlantic Magazine the word “Impeach” emblazoned its cover. Inside was a long and thoughtful essay on why the U.S. House should begin impeachment proceedings. And in today's Sun Times , columnist, Phil Kadner presented reasons he strongly believes: “Now is the time for impeachment."
 
The Atlantic discussed the increasingly troubling behavior of our 45th president, our nation’s impeachment history, how the process works, and most importantly why such drastic steps should be taken by our Congress rather than waiting for the electorate to remove Trump from office in 2020. In the author’s opinion, it is the duty of Congress to do this unpleasant (and politically risky) job. To avoid starting a justifiable impeachment will give Trump (and any future terrible president) a pass on all sorts of reckless behavior in our nation’s highest office .
 
Phil Kadner’s reasoning for encouraging Donald Trump’s impeachment was pretty specific. He rightfully observed that Trump has shown us what he is capable of doing to hold the support of his loyal followers. At this point we know he has no moral compass and no limits when he feels threatened. For us to trust that in the coming 18 months leading up to the 2020 election, President Trump and his increasingly shady circle of advisors will not resort to whatever it takes to win, is naïve. Keeping Trump in office is a dangerous gamble.
 
Unfortunately, Mueller's report conclusion pretty much dumped this dilemma in House Speaker Pelosi’s lap. I have great admiration for her political skills but I don’t envy the complex situation she’s facing. Mueller’s conclusions found no prosecutable evidence linking Russia and President Trump, but didn’t say there was no questionable (even impeachable) behavior. Mueller more or less said he was trusting Congress to further look into this mess.
 
Speaker Pelosi is saying it is too early to discuss the subject of impeachment. It looks to me like she’s not ready to pull that trigger until there is more evidence that more of the public is open to such an action. Perhaps that situation will never be reached. -- However, today in Iowa, a Republican legislator, after 40 years in office, has crossed over to the Democratic Party. His reason was the far right swing of Republicans and Donald Trump as that party’s leader.
 
So, who knows? As the present army of Democratic presidential candidates crisscrosses America presenting their positions, perhaps Donald Trump’s false promises will become more apparent to still unhappy supporters. The tide could begin to turn.

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973
New Trier Democrats' Events
Thursday, May 16, 2019: New Trier Democrats’ Spring Networking Pop-Up

When : Thursday, May 16, 2019 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
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.
Other Events of Interest
Inclusion in our "Other Events of Interest" List – whether it’s a fundraising event for a specific candidate or an event concerning a particular issue – does not mean that the New Trier Democrats have endorsed that candidate or adopted that position on an issue. 
Tomorrow Night, April 25, 2019: A Conversation With Civil Rights Icon Diane Nash

When : Thursday, April 25, 2019 from 5:15pm to 6:15pm
Where : Northwestern University, Lutkin Memorial Hall, 700 University Place, Evanston
What : Civil rights activist Diane Nash will participate in a campus conversation with Dr. Martha Biondi, Lorraine H. Morton Professor of African American Studies at Northwestern University. Attendance to the event is free and open to the public.
This Saturday, April 27, 2019: Feminism On Tap

When : Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Where : Revolution Brewing Brew Pub, 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
What : Join the Young Women’s Giving Council of Chicago Foundation for Women (YWGC) for an afternoon of food, drinks and raffle prizes. Hear from one of the Council’s grantees, Assata’s Daughters, and enjoy an opportunity to mingle with like-minded members of the community. Must be age 21 and up to attend. Assata’s Daughters works to involve teens of color in the political and activist process. Funds raised will support grantmaking to women and girls’ access to healthcare, financial security & safety. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
This Sunday, April 28, 2019: The Stevenson Center Presents “An Analysis of Prescription Prices: Can We Afford the Cure?”

When : Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2:00pm
Where : The Stevenson Center on Democracy, 25200 N. St. Mary’s Rd., Mettawa (Libertyville)
What:  Tom Gochenour, part time staff pharmacist and chief compounder for Rush University Medical Center, will trace the evolution of the prescription marketplace from 1972, the year he became a pharmacist, to the present. Through this journey, he will refer to sentinel events and legislation that has led to our current condition in which the list price of some medications can cost over $25,000 per month. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
This Sunday, April 28, 2019: Book Release Party for “Yes She Can: 10 Stories of Hope & Change from Young Female Staffers of the Obama White House”

When : Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2:00pm
Where : The Book Stall, 811 Elm Street, Winnetka
What : A book release party with editor Molly Dillon and contributors from her new anthology, “Yes She Can: 10 Stories of Hope & Change from Young Female Staffers of the Obama White House.” This title for young women by young women features stories from 10 young staffers who joined Mr. Obama’s administration in their 20s with the hope of making a difference. Contributors on hand to celebrate and discuss their work include: Molly Dillon, Andrea Flores, Eleanor Celeste, Nita Contreras, Taylor Lustig, Jenna Brayton and Kalisha Dessources. Molly Dillon, a native of Highland Park, served in the White House from 2013 to 2017 in the Domestic Policy Council’s Office of Urban Affairs, Justice and Opportunity. This event is recommended for ages 12 and up, and is free and open to the public. The Book Stall asks that you buy your copies of Yes She Can from The Book Stall if you intend on entering the book-signing queue.
Monday, April 29, 2019: State Matters – IL Informed Live Podcast Recording With Daniel Biss

When : Monday, April 29, 2019 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Where : Lagunitas Brewing Company, The Basement, 2607 West 17th St., Chicago, IL 60608
What : Daniel Biss, former state legislator/gubernatorial candidate, and artist/activist Glenance Green host a live podcast recording about how Illinois state government works. Special guests: State Senator Ram Villivalam and Khadine Bennett, Director of Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs with the ACLU of Illinois.  Topics include the current Illinois legislative session, bills circulating, and gossip running through the halls. Must be 21 or older to attend. For more information or to purchase tickets,  register online  or visit the  Facebook page .
Saturday, May 4, 2019: A Safe Place 7th Annual EmpoweRun 5K

When : Saturday, May 4, 2019 (Registration begins at 7:30am; Race starts at 9:00am)
Where : Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 Buckley Road in Libertyville
What: Get your team together and run or walk the scenic trails of the forest preserve. All runners receive a t-shirt, goody bag, and access to family fun activities. All proceeds raised that evening help A Safe Place continue to provide lifesaving services for survivors of domestic violence.  Link to register now.
Saturday, May 4, 2019: Human Trafficking Community Forum

When : Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 10:00am to 12:00 noon
Where : Evanston Township High School – Upstairs Theater, 1600 Dodge Ave., Evanston.  Entrance #2, Parking lot #2
What : North Shore (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, hosts a forum addressing how community organizations are working to identify and tackle trafficking channels. The event will feature a discussion with Pamela Young Samuels, attorney and NAACP award-winning author of  Anybody’s   Daughter , a novel   which takes readers inside the disturbing world of child sex trafficking. The event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, May 4, 2019: CASA Silver Anniversary Gala

When : Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 6:00pm
Where : InterContinental Chicago, 505 Michigan Ave., Chicago
What : Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Lake County holds its Silver Anniversary Gala celebrating the people who helped CASA change the lives of over 2,000 abused and neglected children over the past 25 years. The evening features cocktails, dinner, music, dancing and auctions. Special guest speaker: Alison Myers, former Lake County CASA child. For more information or to purchase tickets,  register online.
Saturday, May 4, 2019: NAMI CCNS Annual Gala Puts Childrens’ Mental Health First

When : Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 6:30pm to 10:00pm.
Where : Michigan Shores Club, 911 Michigan Ave., Wilmette
What : NAMI CCNS (National Alliance on Mental Illness Cook County North Suburban) holds its annual gala. Guest speaker: AJ Mendez, former WWE wrestling champion and author of the New York Times bestseller,  Crazy is My Superpower . The event features food, music, raffles, auctions and entertainment. Proceeds go to fight childhood suicide and support mental health programs in the Chicagoland area. Meet & Greet AJ Mendez from 6:00 – 7:00pm. For additional information or to purchase tickets,  register online  or call 847-716-2252.
Sunday, May 5, 2019: The Stevenson Center on Democracy Hosts “Building MLK’s Beloved Community”

When : Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 2:00pm
Where : The Stevenson Center on Democracy, 25200 N. St. Mary’s Rd., Mettawa (Libertyville)
What : A team from the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago will speak about their work building safe, peaceful and just communities. Director of Programs Chris Patterson will describe Nonviolence Chicago’s background and initiatives; Kejuan Scott, a participant, will talk about how Nonviolence Chicago and the READI program have positively impacted his life; and Teny Gross, the Executive Director, will tell us about Nonviolence Chicago’s role in building and supporting the city-wide collaborative architecture of violence prevention and intervention services.  Register here , and for more information regarding this event contact Tara Dabney via email at [email protected].
Monday, May 6, 2019: Jan Schakowsky’s Ultimate Women’s Power Lunch With Nancy Pelosi

When : Monday, May 6, 2019. Registration opens: 11:30am, Luncheon and program: 12:00 noon to 2:00pm
Where : Hilton Chicago International Ballroom, 720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago
What : Join Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky at her 18th Annual Ultimate Women’s Power Lunch with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as Keynoter.  Register online. For more information, call Sarah Gersten in Jan’s office at 847-424-1998 or email [email protected].
Tuesday, May 7, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s May Meeting on Healthcare

When : Tuesday, May 7, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Lorraine G. Morton Civic Center, Parasol Room, 4th Floor, 2100 Ridge Ave., Evanston
What : Join Indivisible Evanston for its monthly meeting and find out how you can take action to resist the Trump agenda in 2019, as well as how you can help support progressive legislation and candidates for office. Their May meeting will feature an in-depth look into Healthcare with Panel Speakers: Leslie Combs, District Director for Jan Schakowsky; John Berryman, Physicians for a National Health Program; and Graciela Guzman, Protect Our Care IL. All are welcome to come, learn, and to get involved! For more information or to RSVP, visit  their Facebook event page .
Wednesday, May 8, 2019: Rep. Robyn Gabel’s Chief of Staff, Karen McCormick, Available For Assistance

When : Wednesday, May 8, 2019 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Where : New Trier Township Hall, 739 Elm St., Winnetka
What : Chief of Staff Karen McCormick will be available to assist township residents and neighbors who have questions about State of Illinois services. They are encouraged to drop by and visit during the scheduled office hours.
Thursday. May 9, 2019: Environmental Advocacy Day 2019

When : Thursday, May 9, 2019 from 6:00am to 6:00pm
Where : The bus is departing from the St. Joseph Catholic Church Formation Center, 112 North Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville
What : Join supporters of the Illinois Environmental Council, Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club and Faith in Place at The Capitol in Springfield for the 2019 Environmental Lobby Day for an energizing rally with inspiring speakers.  Information Link for Mandatory Registration.
Thursday, May 9, 2019: Women Employed Hosts “The Working Lunch”

When : Thursday, May 9, 2019 from 11:00am to 1:30pm. Networking reception: 11:00am; Program: 11:45am
Where : Hyatt Regency Chicago, Grand Ballroom, 151 East Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago
What : Come to “The Working Lunch” for an energizing conversation with influential leaders about manifesting and celebrating the power of women from the boardroom to the ballot and beyond. For additional information or to purchase tickets,  register online .
Friday, May 10, 2019: A Safe Place Hosts Wine Women & Shoes 2019

When : Friday, May 10, 2019 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Where : Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Ten Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
What : A Safe Place hosts its third annual Wine Women and Shoes fundraiser. The event features unlimited wine tasting, a multi-designer marketplace, charming Shoe Guys serving up must-have items on silver platters, raffles, silent and live auctions, and other attractions. Proceeds support the work of A Safe Place, assisting victims of domestic violence. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Monday, May 13, 2019: League of Women Voters of Cook Co.’s Annual Meeting With Assessor Fritz Kaegi

When : Monday, May 13, 2019; 9:30am: Registration, Coffee/Muffins; 10:00am: Annual Business Meeting; 11:30am to 1:00pm: Buffet Luncheon
Where : University Center, Lake Room, 525 S. State St., Chicago. Directions and parking info at  www.universitycenter.com
What : LWVCC holds its Annual Meeting and Luncheon. Featured speaker at noon: Fritz Kaegi, the new Cook County Assessor. All members of Leagues in Cook County (and friends) are welcome. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online   or email [email protected] or call 312-939-5935.
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