News & Events


August 14, 2019
Europeans only!
This past 4th of July holiday, I took the day off from writing this weekly commentary. Instead, I simply displayed these key words from the famous plaque at our Statue of Liberty: "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...”
 
The words come from a poem written by Emma Lazarus in 1883 to raise money for the construction of a pedestal for the Statue of Liberty. In 1903, the poem was cast onto a bronze plaque and mounted inside the pedestal's lower level.
 
Although those words don’t date back to 1776 and the founding of our nation, I thought they summed up a standard of behavior for our United States that began to germinate with the writing of our Declaration of Independence. It has grown into a worthy ideal that has repeatedly reminded Americans – at least, I believe, the majority of Americans – that offering a harbor of hope to people of goodwill, hungry to thrive in a free society, is a quality America should always champion.
 
But yesterday, Ken Cuccinelli, President Trump’s acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, clarified the Trump Administration’s understanding of those inspiring words. He said the Emma Lazarus poem only referred to “people coming from Europe.” As he put it, “people who can stand on their own two feet.”
 
Before I even get into how misguided his words were, I have to point out that Mr. Cuccinelli’s boss, Donald J. Trump, has owned businesses that have pleaded for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on at least 4 occasions. – It seems “standing on your own two feet” is easier when you can force your numerous creditors to eat a lot of the debt you created.
 
I also see some irony in that Mr. Cuccinelli’s name, although of European extraction, likely gave his forebears a bit of trouble when they came to our shores from Italy. Although it is a European nation, Italians were not always welcomed with open arms by many long-time American citizens. I cannot believe Cuccinelli isn’t aware of this, however I can believe he has about the same amount of empathy and perspective as his leader – zilch.
 
But I digress. Ken Cuccinelli’s comments were made a day after the Trump Administration announced it will work to deny green cards to migrants who seek Medicaid, food stamps, housing vouchers or other forms of public assistance.
 
I suspect that a lot of this new positioning has to do with the Trump 2020 Presidential Campaign and its appeal to Trump’s hardcore supporters. They want their voters to view the Latin American refugees in our country and on our border as undeserving of any “safe harbor,” no matter what their reasons for seeking asylum.
 
The Trump Administration would like their audience to believe that we got where we are today thanks to the work ethic and wholesome values of longtime American citizens, not “outsiders” who don’t look like us and who “expect government handouts.” (I should also mention that for a lot of our history, our nation’s economic success was aided by the labor of several million non-Europeans known to census takers as “slaves.”)
 
I guess if you revised the words of poet Lazarus to reflect the new Trump policies, it might read like this: “ Give me your well-educated, your financially secure, your select group of people prepared to add immediately to the U.S. GDP...”
 
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for smart, successful, entrepreneurial men and women emigrating to our United States and future citizenship. We want people who will add their skills to our economic growth. (As long as they aren’t some variety of criminal.) But excluding a broad diversity of backgrounds from that pool would be a stupid move.
 
And as for Cuccinelli’s “Europeans only” interpretation, in 2016 Forbes magazine listed 45 foreign-born billionaires who made their fortunes in the U.S. These are the countries they came from:
Argentina, Australia, Burma, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Korea, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vietnam.
 
Some of those successful immigrants came here already equipped with an education and sufficient funds to the quickly get started. But others came equipped with little more than their brains and a strong will to succeed in a country that allows such success to happen, regardless of your background.
 
I think we all know that our nation’s behavior has been far less noble than the inspiring words at the base of Lady Liberty would indicate. Nevertheless, the ideal expressed there has repeatedly resurfaced over the years. Today, it is gratifying to see the present push back from Americans across the country against the treatment of Central American refugee families at our southern border.
 
That’s what striving for an ideal brings -- whether you set it for your own personal behavior or, as a people, for the behavior of our entire nation. It may never be fully achieved but aspiring to reach it makes us better and stronger than we would otherwise be.

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973

P.S. Emma Lazarus’ poem alludes to the Collussus of Rhodes, one of the “seven wonders of the ancient world.” According to legend, the gigantic statue stood at the entrance to the main port of Rhodes, with one foot on each side of the entrance. Our statue of liberty was going to be placed in New York Harbor, between the welcoming twin cities of New York and Brooklyn (not yet absorbed as a borough).
Here is the poem in its entirety:
 
The New Collussus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
New Trier Democrats' Events
Saturday, September 14, 2019: New Trier Democrats’ Annual Meeting & Picnic at Gillson Park

When : Saturday, September 14, 2019 - Annual Members' Meeting from 1:00pm to 2:00pm; Picnic for Everyone from 2:00pm to 4:00pm


What : At our Annual Members' Meeting, you'll hear what we've been up to this past year, as well as our plans for the 2020 election season. Please note that the Annual Meeting is restricted to Members only - If you're not currently a member,  why not join right now?

Our Picnic will begin immediately after our Annual Meeting and everyone - family, friends, neighbors - are welcome to attend. Our Picnic is always a great opportunity to meet fellow Democrats and hear from some of our local elected officials and candidates. We look forward to seeing you there!
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, August 15, 2019: Congressman Brad Schneider Paycheck Fairness Round Table

When : Thursday, August 15, 2019, 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Where : Glenview Village Hall, 2500 East Lake Ave., Glenview
What : Congressman Brad Schneider will host a roundtable discussion on the importance of closing the gender pay gap and efforts at the federal, state, and local level to do so. Earlier this year, he voted to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. He will be joined by a panel of experts, local elected officials, and community leaders for the discussion. To RSVP,  register online .
Tomorrow Night, August 15, 2019: MWRD Commissioner Josina Morita Hosts Joint Asian American Leaders Caucus Launch Party

When : Thursday, August 15, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where : Clarity Partners, LLC, 20 N. Clark St., Chicago
What : Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Commissioner Josina Morita hosts the Chicago Launch Party of the Joint Asian American Leaders Caucus.  Come to network and have a drink. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information and to RSVP,  register online .
Tomorrow Night, August 15, 2019: Cook County Young Democrats Summertime Social

When : Thursday, August 15, 2019, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where : The Bureau Bar Maxwell St., 742 W. Maxwell Street, Chicago. Parking: $9 for up to 3 Hours at UIC East Campus – Maxwell Street Parking Structure, 1333 South Halsted St., University Village.
What : Join the host Cook County Young Democrats (CCYD) and the Cook County Democratic Party for a Summertime Social. For more information and to RSVP,  register online .
Tomorrow Night, August 15, 2019: Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin Co-Hosts Property Tax Appeal Workshop for New Trier Township

When : Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 6:00pm
Where : New Trier Township Office, 739 Elm Street, Winnetka
What : The Cook County Board of Review will accept 2019 property assessment appeals from New Trier Township property owners starting on Monday, August 19. Commissioner Suffredin will be co-hosting appeal seminars in New Trier Township to help residents better understand how to appeal their assessment with the Board of Review. Commissioner Suffredin is co-hosting this workshop with Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Dan Patlak and New Trier Assessor Jan Churchwell. If you have any questions about this workshop,  contact Commissioner Suffredin’s office at 847-864-1209 or [email protected].
Tomorrow Night, August 15, 2019: Ida B. Wells Annual “Legacy and Libations” Features Film Screening

When : Thursday, August 15, 2019 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Film Row Cinema – Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago
What : The annual Ida B. Wells Legacy and Libations Event features a screening of the film  Lincoln is Crying: the Grifters, Grafters and Governors of Illinois.
Bob Morgan
Monday, August 19, 2019: Rep. Bob Morgan Environmental Advisory Conference

When : Monday, August 19, 2019 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Where : 425 Sheridan Rd., Highwood
What : Join State Representative Bob Morgan for a meeting of his Environmental Advisory Council. Share your thoughts and ideas on climate action and green energy in Illinois. For additional information or to RSVP  register online , email [email protected] or call 847-780-8471.
Tuesday, August 20, 2019: Mayor Pete Grassroots Event

When : Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at 6:30pm
Where : Chicago location provided upon RSVP.
What : A grassroots event in support of Mayor Pete Buttigieg, candidate for President of the United States. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online  or email [email protected].
Wednesday, August 21, 2019: Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin Co-Hosts Property Tax Appeal Workshop for New Trier Township

When : Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 6:00pm
Where : Winnetka Village Hall Council Chambers, 510 Green Bay Road, Winnetka
What : The Cook County Board of Review will accept 2019 property assessment appeals from New Trier Township property owners starting on Monday, August 19. Commissioner Suffredin will be co-hosting appeal seminars in New Trier Township to help residents better understand how to appeal their assessment with the Board of Review.  Commissioner Suffredin is co-hosting this workshop with Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Dan Patlak and New Trier Assessor Jan Churchwell. If you have any questions about this workshop,  contact Commissioner Suffredin’s office at 847-864-1209 or [email protected].
Thursday, August 22, 2019: Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin Co-Hosts Property Tax Appeal Workshop for New Trier Township

When : Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 6:30pm
Where : Wilmette Community Rec Center, 3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette
What : The Cook County Board of Review will accept 2019 property assessment appeals from New Trier Township property owners starting on Monday, August 19. Commissioner Suffredin will be co-hosting appeal seminars in New Trier Township to help residents better understand how to appeal their assessment with the Board of Review.  Commissioner Suffredin is co-hosting this workshop with  Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi, state Sens. Laura Fine and Julie Morrison, state Reps. Robyn Gabel, Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Bob Morgan and New Trier Assessor Jan Churchwell . If you have any questions about this workshop,  contact Commissioner Suffredin’s office at 847-864-1209 or [email protected].
Saturday & Sunday, August 24 & 25, 2019: Help North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic at the Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park

When : Saturday & Sunday, August 24 & 25, 2019, shifts from 9:00am to 1:00pm and 1:00pm to 5:00pm each day
Where : Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park
What : The North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic is looking for volunteers to assist the Clinic during the 2019 Port Clinton Art Festival in Highland Park on Saturday 8/24 and especially on Sunday 8/25. Volunteers will help at the six entrance gates with collecting admission donations, a portion of which will be later shared with the Clinic. The more volunteers the Clinic provides, the bigger share they may receive. The Clinic needs funds to be able to expand their capacity and help all those in need in our community. There are four shifts over the two days (9am-1pm and 1-4pm each day). Volunteers who want to help them can pick one, two or more shifts, and email Jan Baranczak at [email protected] or call the Clinic at 847-737-4042 to discuss the details.
Saturday, August 24, 2019: Deputy Voter Registrar Training Sponsored by Tenth Dems

When : Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Where : Northbrook Public Library, Interactive classroom, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
What : A training for Deputy Voter Registrars will be held. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and registered to vote in Cook County. The event is open only to Cook County residents who are interested in helping to register new voters. Deputy Registrars must be trained in the county in which they live, but once trained, can register voters anywhere in Illinois. Training takes less than an hour. This training is being held through the County Clerk’s Office and is free of charge. Sign-ups will be taken up to five hours before the class starts. In most cases, late sign-ups will not be added to the class.  Register online in advance . For additional information contact us at [email protected], or call 847-266-VOTE (8683).
Tuesday, August 27, 2019: Senator Dick Durbin Fundraiser

When : Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at 7:00pm
Where : Home of Hon. Nancy Rotering, 46 Lakeview Terrace, Highland Park
What : A fundraiser supporting U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. For questions, contact Nancy Kohn or Michal Sered Schoenberg at 312-527-3667 or email [email protected].
Wednesday, August 28, 2019: Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin Co-Hosts Property Tax Appeal Workshop for New Trier Township

When : Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 6:30pm
Where : Wilmette Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette
What : The Cook County Board of Review will accept 2019 property assessment appeals from New Trier Township property owners starting on Monday, August 19. Commissioner Suffredin will be co-hosting appeal seminars in New Trier Township to help residents better understand how to appeal their assessment with the Board of Review.  Commissioner Suffredin is co-hosting this workshop with  Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi, state Sens. Laura Fine and Julie Morrison, state Reps. Robyn Gabel, Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Bob Morgan and New Trier Assessor Jan Churchwell . If you have any questions about this workshop,  contact Commissioner Suffredin’s office at 847-864-1209 or [email protected].
Wednesday, September 11, 2019: State Rep. Gabel’s Chief of Staff Available for Assistance

When : Wednesday, September 11, 2019 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Where : New Trier Township Hall, 739 Elm St., Winnetka
What : Rep. Robyn Gabel’s Chief of Staff, Karen McCormick, will be available to answer questions about State of Illinois services. Township residents and neighbors are encouraged to drop by during the scheduled office hours.
Need help contacting your
representatives in government?

Visit our website for a complete list of everyone who represents the residents of New Trier Township - from Federal to Village level - and links to contact them.
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When you're a member of the New Trier Democratic Organization, you have an active role in affecting the political process by: participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, and playing a role in deciding which candidates are endorsed. You'll also gain  free admission  to select forums and events throughout the year.    

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New Trier Democrats memberships are on a calendar year basis. We encourage our members to renew their dues annually every January.
Paid for by the NTDO-FED and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available on the Board’s official website (www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.