News & Events


July 17, 2019
Big News! Donald Trump
is an ignorant bigot.
As usual, the past week was filled with important news items. The lingering deluge of rain in Louisiana and the flooding and misery it caused for thousands was a big story. Scientists again speculated that climate change was behind the storms disastrously slow movement. (But, one more “brief” incident along humanity’s path toward existential disaster wasn’t enough to retain much interest.)
 
Another story that briefly grabbed our attention was the continuing revelations about conditions at immigrant detention facilities on our southern border. Depending on your media source, it’s either “just fine thank you,” or a national disgrace. -- Fair and balanced. You decide.
 
But then something really big occurred that steered our attention away from everything else.
 
I agree, the event was certainly newsworthy, although what we learned from the story could hardly be called “news.”  President Trump tweeted a message to the nation that was untruthful, bigoted and, in its context, pretty clearly racist. And, he used language that many of us thought had been abandoned for its ignorance several generations ago.
 
How shocking! Donald Trump was capable of saying something with a racist perspective and an ignorance of our nation’s most treasured values. -- This is not really news to most of us.
 
Republican politicians and commentators quickly recognized that Trump’s tweet was, at the least, controversial and could be problematic for some Republican office holders and candidates. So, they immediately began spinning their interpretations of what Trump had said, what he was defending, why he was correct. The congresswomen the president referred to were “radicals, socialists, communists; they hated America and, if given the chance, would destroy it.”
 
Democrats, on the other hand, saw Trump’s foolish twitter rant as a “gotcha” moment. Here was Trump using language that many Americans knew was identical to words used against their own families in past (or in some cases present) times.
 
Our USA has families with Irish or Italian or German roots, who know stories passed down from earlier generations about hearing, “Go back where you came from,” when they emigrated to America. There are Catholics and Jews and Muslims who know their families have heard those words. There are African American and Mexican American families whose roots go back to our nation’s beginnings and yet still hear that hostile epithet.
 
“Go back where you came from!” has been yelled at Americans by Americans throughout our U.S. history. It is truly a stupid thing to say. And coming from the mouth of the President of the United States makes it doubly stupid.
 
So, I’d like to think that the offensiveness of President Trump’s most blatantly dumb tweets will begin to have a damaging effect on his chance for reelection. Maybe they will.
 
However, seeing so many headlines and editorials, so much TV and radio attention, so much Internet activity exclusively devoted to President Trump has me wondering who is benefiting the most? Trump may be gaining more than he’s losing.
 
His outrageous behavior may be giving the man just what he wants:
-- He’s reinforcing his pugnacious appeal to the core of his supporters.
-- He’s laying the groundwork for 2020 by establishing his credentials as the defender of “real Americans.”
-- He’s memorably branding some of the most progressive members of Congress as “people who hate America.”
-- He’s drawing attention away from embarrassing news stories – like his old friendship with accused sex trafficker of children, Jeffrey Epstein.
 
I may be giving Donald Trump too much credit. He may not be a clever strategist, but merely a guy who learned how to succeed by doing and saying outrageous things without putting much thought into it.
 
So I will end with this:
One of the things I love most about our United States is when I spot a storefront sign or an advertisement for a business with multi-national names. You know, like the law firm of Shapiro, O’Reilly and Wong, or the design firm, Olson, Ramirez, Schmidt and Patel. -- I made those names up but I’ll bet you can find similarly diverse real world examples. What’s so cool about this is that there are only a few nations where you might see such a wonderful mix of backgrounds, people with origins that represent every corner of our world, now working together as Americans free to pursue their ambitions and dreams.
 
As House Speaker Pelosi recently said, “Our diversity is our strength. Our unity is our power.”

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973
New Trier Democrats' Events
This Friday & Saturday : Visit New Trier Democrats at the Winnetka & Wilmette Sidewalk Sales

Visit us at the upcoming Winnetka and Wilmette Sidewalk Sales. We would love to see you – whether to chat politics, sign up to become a member, check out local volunteering opportunities or fill out a political survey.

Winnetka Sidewalk Sale: Friday, July 19, 2019 from 9:00am to 3:00pm – our booth will be on the east side of Chestnut near Koehler Luggage and Travel Goods

Wilmette Summerfest & Sidewalk Sale: Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 9:00am to 3:00pm – our booth will be in Veteran’s Park adjacent to Lad & Lassie
This Monday, July 22, 2019 : New Trier Democrats’ Annual Meet & Greet at Avli

When : Monday, July 22, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
What : It’s our Annual Meet & Greet at Avli! We will have delicious Greek nibbles, refreshing drinks and lots of liberal conversation with fellow Democrats, office holders and candidates. This is a great opportunity to speak with your local representatives in person, as well as candidates running for office.  Don’t miss this special event!
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. 
Julie Morrison
Tomorrow, July 18, 2019: Sen. Julie Morrison’s Annual Day at the Races

When : Thursday, July 18, 2019 from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Suite opens at 12:30pm, racing begins at 1:25pm
Where : Arlington Park, John Henry Suite, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights
What : Join Senate President John Cullerton and State Senator Julie Morrison at her Day at the Races. Watch from a private suite overlooking the track. Join Senator Morrison as she presents a trophy to the winning horse following the  Senator Morrison Race . RSVP is required. Email [email protected] or call 312-630-7700.
Tomorrow Night, July 18, 2019: Youth Brain Trust’s Launch Party

When : Thursday, July 18, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights
What : The Youth Brain Trust is a progressive, student run non-profit focused on increasing civic engagement among youths. On Thursday, July 18th, The Youth Brain Trust will be officially launching at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in Arlington Heights, IL. The event will take place from 7-9pm on the second floor. Free parking will be available downstairs. Speakers list will be released soon. For more information,  please visit their event page .
Bob Morgan
This Friday, July 19, 2019: Rep. Bob Morgan’s District Office Open House

When : Friday, July 19, 2019 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Where : 425 Sheridan Rd., Highwood
What : State Representative Bob Morgan holds an Open House at his District Office. Stop by and meet him during the festivities in Highwood. To RSVP, visit the  Facebook page .
This Saturday, July 20, 2019: Nancy Pelosi Lunch Reception to Help Women Candidates

When : Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Where : Petterino’s Restaurant, 50 W. Randolph Street in Chicago
What : Speaker Pelosi will be back in Chicago for a quick lunch reception to help five women Members of Congress. These five are part of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s (DCCC) Frontline program: Hon. Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), Hon. Cindy Axne (IA-03), Hon. Sharice Davids (KS-03); Hon. Angie Craig (MN-02); and Hon. Susan Wild (PA-07). To RSVP, contact Camille Vinogradov, 202-741-1869 or [email protected].
Thursday, July 25, 2019: Invest To Elect and Democratic National Committee Brunch

When : Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 9:30am
Where : DLA Piper, 444 West Lake Street, Suite 900, Chicago
What : Invest to Elect hosts a brunch with Organizing Corps 2020 featuring Tom Perez, DNC Chair, and other guests. To RSVP, please contact Wendy Serrino at [email protected] or 847-421-9966.
Friday, July 26, 2019: Dawn Clark Netsch Policy Forum on Voter Suppression

When : Friday, July 26, 2019. Cocktail reception: 5:00pm to 5:30pm; Policy Forum: 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where : Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, 151 N. Franklin St., #2500, Chicago
What : The Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership Training Academy (IWIL) sponsors a policy discussion on Voter Suppression Then and Now: 19th Amendment, Ballot Box Access, and Illinois Stories. The panel will be moderated by Kristina Zahorik, President, Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA).   Panelists will include Ami Gandhi, Director of Voting Rights and Civic Empowerment, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights; Sheila Nix, President, Tusk Philanthropies; and Audra Wilson, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Illinois. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP and ID required. To RSVP,  register online  or for information, contact Sandra Hosseini at 312-646-0276 or email [email protected].
Saturday, July 27, 2019: Illinois for Bernie People’s Convention

When : Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Where : Edward Hotel, 6600 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont
What : Join Bernie supporters from across the state as they converge for the four-year anniversary of the first IL4B convention in 2015. Speakers include Cori Bush, star of the documentary  Knock Down the House . Sen. Bernie Sanders will not be in attendance. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online  or email [email protected].
Sunday, July 28, 2019: Brad Schneider’s Coffee Club – Glencoe

When : Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Where:  Hometown Coffee & Juice, 700 Vernon Ave., Glencoe
What : Meet to discuss issues affecting our community and hear the newest updates on Brad’s campaign. Brad’s Coffee club is a chance to have a more in-depth conversation with Brad and meet the campaign staff.
For additional information visit  the Facebook page  or to purchase tickets,  register online . For questions, email Emanuela at [email protected].
Julie Morrison
Monday, July 29, 2019: Dinner With Sen. Julie Morrison

When : Monday, July 29, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where : Italian Kitchen, 648 Deerfield Rd., Deerfield
What : Join State Senator Julie Morrison for dinner at the Italian Kitchen.
For additional information or to RSVP,  register online , email [email protected] or call 312-630-7700.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019: Glenview Event for Sen. Laura Fine

When : Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where : Valley Lo., 2200 Tanglewood Dr., Glenview
What : Support State Senator Laura Fine at her Glenview event.  Link to purchase tickets . To RSVP and for further questions contact [email protected].
Tuesday, July 30, 2019: Tenth Dems and Brad Schneider for Congress Co-Host Democratic Debate Party – 1st Night

When : Tuesday, July 30, 2019. Doors open and pizza served at 6:30pm; debate from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where:  Schneider for Congress Campaign Office/Democrats of Northfield Township Office, 3710 Commercial Ave., Ste 5, Northbrook
What : Tenth Dems and Schneider for Congress co-host the first July Debate Watch party. Open to all Democrats. To RSVP,  register online .
Tuesday, July 30, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Debate Watch – 1st Night

When : Tuesday, July 30, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Prairie Moon, 1635 Chicago Ave, Evanston
What : Join Indivisible Evanston at Prairie Moon for their watch party ( attendees buy own food/drink ). The second (and next) round of debates will be hosted by CNN in Detroit on July 30 and 31. The moderators will be Dana Bash, Don Lemon, Jake Tapper. For more information or to RSVP,  visit their Facebook event page.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019: Tenth Dems and Brad Schneider for Congress Co-Host Democratic Debate Party – 2nd Night

When : Wednesday, July 31, 2019; Doors open 6:30pm; debate from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Bannockburn home of Hon. Kerry and Vicki Martin; Address available upon RSVP.
What : Tenth Dems and Schneider for Congress co-host the second July Debate Watch party. Open to all Democrats. Refreshments will be served. To RSVP  register online .
Wednesday, July 31, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Debate Watch – 2nd Night

When : Wednesday, July 31, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Prairie Moon, 1635 Chicago Ave, Evanston
What : Join Indivisible Evanston at Prairie Moon for their watch party ( attendees buy own food/drink ). The second (and next) round of debates will be hosted by CNN in Detroit on July 30 and 31. The moderators will be Dana Bash, Don Lemon, Jake Tapper. For more information or to RSVP,  visit their Facebook event page.
Monday, August 5, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Monthly Meeting

When : Monday, August 5, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where : Lorraine G. Morton Civic Center, Parasol Room, 4th Floor, 2100 Ridge Ave, Evanston
What : Join Indivisible Evanston for its August monthly meeting and hear from special speaker, Rep. Jan Schakowsky. Hear their working group updates and plans to pivot in preparation for 2020.
Wednesday, August 7, 2019: Cook County Human Trafficking Conference

When : Wednesday through Friday, August 7 through 9, 8:30am to 4:15pm each day
Where : IIT Chicago-Kent, College of Law, 565 W. Adams St., Chicago
What : The Cook County Human Trafficking Task Force’s ninth annual three-day conference features national speakers and local discussion. For more information, see the  Task Force’s website .  Register online .
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