News & Events


September 11, 2019
Save The New Date!

New Trier Democrats' Annual Dinner
The New Date is Sunday, October 20, 2019
from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant, Old Orchard Mall, Skokie
More Details Following Soon

New Trier Democrats' Endorsement Meeting
for the 2020 Primary
Sunday, January 26, 2020 from 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka
Where were you on 9/11?
Do you remember where you were 18 years ago today? If you’re in your mid-twenties or older, I’ll bet you do. --- September 11, 2001 was one of those landmark dates in history when the trajectory of a nation’s future is abruptly changed. Or perhaps in the case of 9/11, I should say “abruptly accelerated.”
 
That September morning, soon after the attack, I heard a radio bulletin about a plane crashing into one of the World Trade Center’s towers. I switched on the TV and saw the entire horrible scene unfold as another plane slammed into the second tower and both buildings collapsed. At that moment I imagine most of you, like me, sensed that things would never quite be the same again. Terrorism from a foreign source had succeeded within our boundaries in a big way.
 
Immediately, new and more stringent security procedures were established both in the public areas and in the business buildings of our cities. In many cases those measures are still in place today. And we’ve gotten used to them. -- Now, we think nothing of being asked to open our business bag or purse for inspection. We accept such intrusions in our privacy as necessary for our safety. (In recent years, the increasing occurrences of mass shootings have also played a big role in our acceptance of such inspections.)
 
9/11 made Americans a bit less secure, and a lot more open to whatever steps our government declared were needed to protect us. As we now know, those “necessary steps” eventually included the military invasion of two countries.
 
Realistically, it could be presumed that before 9/11 our nation’s international trajectory was already headed toward armed involvement in the Middle East. For several years, Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney, two bored cold warriors with no Cold War left to fight, had been touting their “Project for a New American Century.”
 
This vision for our future saw the United States establishing a “benevolent global hegemony.” (I guess that would mean we would call the shots for all the other nations on earth -- but in a warm, friendly way.) To do this, Cheney, Rumsfeld and their fellow hawks believed we should perpetually maintain the United States as the world’s preeminent power. – Incidentally that sort of dream for America would also be a dreamy situation for government contractors like Halliburton, a company close to Dick Cheney’s heart. -- Back then it actually was his heart.
 
So with the arrival of 9/11/2001, a lot of pieces were already in place for what came next. Of course at that moment in time we had no idea what lay ahead. But we now know that the attack in New York led to our invasion of Afghanistan, a military involvement that has become the longest war is our nation’s history, 18 years long!
 
From the start there was some debate about whether the actions of a group of Al Qaeda fanatics should be dealt with as if they were an enemy nation. Should we use military forces to attack them in the country where they were hiding? Or should we, and our allies, deal with them as international criminals, using spies, informants, drone surveillance, all the tools of espionage to track down the terrorists and eliminate them? We chose military boots on the ground. Since then, there have been many casualties – American and Afghani. Would a different path have been a better choice? We’ll never know
 
Our involvement in Iraq began in 2003. Unlike Afghanistan where Al Qaeda was sheltered, the Iraqi government and its people had nothing to do with the 9/11 attack. However, much of the American public remained angry and open to punishing any Middle Eastern country that might have aided terrorist activities.
 
The Iraqis were, in fact, enemies of Al Qaeda, but that fact didn’t get in the way of the hawks in the White House. Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, Vice President Cheney and President George W. Bush all pushed for intelligence results that would justify an invasion of Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.
 
They got their wish, although the intelligence reports they cited were mostly bogus. 16 years later, thousands of American military have been wounded or killed and tens of thousands of Iraqi’s have died. Also, many billions of tax dollars have been spent. Beyond that, the destabilization of Iraq created a power vacuum that allowed the rise of ISIS, resulting in thousands more dead and displaced. And the chaos created by the rise and eventual fall of ISIS has led to thousands of people fleeing Syria and Iraq; creating new problems for Western Europe to the delight of Russia’s Putin.
 
On 9/11 as we watched the live TV coverage of the World Trade Center's towers fall, we couldn’t see where things would lead. But there were people in our nation’s capital who could see where they wanted things to go. These were the cold war hawks who continue to believe that brute power trumps any other approach to international relations. Ironically, today’s news also included a fellow, like them, who never saw a war he didn’t admire, John Bolton. Thankfully, he just lost his White House job. Inexplicably, he still has admirers in high places.
 
The national trajectory that September 11 kicked into gear has yet to reach its end point.

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973
New Trier Democrats' Events
This 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 Night, September 12, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Debate Watch Party

When : Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Prairie Moon, 1635 Chicago Ave, Evanston
What : Watch the Third Democratic Presidential Debate with Indivisible Evanston (attendees will buy their own food & drink). The third (and next) round of debates will be hosted by ABC news in partnership with Univision in Houston.
Kamala Harris
This Friday, September 13, 2019: #ForThePeople Reception With Sen. Kamala Harris

When : Friday evening, September 13, 2019; time to be provided
Where : Chicago address to be provided upon RSVP
What : A #ForThePeople Reception with Senator Kamala Harris, a candidate for President of the United States. For additional information and to RSVP,  register online .
This Saturday, September 14, 2019: Wisconsin Voter ID Canvass With Indivisible Evanston

When : Saturday, September 14, 2019 – see signup for time options
Where : Kenosha, WI – see signup for meeting location options
What : Join Indivisible Evanston on September 14 as they canvass in Kenosha, WI as part of the Wisconsin Democrats weekend of action. After a great first canvass on August 10th, they are looking forward to heading back up north again to knock doors! Why Wisconsin is THE Pivotal State in 2020 & Why Our Boots on the Ground are Needed to Flip it: All predictive lists concur that Wisconsin, with just 10 electoral votes, could easily be the state that determines the 2020 presidential winner. Sign up for ONE of the four options available for canvassing on 9/14 from the Kenosha County Dems office, 5712 7th Avenue, Kenosha, WI.  SIGN UP HERE
This Sunday, September 15, 2019: Waukegan Leafletting & Canvass for Sen. Elizabeth Warren

When : Sunday, September 15, 2019, 11:30am to 3:00pm
Where : Waukegan
What : Distribute campaign literature at the Waukegan Fiestas Patrias Parade. Then head out to the neighborhoods to knock doors and talk to the community about the issues that matter most to them. For more information email Linda Place at ilwi4warren@gmail.com.  Register online .
This Sunday, September 15, 2019: Wilmette Skype Meet and Greet Fundraiser with Ghazala Hashmi

When : Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Where : Address provided upon RSVP
What : Join Sister District for an opportunity to meet  Ghazala Hashm i ! Ghazala is the Democratic candidate working to flip Virginia Senate District 10 (Richmond). She will join them by Skype at 4:00 pm. Democrats are just one seat down in both the VA House of Delegates and the VA Senate. Sister District is working to flip both houses blue. This goal is within reach, but it will not be easy—and it is crucial, as Virginia is one of the most gerrymandered states in the country. This event is a great way to learn about Sister District, and if you plan to support Ghazala in any way this year, meeting her will be very motivating and help you connect with voters. For more information or to RSVP,  please visit their event webpage .
Tuesday, September 17, 2019: Secure Our Vote Day of Action Rally

When : Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 12:00 noon
Where : Federal Plaza, 219 S. Dearborn, Chicago
What : Mitch McConnell is blocking essential funding for Election Security that states and localities desperately need to secure our vote from hacks. But due to popular outcry, we have a chance to win $600+ million to secure our elections by the Congressional funding deadline at the end of September. The House has already passed a $600 million bill, now it’s time for Mitch McConnell and those GOP Senators backing his treachery to get out of the way so states and localities can secure the vote. Please join us for a nationwide day of action to demand that the Senate allocates funding to secure out elections and protect our democracy. For more information or to RSVP,  register online .
Tuesday, September 17, 2019: The Fight For Immigrant and Economic Justice In Our Own Backyards

When : Tuesday, September 17, 2019 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where : Am Shalom, 840 Vernon Ave., Glencoe
What : The Jewish Council on Urban Affairs’ North Suburban Organizing Team presents an evening with Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, staff from the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, and attorney and activist Lee Goodman. Hear about economic and systemic problems in our own neighborhoods and the connection between what we see here, within our immigrant community, and what is going on across the state and the country. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Wednesday, September 18, 2019: Deputy Voter Registrar Training with Tenth Dems

When : Wednesday, September 18, 2019 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where : Northbrook Public Library, Civic Room, 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 Tenth Dems at volunteers@tenthdems.org or call 847-266-VOTE(8683).
Michael Cabonargi
Sunday, September 22, 2019: Reception for Michael Cabonargi, Candidate for Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County

When : Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Where : Address provided upon RSVP
What:  Please join John & Nicole Borovicka, Bill Brandt & Patrice Bugelas-Brandt, Pedro DeJesus, Susan Gallagher, Dan Johnson, Michelle Jordan, Eamon Kelly, Dave Lundy & Jen Jobrack, Richard Saines, Hon. Debra Shore, Regina Stilip, and Eric Sussman for an afternoon reception supporting Mike Cabonargi in his race for Cook County Circuit Clerk of Courts. For additional information, contact Eric at eric@blueprintcampaignconsulting.com.  RSVP online .
Bob Morgan
Sunday, September 22, 2019: Re-Election Kickoff For State Rep. Bob Morgan

When : Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Where : Warehouse Eatery, 833 Deerfield Rd., Deerfield
What : Join State Rep. Bob Morgan as he officially begins his re-election campaign. Enjoy some refreshments, hear about Bob’s work in Springfield and his vision for our state, and learn about ways to help the effort.  Link to register for this event
Sunday, September 22, 2019: Brad Schneider’s 2nd Annual Pro-Choice Event With State Sen. Melinda Bush

When : Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Where : Highland Park home of Dana Gordon. Address provided upon RSVP.
What : Join special guest, State Senator Melinda Bush, in recognizing Congressman Brad Schneider’s 100% record on Choice and Women’s Issues. For additional information or to RSVP, email Emanuela Frankel at emanuela@schneiderforcongress.com or call 312-213-3588.
Monday, September 23, 2019: Personal PAC Annual Awards Luncheon

When : Monday, September 23, 2019, Registration and reception at 11:00am; luncheon at 12:00noon
Where : Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago
What : Personal PAC holds its Annual Awards Luncheon that will highlight the group’s efforts and raise funds to elect pro-choice officials. Pro-choice activist Cecile Richards is the keynote speaker. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Tuesday, September 24, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s September Meeting

When : Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, Parasol Room, 4th Floor, 2100 Ridge Ave, Evanston
What : At their September monthly meeting, Indivisible Evanston will discuss “The Path to 2020: Flipping Wisconsin and Keeping the House Blue.” Want to hear about why flipping our neighboring WI is the path to removing Trump from the White House? Felesia Martin, 1st Vice Chair, WI Dems will speak to the WI Dems strategy to flip WI and how YOU can help with Indivisible Evanston’s “Reach Up Wisconsin” program of canvassing, voter registration, phone banking, postcards etc – Indivisible Evanston needs YOUR help. Plus, Marie Newman, Congressional candidate for IL – 3, is running against incumbent Rep. Dan Lipinski. Marie will talk about how she will make the House Blue(r) in 2020 and how Indivisible Evanston can help her do that!
Thursday, September 26, 2019: Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz’s Campaign Kickoff Celebration

When : Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where : Ten Ninety Brewing Co., 1025 N. Waukegan Rd, Glenview
What : Join State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz for her reelection Campaign Kickoff Celebration fundraiser. Co-hosts for her Campaign Kickoff Celebration include Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Congressman Brad Schneider, State Sen. Laura Fine, State Sen. Ram Villivalam and State Rep. Robyn Gabel. For more information or to RSVP,  please visit her event webpage .
Wednesday, October 2, 2019: New Trier Township Education Forum on Immigration Rights and Domestic Violence

When : Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 6:30pm
Where : New Trier Township Office, 739 Elm Street, Winnetka
What : New Trier Township Education Forum Presents “Meet the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic: Know Your Rights and Red Flags of Domestic Violence.” Identify the red flags of domestic violence. Learn to stay safe, be informed and aware of this issue. They will also discuss immigration issues. Learn what your rights are in case Immigration and Customs Enforcement knocks on your door. Seating is limited, please RSVP to Jack Macholl jmacholl@newtriertownship.com by Sept. 27, 2019.
Thursday, October 17, 2019: We Will Legislative Luncheon

When : Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 11:00am to 1:30pm
Where : Maggiano’s Little Italy, 4999 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie
What : Join WE WILL’s 5th Annual Fundraiser celebrating their accomplishments, legislative collaborations and women having a voice and being heard. This year’s panel is about Women of Color with confirmed panelists Donna Miller, Cook County Board Commissioner; Xza Higgina, MommyCon Founder, coalition builder; Sol Flores, Illinois Deputy Governor and Josina Morita, Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Looking For Something To Do Now?

Help Text Bank For Democratic Candidates In Virginia State House Races With Sister District

Text Banking is here!

You can sign up at  this form . They expect high demand for texting lists.
Please sign up to text ONLY for the two candidates, Alex Askew and Ghazala Hashmi, that our local Sister District is supporting!

Some things to know:

You need to do some reading and training on your own. This is done online. Texting will be done at specified times. You will sign up for a texting “event” and at the scheduled time, a batch of numbers will be released. Sign-up is available now. Texting began August 17 and will continue through Election Day. You must sign up and complete all training steps at least one week before your first texting event.

More details can be found in this Sister District/Red2Blue  Texting Guide .
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.
Still not a member of the New Trier Democrats?
 
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 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.    

Come be a part of New Trier Township's grassroots political community.    
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.