Idealism -- Integrity -- Independence
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NTD NEWS
July 18, 2018
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Commentary:
This week it became clearer than ever that the man presently sitting in our White House is unfit to be our nation's president. Yes, I know that over the years we have had other flawed men holding our country's highest position and we've survived. There have been racists, alcoholics, crooks, paranoids, philanderers, and a few that just weren't very smart. But I don't think we've ever had a President that was so loaded with increasingly obvious, and dangerous, defects. - And this is of magnified importance in our increasingly complex and endangered world.
 Trump's recent actions with Western Europe's leaders and Russia's President Putin have been thoroughly documented so there's no need to rehash specifics here. It's just seems worth pointing out that President Trump's behavior over the past few days confirms what a growing number of us have suspected for some time.
The man's mind is not healthy.
Admittedly, the American public elected this guy, even though several million more of us voted for his opponent than for him. (Whatever logic there was behind the creation of the Electoral College now seems really questionable.) And back in 2015-16 as we watched Trump maneuver his way through his party's primary contests, many of us didn't see his behavior as much more than the behavior of an obnoxious and unlikely Republican candidate.
Since we'd had little exposure to Donald Trump before his presidential
 campaign, we wrote off his braggadocio behavior as simply an abrasive style.
He came across as a character whose shtick was to talk big, make brash remarks, exaggerate, act tough. He postured himself as a rebel. Yes, we did see him say and do outrageous things on the campaign trail, but
many of us wrote it off as an act.
 Then came the day after his inauguration. Our new president began bragging to the press about the record number of people who came to Washington's mall to see him sworn in. - "It looked like a million, a million and a half people." Huge! The biggest ever! Then faced with clear, videotaped proof that this was far from true, and far less than the crowd drawn by his predecessor, President Barack Obama, he continued to deny reality while putting his White House spokesperson, Sean Spicer, in the awkward position of defending his indefensible (and nutty) statement.
That's when we began to realize that this man's exaggerations and unsupported claims were not just confined to campaign language.
Trump's use of bloviated rhetoric was his reality. He was not going to tone this down as he faced the serious daily responsibilities of being President. On that first day in office, Trump revealed the way his mind works - or to put it another way, fails to work. The world began to see that our new president was a very insecure man. Not just someone with a sensitive ego, but someone capable of delusional behavior.
I suspect that in the case of his relationship with President Putin, his insecurity is heightened by real fear. It could be fear that unsavory financial dealings with Russian oligarchs or unsavory activities with Russian prostitutes will be exposed. Or perhaps there's fear that a double-cross by Putin's KGB could reveal criminal acts committed by Trump family members.
Even so, over the past 18 months of his presidency, we've seen that real
 threats aren't required to trigger bizarre responses from Trump.
His narcissism is off the charts and his responses toward the needs of other human beings at times borders on sociopathic (look up the definition).
Over the next two years there's no reason to expect that his behavior will improve. And it's difficult for me to believe that there aren't plenty of Republican politicians who recognize that the way Trump behaves is off kilter. It's becoming too strange to ignore. However, I'm betting they won't do much about it beyond making careful statements of disapproval as they attempt to protect themselves in the upcoming mid-terms.
After all,
the ideologues and billionaires behind the financing of so many Republican candidates are finally getting their dreams rewarded. They now have lower taxes for the ultra-wealthy. They are seeing controls over dark money PACs being removed, nationwide affordable healthcare crippled, national environmental restrictions lifted. And they hope to soon have a Supreme Court locked in with a conservative majority that will likely undermine personal freedoms we have gained over decades.
Meanwhile Republicans in control of Congress are watching Trump's "me oriented" world view weaken the NATO alliance, the European Union and democracy in EU countries, strengthen Putin's long-term strategies, enhance China's global economic position and dilute America's prestige worldwide.
Republicans are getting what they want right now, but by
going along with a leader as unstable as Donald Trump they're playing a dangerous game.
Fortunately, the United States is still a democracy where individuals like you and me are free to try to change things. Many of you are already involved in that process. More of you - actually, all of you - need to join in. Next week I will try to offer info on ways you can help save the United States from the madness of King Donald.
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Every Thursday Night at New Trier Dems' Office
From Now Until Election Day
JB For Governor Thursday Evening Phone Bank
Thursday Nights, July through November, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Where
:
New Trier Democrats' Office, 800 Oak Street, Suite 112, Winnetka
What
:
A phone bank to get out the vote for JB Pritzker for Governor in this important midterm election. This phone bank will also support Kwame Raoul for Illinois Attorney General as well as other down ticket races in Illinois. You must bring a cell phone and please bring a laptop computer if you can. Training and all necessary materials will be provided
. For questions or to RSVP, call Jonathan Alter at 312-848-2925.
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Other events of interest:
This Friday & Saturday
, July 20-21 in Wilmette -
Visit New Trier Democrats at the Wilmette Summerfest & Sidewalk Sale
When: Friday and Saturday, July 20 & 21, 2018
Where: Downtown Wilmette
What: Visit New Trier Democrats at their booth during the Wilmette Summerfest & Sidewalk Sale. 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. If you are interested in volunteering to work our booth for this or any other Sidewalk Sale, please contact Joan at [email protected].
This Saturday, July 21 in Highland Park -
JB For Governor Canvass and Phone Bank
When: Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 10:00am to 6:00pm; Shift times begin at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm
Where: Tenth Dems, 474 Central Ave., (2nd floor above Mizuki Grill), Highland Park
What: A canvass launch and phone bank to help recruit volunteers to get out the vote for JB Pritzker for Governor in this important midterm election.
Training and all necessary materials will be provided. Plenty of free parking in the lot a half-block to the east of the office. For questions or to RSVP, email Hannah Amundsen at [email protected].
Thursday, July 26 in Chicago - Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence (ICHV) Birthday Bash
When: Thursday, July 26, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Old Crow, 149 W. Kinzie, Chicago
What: ICHV celebrates its 43rd Birthday. The event includes appetizers, cocktails and a raffle. For additional information or to purchase tickets, register online.
Saturday, July 28 in Highland Park -
JB For Governor Saturday Canvass and Phone Bank
When: Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 10:00am to 6:00pm; Shift times begin at 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm
Where: Tenth Dems, 474 Central Ave., (2nd floor above Mizuki Grill), Highland Park
What: A canvass launch and phone bank to help recruit volunteers to get out the vote for JB Pritzker for Governor in this important midterm election. Training and all necessary materials will be provided. Plenty of free parking in the lot a half-block to the east of the office. For questions or to RSVP, email Hannah Amundsen at [email protected].
Monday, July 30 in Chicago -
Deputy Voter Registrar Training in Downtown Chicago
When: Monday, July 30, 2018 at 12:00pm
Where: DeBofsky Sherman & Casciari P.C., 200 W. Madison St., Chicago (9th floor conference room)
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 [email protected], or call 847-266-VOTE (8683).
Wednesday, August 1 in Chicago - Inaugural Women's Reception "Feminists for Foxx"
 When: Wednesday, August 1, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm (rescheduled from June 27th)
Where: Taste 222, 222 N. Canal St., Chicago
What: Night of discussion, food and drink in support of Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx. For more information, contact Liz or Lauren [email protected] or 312-806-2743.
RSVP here.
Monday, August 6 in Highland Park - Meet and Greet With Bob Morgan and Julie Morrison
When: Monday, August 6, 2018 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where: Highland Park address provided upon RSVP.
What: Join Bob Morgan, candidate for State Representative, and State Senator Julie Morrison for a meet and greet in Highland Park! Please RSVP to [email protected].
Tuesday, August 7 in Glenview - Women's Meet & Greet with JB and Juliana
  When: Tuesday, August 7, 2018 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Where: Glenview Park Center, Lakeview B, 2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview
What: State Senator Laura Fine hosts an opportunity to meet the Democratic candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. To RSVP, email [email protected]. For more information, visit their
Facebook page.
Wednesday, August 8 in Chicago -
Reception with State Representative Laura Fine and Senator Julie Morrison
When: Wednesday, August 8, 2018 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Where: Michael Best Strategies, 444 W. Lake St. #3200, Chicago
What: Join Illinois Representative Fine and Senator Morrison at Michael Best Strategies. For questions or to RSVP, email [email protected] or call 312-630-7700.
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Save The Date!
2018
New Trier Democrats' Events
Friday & Saturday, July 20-21, 2018
Visit New Trier Democrats at Wilmette Summerfest & Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, September 8, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Meeting and Picnic at Mallinckrodt Center
Sunday, October 14, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Dinner at Maggiano's in Skokie
Thursday, December 13, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Holiday Party at Wilmette Wine Cellar
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Your Legislators:
 Democratic Legislators
who represent New Trier Township in
Washington, Springfield and Cook County
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.
Daniel Biss,
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.
Robyn Gabel,
IL 18th District State Representative. The 18th District includes much of New Trier up to Hazel Avenue and Dundee Road.
Laura Fine
, IL 17th District State Representative.
The 17th District includes the East Glenview and West Wilmette areas of New Trier Township.
Scott Drury
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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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| Dear Fellow Democrats, If you are not already an NTDO member, and enjoy our Newsletter, we hope you consider joining us as a dues-paying member. NTDO is a not-for-profit political action organization. We depend on our membership dues to support our Democratic causes and candidates. There are two options for dues payments: by check or credit card. By Check: Make check payable to NTDO and mail to our office: NTDO 800 Oak St., Suite 112 Winnetka, IL 60093 OR By Credit Card: visit our website by clicking here Click on the "Join/Contribute" button
Find the link for "contribute with ActBlue"
or go directly to ActBlue by clicking here.
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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; participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, 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's grassroots political community.
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
*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.
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