Idealism -- Integrity -- Independence
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NTD NEWS
August 15, 2018
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Last Saturday I went to a meeting of a book group that I've been part of
 for about one year. (I wish I could have discovered these guys years earlier.) The book we discussed was
Aristotle's "Politics." It's certainly not a "page-turner." But fortunately, the copy I got from the library included a clearly written introduction and content outline that helped me grasp at least some of what Aristotle had to say. The discussion we had in our group also helped a lot.
Still, I'm far from claiming any deep knowledge of Aristotle's writings on politics. But for sure,
what I did learn is that most of the challenges our democracy faces today are hardly new. Twenty-four hundred years ago Aristotle described dangers and aspirations facing the societies of his time that sound very familiar.
Here are a few of Aristotle's observations:
A healthy middle class is needed for the successful administration of a society... Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime... It is important to prevent the growth of a "pauper class"...In general, faction arises from men's striving for what is equal -- or at least it does if no proportion exists between those who are unequal (think of our nation's extreme wealth gap)
... The main cause of the overthrow of democracies is the outrageous behavior of demagogues.
Today, I searched the Internet for more of Aristotle's statements on
 subjects still relevant in our times. It was interesting, but not surprising, how Aristotle's words could be interpreted quite differently depending on the ideology of the website visited. For instance on the subject of demagoguery, a 2010 article on the
"American Thinker" website warned the world of the extreme demagogic language of
Barack Obama. They said he was,
"stirring up class warfare against Wall Street, bankers, insurance companies, and the "rich."
Now, I agree with Aristotle that virtuous citizens should shun extreme behavior. But I also know that "extreme" is in the eye of the beholder. The writers on that "American Thinker" site claimed that it was extremist for the 2010 Obama Administration to clamp down on the greedy financial players who caused the Great Recession. Just like years earlier their philosophical brethren viewed the establishment of Social Security and Medicare as government overreach.
In that same vein, I read a recent right wing guest op-ed in the
Tribune
 that warned Trib readers that today's Democratic Party, with all its talk about "Medicare for All" and universal access to an affordable college education, is
"lurching toward socialism". I do understand how powerful and negative the word "socialism" can be. (Thank you, USSR.) But what too many of today's political observers have forgotten is that there was a time only
50 years ago when
a hefty majority of the American public were unafraid of government systems that raised the quality of life for our society.
Americans in the 1960's had accepted Social Security, the GI Bill, the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid. The American people were
 becoming comfortable with certain social safety net programs - and it was driving the Republican Party leaders crazy. That is, until they came up with their
"Southern Strategy." Using racism, rabid regionalism and anger over a war lost 100 years earlier they gained the support of the majority of voters across the South, gradually redirecting our national focus. (The election of the charismatic Ronald Reagan helped seal the deal.)
My mentioning of our shifting priorities leads me back to Aristotle and his frequent reference to the goal of "a virtuous life." From what I understand about his teachings on ethics,
Aristotle's idea of virtue is basically "excellence at being human," being the best you can be in what you do, having integrity, valuing justice and fairness.
Certainly,
I would never claim that everything about our  Democratic  Party and its leaders is virtuous -- far, far from it. However, it does seem to me that a political effort motivated by a desire for improved national healthcare and education access is considerably more virtuous than one that continues to use racism, fear and divisive appeals to motivate support.
I apologize if this week's NTD News essay is a bit unusual, but
reading words first spoken 24 centuries ago that still inspire in today's political mess had an impact on me. So, I'll end this with one of Aristotle's most timeless observations (please read "man" as meaning all humankind):
"Man is a political animal"... A social instinct is implanted in all men by nature... But justice is the bond of men in states, for the administration of justice, which is the determination of what is just, is the principle of order in political society."
Our striving for a just and virtuous government will always be worth our serious efforts -- although I know in these depressingly chaotic times it is tempting to throw up our hands in frustration. So, I will leave you with what Aristotle had to say about that emotion so many centuries ago:
"...to be constantly asking 'What is the use of it?' is unbecoming to those of broad vision and unworthy of free men."
That Aristotle was a smart guy.
Nels Howard
NTDO member since 1973
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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 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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Due to beach house construction at Gillson Park,
we moved this year's Annual Meeting and Picnic indoors
to the Mallinckrodt Center in Wilmette
 
New Trier Democrats'
Annual Meeting and Picnic
at Mallinckrodt Center
Saturday, September 8th
Annual Members' Meeting 1:00pm-2:00pm
Picnic for Everybody 2:00pm-4:00pm
Mallinckrodt Center, 1041 Ridge Road, Wilmette
At our Annual Members' Meeting, you'll hear what we've been up to this past year, as well as our plans for the 2018 election season and beyond. We'll also vote to elect New Trier Democrats' Officers for 2 year terms. 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!
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Other events of interest:
This Saturday, August 18 in Highland Park - JB Pritzker For Governor Phone Bank
When: Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Shift times begin at 10:00am and 1:00pm.
Where: Tenth Dems, 474 Central Ave. (2nd floor above Mizuki Grill), Highland Park
What:
Join the volunteer team in Highland Park to elect Democrats up and down the ticket! 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 additional information or to RSVP, contact Hannah Amundsen at [email protected] or 847-912-3765.
This Sunday, August 19 in Wisconsin - Southern WI Voter I.D. Project Canvass
When: Sunday, August 19, 2018 & Saturday, August 25, 2018 - from 11:30am to 5:00pm each day
Where: Racine, WI - Materials can be picked up and dropped off at the Common Grounds coffee shop, 5159 6th Ave, Kenosha
What: Please join Indivisible Evanston for voter I.D. canvasses in Racine, WI! They will be using the model Molly McGrath of the ACLU presented last December. If you were not at the training but are interested in participating, please call Nancy Bruski with questions. Indivisible Evanston will arrange carpools or you can go on your own.
Brief training, walk packs, data sheets and a script will be provided. Materials can be picked up and dropped off at the Common Grounds coffee shop, 5159 6th Ave, in Kenosha. A representative from Indivisible Evanston will be there to hand out and collect all the materials from 11:30 - 5:00. We highly recommend you pick up packets no later than 12:30. Common Grounds is also a great spot to recharge, and grab a cup of coffee! If the weather is seriously inclement, we might need to reschedule, so check your email.
Sign up online
.
Call or email Nancy with canvassing questions: 847-373-7755 (cell); [email protected]. For carpool questions: email [email protected]
Thursday, August 23 in Wilmette - Fundraiser for Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
When: Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: Wilmette Wine Cellar, 1100 Central Avenue, Wilmette
What: Join Democrats for Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz as they unite the 17th District and rally around Jen as our next State Representative. At this special event you will get to connect, network and support one another. Together, Democrats can do anything! For more information or to register,
please visit their Facebook event page.
Saturday and Sunday, August 25 & 26 in Highland Park - JB Pritzker for Governor Weekend of Action
When: Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 10:00am to 7:00pm - shift times begin at 10:00am, 1:00pm and 4:00pm. Sunday, August 26, 2018 from 1:00pm to 7:00pm - shift times begin at 1:00pm and 4:00pm.
Where: Highland Park, Location TBA
What: Join the volunteer team in Highland Park to elect Democrats up and down the ticket! Training and all necessary materials will be provided. For additional information or to RSVP, contact Hannah Amundsen at [email protected] or 847-912-3765.
Saturday, August 25 in Wisconsin - Southern WI Voter I.D. Project Canvass
When: Sunday, August 19, 2018 & Saturday, August 25, 2018 - from 11:30am to 5:00pm each day
Where: Racine, WI - Materials can be picked up and dropped off at the Common Grounds coffee shop, 5159 6th Ave, Kenosha
What: Please join Indivisible Evanston for voter I.D. canvasses in Racine, WI! They will be using the model Molly McGrath of the ACLU presented last December. If you were not at the training but are interested in participating, please call Nancy Bruski with questions. Indivisible Evanston will arrange carpools or you can go on your own.
Brief training, walk packs, data sheets and a script will be provided. Materials can be picked up and dropped off at the Common Grounds coffee shop, 5159 6th Ave, in Kenosha. A representative from Indivisible Evanston will be there to hand out and collect all the materials from 11:30 - 5:00. We highly recommend you pick up packets no later than 12:30. Common Grounds is also a great spot to recharge, and grab a cup of coffee! If the weather is seriously inclement, we might need to reschedule, so check your email.
Sign up online.
Saturday, August 25 in Highland Park - Bob Morgan Meet and Greet
When: Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Where: The Highland Park home of Matt Pestine and Jamie Glass-Pestine, 340 Moraine Rd.
What: Talk with, ask questions and listen to Bob Morgan, candidate for State Representative of the 58th District. Friends, neighbors and friends of neighbors are all welcome. Refreshments and light apps will be served. RSVP's to [email protected] are appreciated but not necessary.
Sunday, August 26 in Wilmette - Pro-Choice Rally | Unite For Justice with NARAL & WE WILL
When: Sunday, August 26, 2018 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Where: Wilmette Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Ave., WIlmette
What: Join NARAL and WE WILL as we Unite for Justice on this important national rally day to support our nation and state being PRO CHOICE. This is a family friendly rally to support Pro Choice Candidates and fight Brett Kavanaugh's appointment. There will be a series of speakers including
Carmen Londono, Vice President WE WILL; Dawn Koenigsknecht, Board Member NARAL; Becky Carroll, Board Member NARAL; Julie Morrison. State Senator; Jennifer Gong Gershowitz, Candidate for State Representative; Theresa Coomer, Glenview Indivisible; and Catherine Caporusso, National Organization for Women. For more information,
visit their Facebook event page.
Sunday, August 26 in Libertyville - The Stevenson Center Presents "The Electoral College"
When: Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 2:00pm
Where: The Adlai Stevenson Center on Democracy, 25200 N. St. Mary's Rd., Mettawa (Libertyville)
What: Karen Glennemeier of the League of Women Voters of Wilmette presents a brief history of the Electoral College, a discussion of its impact on our democracy, and a plan for change. Coffee and conversation will follow the presentation. For additional information or to RSVP, visit the
Center website,
register online, email [email protected] or call
773-633-5661.
September 30, 2018: Women For Brad Fundraiser
When: Sunday, September 30, 2018 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Where: Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West, Highland Park
What: Please join Women For Brad for an afternoon tea in support of Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) with special guest Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17).
You may register online for this event. If you have any questions please contact: Emanuela Frankel - [email protected] (312) 213-3588; or Allison Schieber - [email protected] (616) 516-0734.
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Save The Date!
2018
New Trier Democrats' Events
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
,
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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