We who are “upsessed” about Washington must resist being distracted from Springfield and local affairs. It was here our Vachel Lindsay in 1914 preached “the new localism”: “The things most worthwhile are one’s own hearth and neighborhood. We should make our own home and neighborhood the most democratic, the most beautiful and the holiest in the world.” The Massey Commission is about to report its agenda for change, there’s a new schools superintendent about to be chosen and a sheriff election coming up. Downtown and other neighborhoods need attention. There’s plenty to work on here. Lindsay singled out “the children now growing up” as a prime focus of concern. Today’s cover story by David Blanchette on Springfield’s public schools report card reminds us that, while there has been some progress, many children are being left behind.
This article appears in December 4-10, 2025.
