Springville Action - 9/13/25 #33

Is the American Democratic experiment finished?

Author

Springville Action
September 13, 2025

Is the American Democratic experiment finished? The fact that this question can even be posed means that maybe, in this writer’s mind, the answers is a firm “yes.”

Authoritarian rule is here, folks. We had a group project - democracy - and we f-ing blew it. We didn’t do the required reading. We didn’t learn from past lessons. Our three-branched government is weakening, and we can’t rely on any of those functions to preserve the rule of law or defend established institutions. Even worse, facets of those functions are working at undermining democratic principles from the inside. The cruelty, and profit, is the point.

It sucks. We have to grieve it.

But we can also think about how a better future is possible. What sort of future do you want to see? What does freedom mean to you? How are we meeting everyone’s basic needs as a society, culture and economy? Hold those questions and your answers close to your heart and mind.

Whether it’s a link to a timely news item, a call to action, an event or a book review, send it to [email protected].

🦄 Inspiration

A lot of history’s greatest genocides - Holocaust, Rwanda - had roots in public messaging that dug in to the idea of “us” and “them,” and that “them” were subhuman - worthy and deserving of the worst, including death.

Let that inspire you to do good locally and bring positive change. Notice there is zero public backlash to those abhorrent comments - they’re being normalized.

🧟‍♂️ Nightmare Fuel

To do ✅ 

📚 Something to read: Letter to the editor, Buffalo News - Langworthy is misinformed on efficacy of vaccine

More letters like this, please.

Recently I called Congressman Langworthy’s office to voice my concern over the actions being taken at the CDC. Specifically related to Covid-19 vaccination. I did get a response, and while I expected him to disagree with my opinion, I did not expect him to have incorrect information in the response.

The largest error was his statement that information about vaccine efficacy was incorrect. He clearly did not understand that vaccine efficacy measures outcomes in the laboratory or in a “perfect world.” He did not mention vaccine effectiveness, which is something we could look at because that is outcomes in a real-world setting.

In a return call, I asked if anyone with any training in healthcare or Public Health has briefed the Congressman or even edited the letter, but was given the usual line that we all get from his office, “I will make the Congressman aware of your concerns.”

We all have the right to have different views and beliefs, but the definition of words and facts surrounding them are not negotiable. The Covid-19 vaccine decreased deaths significantly, but more importantly, why are people like Congressman Langworthy, with no medical training or experience making healthcare decisions that affect all of us?

Jacquelyn A, Hamburg

A big 🖕 to: In the grand tradition of right-wing media exploiting susceptible minds (see: Haitians are eating dogs & cats in Ohio; Tesla backlash) we saw it again with the News of the Week. No other editorializing here.

Events

WNY Bridge Brigade event: Fri - 9/26 - 3:30-5:30pm

9/16: Kevin Hardwick Fundraiser: Wing out the vote - support the eminently qualified and experienced Comptroller for his reelection campaign. The event is out in Williamsville but donations are welcome.

9/16: Information & Open Call for Potential Projects, 6:30 PM — Springville Village Court, 65 Franklin St, Springville, NY 14141. The Village of Springville is seeking $10 million through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and $4.5 million through the NY Forward program to advance transformative projects that revitalize its downtown, strengthen the local economy, and foster a vibrant, year-round community.

9/20: Local meeting. Check your mail for details or email [email protected].

10/18: No Kings Day. So far the most local event is in Williamsville.

Springville Action currently meets in person every 4 to 6 weeks at a local venue. We typically share ideas, local events, and have a facilitated discussion around a chosen theme. If you do not currently receive these email invitations, but would like to be included, please respond to  [email protected].

🧶 Crafters/Fiber Artists - lots of opportunities to come together! Concord Library, first Sat. of the month, 1-3; Concord Mercantile, second Sat. of the month, 10-1; Art’s Cafe, Wednesdays, 5:30pm. You’ll see your people.

[remainder of content repeats (mostly) from last email]

To Do ✅

😷 Medical checkups. Get a printout of your vaccination record and check with your doctor about recommended vaccines, including MMR, based on your age and other risk factors.

🐝 Citizen Scientists, Unite! Download the Inaturalist app on your phone; upload pictures of nature (animals, plants, trees) for identification and help out the environmental community.

📰 Letter to the Editor. Pick a topic, drill down to 1 key message and write your heart out. There are local people who will help zazz up your letter and get it ready for publication. Email [email protected].

📱 5 Calls - Download the app to your phone; enter your ZIP code; follow the prompts to call U.S. Senators and your local Congressional rep. EXTRA CREDIT - ask your local elected officials what the impact of general federal nonsense will have on local projects, and what they are doing to protect your community.

📮 Postcards - Explore the Postcards for Democrats web site and support Democratic candidates in swing states. Organize for Action is local, find them on Facebook.

😊 Meet a Neighbor: How well do you know your neighbors? Start small but make a point to find one new acquaintance in your area this week!

🗳️ Go to a government meeting. These are open to the public and people rarely attend. See your government at work and pay attention to the decisions they’re making.

At a loss for what to do?

Are you sick of hearing “there’s nothing I can do about everything that’s happening”? There’s plenty you can do - big or small, just try to do SOMETHING each day.

  • Public Displays of Connection

    • Guerilla Gardening and Yarn Bombs! There is a slightly subversive and very fun tactic of guerilla gardening and placing handmade knit pieces in public places. Be creative.

    • Plant a garden or support a local CSA

    • Plant a homemade lawn sign - it doesn’t have to be political - paint a one word message like “Hope", ”Love,” “Peace.”

    • Maintain little free libraries or start your own

  • Basic Needs

    • Donate blood

    • Learn first aid and basic medical skills

    • Participate in local Buy Nothing groups

    • Donate to Little Free Pantries or your local food pantry

    • Participate in a seed exchange, like the one at Hulbert Library in the Town of Concord

  • Organized Volunteering

  • Neighbor Support

    • Help people with phone calls and forms - like Social Security, health appointments and insurance paperwork

    • Give neighbors rides, assist with basic needs

    • Provide a meal to a struggling family or neighbor - see lasagnalove

    • Offer babysitting or respite care - especially during meetings

    • Teach a skill or coordinate a training - sewing, gardening, cooking, car repair, how to fix a toilet or bike.

Misc.

Content welcome: Initially this newsletter was going to be sent weekly. Now it's sending as soon as it feels like there is enough content to let it fly - probably 2x/week. Your contributions are welcome. Email [email protected].

This newsletter will always be free, but if you like what you're reading and can find it in your budget, kick a few bucks to support your local food pantry, an abortion fund, or an elected official who has demonstrated common sense and decency.

Past Newsletters