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Montani Semper Libertarian

 Recently, we celebrated West Virginia Day which got me thinking about West Virginia’s state motto. Montani Semper Liberi, “Mountaineers are Always Free” echoes through the hollers and hills with a quiet intensity. It’s a declaration of rugged self-determination, a creed born not in theory but in the daily choices of people who’ve lived close to the land, skeptical of outside interference, and proudly independent. But here’s the paradox: West Virginia, by culture and heritage, is a deeply libertarian state. Its people just don’t realize it yet.

Look beyond party lines and what you’ll find is a spirit deeply aligned with the values of libertarianism. A deep distrust of federal overreach. A fierce protection of the Second Amendment. A belief in personal responsibility. A desire to be left alone by bureaucracy, red tape, and the elite who think they know what’s best for “Appalachia.”

West Virginians know how to fix their trucks, grow their food, and raise their families, and they don’t want anyone else trying to take away that right. They don’t ask for much—just the space to live their lives with dignity. That’s not just rural conservatism. That’s textbook libertarianism.

So why don’t West Virginians call themselves libertarians? Part of the answer lies in political branding. “Libertarian” is often misunderstood, wrapped up in abstract debates or lumped in with fringe politics. While well-meaning, many libertarians get drawn into the minutia of complex economic or social debate. Meanwhile, the Democratic and Republican parties have dominated the political map for so long that people often vote out of tradition, frustration, or habit—not philosophical alignment.

But dig into the conversations at a VFW hall, a volunteer fire department, or a mom and pop restaurant in Mingo County, and you’ll hear libertarian themes everywhere. Frustration with government mandates. Resentment of taxation that doesn’t return in services. A belief that communities—not bureaucrats—should take care of their own.

With each generational shift, each federal misstep, each tone-deaf policy pushed from afar, the libertarian alignment of West Virginia becomes clearer. Younger voters, especially, show signs of questioning old labels. They’re tired of the endless left-right tug-of-war and are searching for an ideology that matches their values of freedom, privacy, and local control.

West Virginia isn’t waiting to be “converted” to libertarianism—it’s already libertarian in spirit. What it lacks is awareness and articulation. When that alignment finally clicks, when Mountaineers connect their cultural DNA with a political philosophy that fits like an old work glove, West Virginians won’t just aspire to be free. They’ll be consciously, actively, and proudly free..

And maybe then, our motto will ring not just as a statement of identity, but as a call to political awakening: Montani Semper Libertarian.

-Taylor Richmond is a lifelong West Virginian, Morgantown resident, and Chairman of the Libertarian Party of West Virginia. He may be reached for comment at chair@lpwv.org. For more information on the Libertarian Party of West Virginia, go to http://lpwv.org. 

Libertarian Party of West Virginia Applauds Bipartisan Resolution to Prohibit U.S. Military Involvement in Iran

Libertarian Party of West Virginia Applauds Bipartisan Resolution to Prohibit U.S. Military Involvement in Iran
 
Parkersburg, WV – June 17, 2025 
The Libertarian Party of West Virginia (LPWV) commends the recent bipartisan initiative in Congress to introduce a resolution aimed at prohibiting unauthorized U.S. military involvement in Iran. This move aligns with the Libertarian Party’s long-standing commitment to non-interventionist foreign policies and the constitutional principle that only Congress has the authority to declare war. 
 
The proposed resolution underscores the importance of adhering to the U.S. Constitution, which mandates that any decision to engage in military conflict must be deliberated and authorized by the legislative branch. By seeking to prevent unauthorized military actions in Iran, the resolution reinforces the checks and balances that are fundamental to our democratic system.
 
“We are encouraged to see members of both major parties come together to uphold constitutional principles and prevent unauthorized military engagements,” said Taylor Richmond, Chair of the LPWV. “This bipartisan effort reflects a growing recognition that endless wars and executive overreach in matters of foreign policy are detrimental to our nation’s interests and values.” 
 
The LPWV believes that foreign policy decisions should prioritize diplomacy and peaceful engagement over military intervention. The party advocates for a foreign policy that respects the sovereignty of other nations and avoids entangling alliances that can lead to unnecessary conflicts. 
 
This resolution represents a positive step toward restoring congressional authority over war powers and ensuring that the United States does not engage in military actions without proper authorization and oversight.
 
About the Libertarian Party of West Virginia
The Libertarian Party of West Virginia is dedicated to promoting individual liberty, personal responsibility, and limited government. The party advocates for policies that uphold civil liberties, free markets, and a non-interventionist foreign policy. For more information, visit lpwv.org.  
 
Media Contact:
Dustin Blankenship
Director of Outreach, Libertarian Party of West Virginia
Email: dustinblankenship@lpwv.org
Phone: (304) 785-8276

Libertarian Party of West Virginia Condemns Political Violence, Reaffirms Commitment to the Second Amendment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Libertarian Party of West Virginia Condemns Political Violence, Reaffirms Commitment to the Second Amendment
 
Charleston, WV – [June 14, 2025]
 
The Libertarian Party of West Virginia strongly condemns all forms of political violence. In a free and open society, ideas must be met with debate, not brutality. Violence against any person for their political beliefs undermines the foundations of liberty, civil discourse, and the rule of law.
At the same time, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the Second Amendment and the individual right to keep and bear arms. The right of self-defense is a cornerstone of personal liberty — not a license for aggression.
“We can and must stand against violence without surrendering our constitutional rights,” said Taylor Richmond, Libertarian Party of WV Chair. “Libertarians believe that peace, liberty, and personal responsibility are not contradictory values — they are inseparable.”
 
The Libertarian Party calls on all Americans to reject violence as a means of political expression and to recommit to the principles of non-aggression, individual rights, and mutual respect. This includes the use of police, National Guard, or other armed service members to intimidate those who wish to speak truth to power.
 
Media Contact:
Dustin Blankenship
Director of Outreach
Libertarian Party of West Virginia
304-785-8276
DustinBlankenship@lpwv.org

New LPWV Board elected

Newly elected board for the LPWV: Region 1: Joseph Anthony Steiner, Vice Chair: Travis L. Bost, Director of Outreach: Dustin S. Blankenship, Region 2: Tara Jane Sheffer, Treasurer: Steven Smith, Director of Legislation: Erika Klie Kolenich, Chair: Taylor Richmond, Region 3: Allie Oxenblood, Secretary: David Prince
Region 4,5, & 6 are currently vacant. We will be reaching out for possible candidates!

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