The Mountain Quill is the Official Blog of the Libertarian Party of West Virginia. Its purpose is to serve as a forum dedicated to principled inquiry, civil discourse, and rigorous analysis of public policy, economics, and culture. Grounded in the values of individual liberty, limited government, and personal responsibility, Mountain Quill offers clear-eyed commentary on issues shaping West Virginia and the nation by elevating local perspectives while engaging national debates. Through original essays, informed critique, and thoughtful debate, the publication serves readers seeking independent thought beyond partisan orthodoxies.
West Virginians Aren’t Falling for Morrisey’s Tax-Cut Shell Game
By Taylor Richmond, Chair, Libertarian Party of West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey wants credit for being a tax-cutter without doing the work of actually cutting taxes. His State of the State address promised a bold 10% income tax eduction. It was the headline he wanted, the applause line he rehearsed, and the talking point his administration blasted across
Misinformation … Where we Libertarians stand:
“Individuals are inherently free to make choices for themselves and must accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make.” Those choices must be carefully made by conscious and deliberate thought and analysis because “responsibility” depends upon “truthful projection.” All of us now seem to be faced with the daunting task of determining truth
Hancock County School District Crisis: A Libertarian’s Perspective
In early November 2025, I received a message asking if I had heard the latest rumors: anemployee for the county school district escorted from the premises! Financial malfeasance runrampant! Intrigued, I also began asking questions and quickly realized residents were flush withspeculation and frustration. So, in this article, I wish to discuss the current situation
Editorial: West Virginia’s Food Dye Ban Shows Why Government Shouldn’t Be in the Business of Parenting
A federal judge has done what the West Virginia Legislature should have done from the start: pump the brakes on an unworkable, constitutionally vague food‑dye ban that hands sweeping power to state bureaucrats with no standards, no guardrails, and no accountability. House Bill 2354 — the so‑called “food dye ban” — was sold as a