Is Morality Missing in America?

Listen to “Is Morality Missing in America?” on Spreaker. So often we talk about legality. That can miss the larger point. A better conversation is about morality. John Adams understood that and said so in a 1798 letter to the officers of the First Brigade of the Third Division of the militia of Massachusetts: “Because

Trump’s get-out-of-jail free card

In the 1998 action movie Armageddon, the Bruce Willis character tells the federal government what his team members want in return for taking on a dangerous mission to destroy an asteroid before it strikes earth. “None of them want to pay taxes again… ever.” It’s a funny bit because it borders on the absurd. Fast

What Does Saving $168 Million Really Mean?

Listen to “What Does Saving $168 Million Really Mean?” on Spreaker. Governor Patrick Morrisey told taxpayers Monday that a team of state employees and consultants had identified $168 million in savings for the state. That sounds like a large number. But the announcement lacked context and certainty. A few points: • The idea of continuous improvement —

DC politics have arrived in West Virginia

West Virginia politics have taken on a distinctly DC-style edge, brought in by Gov. Patrick Morrisey. While this approach may offer short-term gains for the governor and his allies, the long-term effects of the 2026 Republican Primary could extend well beyond another election cycle with fewer people willing to put their name and reputation on

Republican Party Exec Committee Control Part of Primary Election

Listen to “Republican Party Exec Committee Control Part of Primary Election” on Spreaker. Each election, we see names on the ballot most voters know little about. Often, voters may not even understand the office being sought. These candidates usually don’t line the roads with signs. They rarely knock on doors. And until last week’s election,

Understanding the Governor’s ‘Batting Average’

Listen to “Understanding the Governor’s ‘Batting Average’” on Spreaker. Politics these days is often about claiming victory — whether you won or not. It’s called spin, and it’s nothing new. Governor Patrick Morrisey took to social media the day after the election with bold claims. A graphic titled “Major Win for Morrisey Agenda” prominently displayed

Primary Election Post Mortem

A few post-election observations: –This election saw an historic divide within the state’s Republican Party, with candidates endorsed and funded by Governor Morrisey and related PACS vs. Senator Tom Takubo’s slate.  In Kanawha County, Takubo survived withering and well-financed attacks to win re-nomination, as did Senator Vince Deeds in Greenbrier County. However, as our Brad

The Election Story is the Court!

Listen to “The Election Story is the Court!” on Spreaker. The big story election night may not be the Legislature at all. It’s the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. For all the fighting between Republican factions this primary season, there was one thing both sides largely agreed on: they wanted what they viewed as

Months of mudslinging is almost over

It’s almost over!  That seems to be the dominant feeling swirling around the 2026 Republican Primary.  Almost to a man (or woman), people I have spoken to about this primary have all expressed the same sentiment – they can’t wait until it is over.  That is not that unusual to hear from the candidates, the

West Virginia’s Future is on the Ballot… On That We Agree

Listen to “West Virginia’s Future is on the Ballot… On That We Agree” on Spreaker. Elections have always been ugly; this pen has said as much before. But comparatively, this primary — long in the making, built on manipulation and distortion — may be the nastiest West Virginia has seen this century. Ads spun from

Sunday is Mother’s Day

Editor’s Note: This commentary was drafted last year for Mother’s Day — it’s shared again this year with best wishes to Moms everywhere. Listen to “Sunday is Mother’s Day” on Spreaker. Let me be among the first to extend warm wishes to all mothers across the great state as we pause to honor and celebrate

Takubo emerges as top target of Morrisey PACs

Former Senate Majority Leader and incumbent Dr. Tom Takubo has emerged as the top target of Political Action Committees closely associated with Governor Patrick Morrisey, which are spending millions of dollars in this year’s primary election.  As of May 5, $691,000 had been spent by the seven PACs being tracked by Metronews. Much of the

Mason Levy Rollback Offers Important Context in Primary Election

Listen to “Mason Tax Rollback Offers Important Context in Primary Election” on Spreaker. It’s a pure success story — textbook, really. Mason County officials this week voted to roll back levy rates by 19 percent. Why? Because new investment — companies like Nucor — has expanded the tax base enough to make it possible. Veteran

Trump’s War

A few years ago, my wife was at the grocery store when a fellow shopper spoke to her in the freezer section. He reached for a half gallon of ice cream, looked at the price, and casually blamed then-President Barack Obama for how much he had to pay. And so it goes for every president.

Why Aren’t Candidates Speaking Up? It May Cost Too Much?

Listen to “Why Aren’t Candidates Speaking Up?” on Spreaker. Sometimes we come close — dangerously close — to crossing over to the dark side. Friday was one of those moments. David H. McKinley, chairman of the Mountaineer Freedom Alliance, joined Talkline to discuss the barrage of out-of-state PAC money flooding West Virginia. Some dark –

A Nasty Election!

Listen to “A Nasty Election!” on Spreaker. The election would change the country — depending on perspective — for better or worse. The right to property was said to be in jeopardy. Adultery, murder, even incest supposedly stood to become standard practice. Bibles would be burned. Sexual scandal loomed. Greater war powers and monarchical dictatorship

Primary Elections matter, but most voters are not interested

The 2026 primary election is underway in West Virginia. Early voting started on Wednesday and will continue until May 9th.  Here are some facts, figures, and observations about this year’s election: More individuals are taking advantage of early voting.  The 2004 election was the first presidential election year where early voting was allowed in the

May Primary Musings

Listen to “May Primary Musings” on Spreaker. A number of thoughts run unbridled as pen meets paper today — all about the upcoming election on May 12. Albert Einstein once said, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” There’s power in that. He meant clarity and simplicity are valuable, but oversimplifying

Remembering the opener at old Watt Powell Park

Charleston baseball history started on this day in 1949

Grifters Use Saturday Night Attempt to Deceive and Profit

Listen to “Grifters Use Saturday Night Attempt to Deceive and Profit” on Spreaker. Saturday evening brought another instance of political violence. It is clear the man sought to kill. Perhaps the assailant is mentally unwell. Perhaps he is simply evil. Was the level of security appropriate? A Washington Post article Sunday raises astonishing questions about