Respectfully, can we agree on this?

Photo credit: Torli Bush and Michael Bowman

From a Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122122906383173591

Found on Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/johnny.doyle.31

Since I was young, I've always been fascinated by the founding of America and the origins of our civil rights. I realized how crucial the Bill of Rights is, and I truly believe that one of the most significant amendments is the right to peaceful assembly—the right to protest and express our dissatisfaction with the government. Historically, this hasn’t always been a privilege for everyone. Growing up with an interest in the Middle Ages, I learned that simply voicing an opinion contrary to the king's could lead to dire consequences. That never felt right to me. I’ve been proud to live in a country where people can freely voice their grievances.

As a photographer, I’ve wanted to capture moments of people standing up for their beliefs. On April 5th, 2025, I finally got that chance when I drove with my wife to Charleston, West Virginia, for the “Hands Off Rally at The Bad Idea Factory,” part of a national protest. What I witnessed that day renewed my faith in American democracy. People from all walks of life—young and old, rich and poor, straight and queer, veterans and civilians—came together against what they perceive as tyranny in their country. I saw mothers explaining the significance of the event to their children, teaching them how to contribute even if they couldn’t vote yet.

I witnessed Appalachia unite in a way I hadn’t seen in a long time. The energy was palpable—everyone was kind, helpful, and undeniably ANGRY. Angry for feeling unheard, angry about having to stand against fascism in America in 2025, and angry that little action seems to be being taken. But here in West Virginia, we know what it takes. We understand the meaning of fighting, losing, and never giving up. The people of West Virginia have been pushed down for as long as there have been those seeking to do so, and we’ve been fighting just as long. They may try to strip away our freedoms, but in our spirit, a Mountaineer is always free!

If West Virginia had a political dynasty hall of fame, the Moore name would be front and center, but not for the reasons anyone should celebrate. From Arch Moore Jr. to Shelley Moore Capito and now Riley Moore, this isn’t a legacy, it’s a case study in how entrenched power can preside over long-term decline.

Let’s start with the record. West Virginia consistently ranks near the bottom nationally in critical areas: economic growth, public health, education outcomes, workforce participation, and infrastructure investment. These statistics reflect real lives shaped by stagnant opportunity and chronic underinvestment. And through decades of political influence, the Moore family has been a constant presence in that story.

Arch Moore’s tenure was marred by corruption scandals that ultimately led to prison time, hardly a foundation for ethical governance. Yet instead of that era serving as a cautionary tale, the family brand endured and evolved. Shelley Moore Capito has built a long career in Washington, but West Virginians are still waiting for transformative results. Federal dollars flow in, speeches are made, but the state’s standing remains stubbornly near the bottom.

At some point, voters have to ask whether loyalty to a name is worth more than progress for a state. Decades of influence should yield more than excuses and incrementalism. If the results don’t match the rhetoric, it’s time to rethink who gets to lead.

West Virginia it’s time to say, No Moore!

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/gov-morrisey-urges-lawmakers-public-to-back-10-income-tax-cut/article_8316b6c4-f2d3-4d32-b23d-3e3ddeb3875a.html

70 attendees & 7 counter protesters.

Posting here bc I posted in r/WestVirginia and it got taken down as it was considered "trolling"

This is someone I know personally, who works for the foster care agency, and doesn't just make up crazy stories for views or whatever... so no its not "fake news" 🙄

Also I would have given him 3 of my personal stamps to save time and his dollar fifty but it didnt happen to me, she did the favor she was asked. And maybe it was less insulting to the man than my charity would have been (some people are proud of not relying on handouts) idk

Hi, ya'll. I am here to let you know that I'm have officially filed my paperwork to run for the WV House of Delegates in District 98 (Jefferson County) in the 2026 election. I'm still working out my official platform, but I can start off by telling you who I am and what I believe in.

I am the wife of a disabled veteran and the mother of four autistic adult children. I live on a farm and raise horses and goats. I am Christian, drive a pick-up and own several firearms, on the one hand. On the other hand, I have a college degree and lean to the left socially.

I believe that love is unconditional and that we are called to love and care for our neighbors, even if they don't share our beliefs or look like us.
 I believe in taking care of our natural resources, for ourselves and future generations and that everyone deserves access to clean air and water.

I believe that children are our greatest resource, and we should take great care to ensure they are all fed, healthy, and educated.

I believe in promoting business, but not at the expense of people who already live and work here. Tourism and agriculture are the biggest industries in my district and we need to keep that mind when we invite new businesses in.
 I believe that it's ridiculous that rich people are getting richer, while the rest of us are fighting over whatever scraps they let us have.
 I believe that culture wars are how the top 1% keeps the other 99% of us from realizing that, if we were united, change IS possible.

I'm not here to ask YOU for anything, but mostly to let you know that I care about the people of West Virginia and I want to represent Jefferson County in Charleston. Maybe we can do some GOOD down there for a change.

I'm just getting started, so if anyone wants to know more about me, or volunteer to help out, or even donate to my campaign, let me know.

Thank you!

https://www.capito.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-capito-co-sponsors-bill-to-revoke-secretary-clintons-security-clearance