Joining the chorus of socio-cultural distractions being pitched in Charleston at the start of the 2025 Regular West Virginia Legislative Session was House Concurrent Resolution 33 — one of the most nonsensical pieces of sycophantry ever to be placed in the legislative records.

HCR 33, is intended for “Recognizing the tallest point in the State of West Virginia, Spruce Knob, as ‘Trump Mountain,’ and Honoring the accomplishments of President Donald J. Trump.”

Lead sponsor for the measure was Del. Elias Coop-Gonzalez, R-Randolph, with Dels. Chris Anders, R-Berkeley; Jordan Bridges, R-Logan; Henry Dillon, R-Wayne; Daniel Linville, R-Cabell; and Lisa White, R-Berkeley, latched on as sponsors.

Local delegates who had the intelligence and courage to understand their mistake after having perhaps initially been swept up by the idea of honoring a person they believe has and will do good for the Mountain State are to be commended for withdrawing their own sponsorship.

Remember, many of these folks’ colleagues have historically been opposed to the renaming or rebranding of established historically and culturally significant landmarks.

As our incredible state’s highest point, Spruce Knob has been cherished by generations for its wild wonders and harsh beauty. Since 1965, it has been part of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area — the first in the country to receive such a designation within a national forest.

It is beloved by bird watchers, day-trippers, those who seek peace wandering the Whispering Spruce Trail and those seeking a little adrenaline jolt on the drive up Spruce Mountain. It is truly magnificent, and it is ours.

State Sen. Robbie Morris, R-Randolph, could not have expressed it better when he said “The idea of changing the name is foolish at best.”

In fact, it is difficult to imagine what those who stand behind the resolution are thinking. HCR 33 has nothing to do with sound public policy that represents the ideals of West Virginians or helps us advance to a winning position in an economic “backyard brawl” with our neighboring states. It is pure attention-grabbing bootlicking.

HCR 33 was introduced on Valentine’s Day — perhaps a love letter to the president. House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, chairman of the House Committee on Rules, must ensure that is where its momentum ends.