Friends and Virginians:
It’s nearly the end of the year. Christmas will soon be here. In the spirit of the season, we need to celebrate all the great things that happened and be glad.
But what about the not-so-great things? Sometimes speaking them can be a form of purging. So, with apologies to Julie Andrews, here is my swan song for 2025: “A Few of My Least Favorite Things.”
(sung to the tune of “My Favorite Things”)
One party rule and Insider elections
Redistricting bills with mid-decade corrections
NFL seasons that last into spring
These are a few of my (least) favorite things
Illegal lockdowns and child face masking
Blowing up speed boats without even asking
Large data centers and all that they bring
These are a few of my (least) favorite things
Political reps that all sound like each other
Snowflakes that cry and cling to their mother
Men that wear turtlenecks, girls that can’t sing
These are a few of my (least) favorite things
Higher ed protests and small business taxes
Noisy leaf blowers and last-second faxes
A family funeral, when a loud cell phone rings
These are a few of my (least) favorite things
When the Prez tweets
When the Press howls
When I’m feeling glad
I simply remember my (least) favorite things
And then I just feel so mad
JCP Notes: Good news. The Virginia Supreme Court has granted a Writ in my Shalom Presbyterian appeal. That means this case will be heard by the full Court. I expect it to be the most consequential First Amendment case for the Court in 2026 — and perhaps in many years. Stay tuned.
Bad news. Last week, the Court of Appeals overturned a jury verdict I won in 2022 (!), on the grounds that the damages had not been stated with sufficient specificity. (The jury literally figured the damages down to the penny). A classic example of appellate judges trying to second-guess a jury. We’ll take it to the next level.
Finally, the Virginia Cardinals were in action last week in Ft. Lauderdale, winning 49-7 and 42-14 in our two matches. Here’s a photo from Florida.
Everyone please enjoy the holiday season.
Peace,
Chap