Dear Friends and Virginians:
On the verge of America’s 250th birthday it is appropriate, if not destiny, that the nations of the world are coming here to play the World’s game.
For months, we’ve been hearing from the media that nobody will travel to the USA because it is “unpopular” and “polarized.” Please.
The USA is still the world’s most dynamic and exciting nation. And we put on sporting events like nobody else. So join us for six joyous weeks of soccer.
The ultimate irony is that the most impressive team, so far, in the tournament has been … the United States??! Indeed, our boys jumped off to a great start with a stylish 4-1 win over Paraguay, while long-time titan Brazil looked bored in a listless 1-1 tie with Morocco.
Regardless, the glory of the World Cup is not about rooting for your team, it’s rooting for every team and how their brand of soccer reflects their national character: the flair of the Argentines, the precision of the Germans, the chill of the Spanish, the perpetual anguish of the Brits.
The Cup is beautiful because the world is beautiful.
JCP Notes: On Friday, June 5th, the American Battlefield Trust kindly recognized me at their annual conference for my work in (thus far) thwarting the “Digital Gateway” data center at the Manassas Battlefield National Park. (Our successful result is currently on appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court). I was honored to be joined by Elena Schlossberg of the Coalition to Protect Prince Willam County. Here we are with David Duncan of the ABT:
The slow-moving collapse of the “DG” has been paralleled by the decision of the Virginia Senate to revoke the sales tax exemption for data centers, thus setting up a confrontation with the Governor. (Back in 2023, the Senate voted 38-1 to establish the tax break. I was the sole “no” vote). The final result will likely be a compromise. Regardless, a new era is underway.
Congratulations to Old Glory RFC which (barely) made the playoffs, after winning their last home game at George Mason. Their playoff match will be Monday night in Chicago, with a watch party at Bunnyman Brewing on Old Guinea Road in Fairfax. Join me there.
Peace,
Chap