COP on the Hill: Stories from the week February 22, 2013

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week February 22, 2013

 VIP Meetings:   I earned several helpings of Crown Royal whiskey and Swiss chocolate this week

*30 minute chat with the Chief of Staff of a leader of the CBC-Congressional Black Caucus.  The Member has always supported the Drug War but his C of S and Legislative Director will both try to convince him to adopt the COP position because of the horrific civil rights violations committed in the name of drug policy.  I have known these staffers for four (4) years.  The feeling I had when I walked out of their office was a combo of elation and satisfaction, knowing all the hard work of 7 years is coming to fruition.

*20 minute private meeting with Grover Norquist and his Chief of Staff.  I asked for his support for HR 499 – (Federal MJ Repeal bill).  I can report a good meeting that was productive.

*2 minute chat with Texas Governor Perry.  I attended a Texas Society breakfast where everyone introduced themselves.  After saying my name and being from Fort Worth, I held up my “LONG RIDER” buckle and said, “And you earn this buckle when you ride your TEXAS horse across America, coast to coast.”  I was later able to ask a question, stating I was a retired detective who believed that chasing Willie Nelson and a green plant were nonsense and a waste of good police time.  I then asked a question about the 20,000 rape kits in Texas that had never been opened.

A few minutes later in the receiving line, the Governor said he knew of 3 young men riding from the Rio Grande to Canada.  He thought my experience might help them and thus he asked for my business card.  We spoke on my issue for a moment.   This may or may not develop into something more but it does show the power of just showing up is half of any win.

Not bad for a 30 dollar breakfast or one year’s dues to COP.

Too busy week in the House, as they were in recess.  23 meetings with staff plus a newspaper interview.  Whew!

COP stats since inception: August 2009

• 1110 Presentations to Congressional staffers..23 this week
• 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
• 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
• 45 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc..   1 this week
• 71 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000) =  this week
• 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
• 25 Radio Interviews..  this week
• 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
• 33 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 1 this week
• 11 major conferences attended (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, etc)
• Permanent invitation to Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders.   Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
• Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year.   All contributions are tax-deductible.   Law Enforcement’s voice in opposition to current policy is vital on the Hill to achieve a repeal of federal prohibition.  COP provides that voice.   If you agree that Modern Prohibition/War on Drugs is the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral policy since slavery & Jim Crow and want to be a part of the solution…  Go to:

• www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
• Citizens Opposing Prohibition
• POB 543
• Buckeystown, MD 21717