Posted May 3rd, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of May 5, 2017
Likewise Sir: Standing outside the Capitol steps on Tuesday (shout out to Don Murphy of MPP for the suggestion), I walked with John Lewis (D-GA) to explain the COP/LEAP position. He replied, “thank you for your service.” I was speechless and finally muttered, “Likewise Sir.” This giant of a man who was beaten senseless by my colleagues on a bridge in Alabama in 1964, gives me hope for our country.
I ended up walking and chatting with 9 House Members during that hour and a half. Good day it was.
Note:…I am on family business the next 12 days in Michigan, Ohio.
This week’s stats:
188 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 09 this week
2416 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 07 this week
0 meetings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
206 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. this week
76 Radio Interviews. 0 this week
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000).. 0 this week
42 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
72 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 00 this week
148 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
26 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 00 this week (CPAC)
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
* Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 30 dollars buys all the copy paper COP uses in one year. 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. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted April 24th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of April 7, 14, 21, 2017
Gracias: The theme of the soirée at the embassy was cooking which is not my area of interest. I was able to meet and chat with the Uruguay ambassador. During our 10 minute chat in Spanish I thanked him and Uruguay for their courage to be the first country in the world to legalize/regulate marijuana. Their first stores for adult use open July 1.
Words that work: As Congressional staff take 12+ meetings a week, being remembered is crucial. I point out & emphasize to Republican offices that – drug prohibition is part of Sharia law and thus their boss supports part of Sharia ( Rs hate Sharia) {example Saudi Arabia}. With the few Democrats left who support MJ prohibition – I hammer the racism of the policy, the misery, teens shot every day and even the NAACP supports the 10th Amendment for MJ. I am often remembered long after the meeting.
Long Days: Congress was on “working in district” these two weeks which frees up time for staff. 41 meetings made for lots done. Also, most meeting went the full 30 minutes, as everyone had time to ask questions. Chatting with arguably some of the brightest young minds in the country is always a joy.
This week’s stats:
2404 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 41 this week
3 meetings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
179 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
206 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. this week
76 Radio Interviews. 0 this week
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000).. 0 this week
42 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
72 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 00 this week
148 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
26 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 00 this week (CPAC)
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
* Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 30 dollars buys all the copy paper COP uses in one year. 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. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted April 7th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of March 31, 2017
Who’s Your Daddy? About to leave the Senate office building a police officer called out to me. “Where is your jacket? I know you wore it in this morning.” Smiling, I assured him it was in my briefcase and it had become too warm to wear to the Union Station.
It seems my ‘back-up’ is everywhere these days. Foto of said jacket at bottom.
Done: this week the Swiss Medication-Assisted-Treatment Program was hand-delivered to all 100 Senate offices. Friday was spent emailing the health LAs said program, just to make sure them share it easily.
This week’s stats:
100 offices visited for a mini-presentation of the Swiss MAT program
2362 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 09 this week
1 meeting
COP stats since inception: August 2009
179 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
206 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. this week
76 Radio Interviews. 0 this week
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000).. 0 this week
42 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
72 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 00 this week
148 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
26 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 00 this week (CPAC)
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
* Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 30 dollars buys all the copy paper COP uses in one year. 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. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted March 24th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of March 24, 2017
Embarrassment turned to Gold: The clock showed nearly 1800, as I was about to finish for the day in Rayburn. Opening yet another door, there were 3 young staffers and a person I took to be the Chief of Staff. He asked about the ‘Long Rider’ buckle and 4 minutes later, the group had an outline of taking a horse across the USA. Then, he introduced himself as John Culberson from Houston (yup, the Congressman).
He said no worries about not recognizing him. He said he immensely enjoyed the stories and then the one minute summary of the Swiss program. Later, his aide said our chat was the best moment in an exceptionally stressful week (Obamacare vote, zillions of lobbyists and the phone ringing off the hook). Note: Anything a Texan does to bring glory to the Lone Star State, brings the doer of deeds much respect. We say: ‘If you are telling the truth, you are not bragging.’
Walk with me: Congressman Al Green of Texas was just leaving, as I entered his office. We had met before. I told him the reason for my visit. He had to vote, so he asked me to go with him to the committee room.. Two minutes later he had a solid understanding of the Swiss program and asked I meet for an in-depth meeting with his health staffer. Perfect Speed? Just show up!
*The 441 offices in the House have received the Swiss info. Next week I will do the entire Senate. During the Easter break (two weeks) – I will start real COP work.
If you want to know about marijuana and drug policy developments before anyone else does, check out Tom Angell’s recently-launched daily newsletter Marijuana Moment. It’s like the Politico Playbook, but just for marijuana. Sign up at http://MarijuanaMoment.net
Tom Angell, my young, smart, fellow reformer is the brilliance behind this service and I heartily recommend it. I wish I had had this 11 year ago, when I started my work on the Hill. Sample at bottom.
This week’s stats:
129 offices visited for a mini-presentation of the Swiss HAT program
179 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 02 this week
2353 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 15 this week
1 meeting
COP stats since inception: August 2009
206 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. this week
76 Radio Interviews. 0 this week
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000).. 0 this week
42 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
72 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 00 this week
148 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
26 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 00 this week (CPAC)
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
* Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 30 dollars buys all the copy paper COP uses in one year. 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. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted March 24th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of March 17, 2017
More Info: The Grover group has always received briefings from Congressional staffers. Starting this week, the Grover meeting is receiving a briefing from White House staffers.
Choose your words carefully: what do you write to your professional friend who is now a mid-level staffer at the White House? Length must be less than two minutes…here is my first note (and I won’t send her more than 3 per year)
Morning ‘Jane,’
I am so thrilled for you and your new position. Cream does rise to the top. Simply WOW.
To business. AG Sessions is making louder noises about going after Colorado stores et al. Reasons not to do that:
1. Jobs – combining Rec and Medical – the industry in 28 states employs 123,000 FTE. Colorado alone employs 22,000 Full Time Equivalent
2. Heroin – and ‘brothers’ causes some 100 deaths per day & WAS a campaign issue. Optics would suck that DEA goes after God’s green plant, not heroin.
3. Illegals – base and more want the AG to focus on ridding the country of the 12-20 million illegals. No one gives a rat’s ass about MJ.
I remain at your service, (see me smiling broadly, knowing where you are reading this)
Howard
Good Karma/Bad Cold: A cold hit me like the 8-inch snow storm this week. I was only able to spend Wednesday on the Hill, after the Grover meeting. The gods were smiling, as I bumped into 3 Congressmen in only 24 offices visited. I also had a good chat with the probable new Cman from SC who will take Mulvaney’s place (he is now at OMB). Like Mulvaney, the new guy is also very solid on 10th and MJ.
This week’s stats:
24 offices visited for a mini-presentation of the Swiss HAT program
177 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 03 this week
2353 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 04 this week
206 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 01 this week
1 meeting
COP stats since inception: August 2009
76 Radio Interviews. 0 this week
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000).. 0 this week
42 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
72 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 00 this week
148 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
26 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 00 this week (CPAC)
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
* Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 30 dollars buys all the copy paper COP uses in one year. 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. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
