Posted March 14th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of March 10, 2017
Box of Chocolates: entering an office in Longworth, I met two French doctors (had a flag on their lapel). I said hello to them and ended up in a ten-minute chat in French about the Swiss program.
Thank you: Senator Booker (D-NJ) was at the elevator in Longworth, waiting w/ two other Cman. I introduced myself, mission and then thanked him for his leadership in ending the War on Drugs. He re-shook my hand, thanking me for the kind words….”it (LE support) is good to know that.”
Cman Franks (R-AZ)..met him in his office saying, “I represent cops who believe if you have a drug problem, see a doctor – not a jail.” He responded (in front of 4 VIPs from his District), “ I could use some drugs right now.” “I have plenty of free samples in my briefcase; Prozac, Valium, pot, Oxi.” I replied. Everyone laughed, as the Cman and his four guests went into the main office.
Follow-up letter to Cman Tim Ryan (D-OH)
Congressman Ryan,
Thank you for your time last week in the hallway, as I explained how the Swiss are very effective/pro-life in dealing with their heroin abuse problems. I have visited their clinics in 01, 08 and 16 to become knowledgeable. My fluency in French and German aided my efforts with the Health Ministry.
I remain at your service,
It was that type of crazy/rewarding week.
Radio Program taped earlier with a law professor in Knoxville, TN…I come in at about 8:40 & go for about 18 minutes
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/ywc/episodes/2017-02-18T09_23_43-08_00
This week’s stats:
153 offices visited for a mini-presentation of the Swiss HAT program
174 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 04 this week
2349 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 22 this week
76 Radio Interviews. 01 this week
1 meetings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
205 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 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)
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
Weekly attendance at 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. 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 10th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of March 3, 2017
Off Message:
Background – as you know, we had an increase in the number of citizens who died last year from heroin/opioid abuse issues.
Therefore, I spent my week opening 135 doors in Cannon and Longworth to distribute the summary of how the Swiss effectively deal with the same problem.
My pitch was:
‘I represent police officers who believe – if you have a drug problem see a doctor. Specifically, this morning, I am here on behalf of the 38,000 who died last year from heroin/Oxycodone OD. And the 30,000 who died the year before and 20,000 the year before that. (handing the receptionist a single sheet w/ Swiss program) This is for your health LA (legislative assistant). And who is your colleague for health? — taking their business card…Plz advise ‘Sean’ that the Swiss approach is very much pro-life, as they want their citizens to survive their addiction. Second, this document has been approved by the Swiss govt for distribution to the Congress. I do not want you to think some cowboy wandered in from the hallway with ideas on how fix a health problem.’ (90% of the receptionists will smile at this – note there is complete lack of any humor in their jobs, as EVERYONE comes in so very serious about whatever issue they are promoting).
I finish saying,’ if ‘Sean’ has questions I have been to the Swiss clinics and can answer many questions. Or, the contact info for the Swiss Health Ministry is at the top. I met that person in Geneva last year and her English is better than mine.’ Smiles from the staffer.
I should note that an average of two staffers heard this mini-presentation. Sometimes the receptionist grabbed the health LA, so I could expand on the whole program.
To contact all 535 offices is going to take the entire month of March. The COP mission remains to end drug prohibition. However, in the month of March, I feel a responsibility to help the million or so citizens who are addicted to heroin/Oxy, of whom another 40,000 are projected to die this year. I did the same mission in January of 2016 w/o any success. Nonetheless, it is worth a second attempt.
This week’s stats:
135 offices visited for a mini-presentation of the Swiss HAT program
170 personal chats with a Member of Congress.. 01 this week
2327 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 17 this week
2 meetings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
205 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 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
75 Radio Interviews. 00this 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)
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
Weekly attendance at 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. 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 February 28th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of February 24, 2017
Kurt SchlichterVerified account@KurtSchlichter Feb 22 he is: Senior Columnist for Townhall.com, w/ 88,000 twitter followers…tweeted this out on Thursday morning:
What would #CPAC be like without the cowboy guy with the legalize drugs T-shirt?
CPAC 2017:
The craziness began Wednesday night with a reception, speeches by VP Pence (Thursday) and P Trump on Friday and closed with a speech/history lesson/snoozer by Sheriff Clarke of Wisconsin on Saturday.
Highlights: I bumped into a gentleman I met 8 years ago as a legislative assistant. He had quickly moved up the ranks and is now an advisor to Prez. Trump. I congratulated him on his position, thrilled that this professional friend of mine (dozens of chats over the years) now hangs his hat at the WH 8-5. More importantly, he allowed 3 minutes me to point out the reasons Trump should NOT go after Colorado.
16 media interviews on Thursday, 7 on Friday and none on Saturday. Add to that to many dozens of young CPACers wanting fotos of the cowboy and the shirt. My best numbers ever.
Here are some early samples of published media articles. More stuff on my Twitter feed @cannabiscop..like 10 seconds with Sean Hannity.
1) NPR station KMUW in Witchita, KS : http://kmuw.org/post/trump-and-cpac-complicated-relationship-no-more
…17 fotos of CPAC ..Cowboy is in #15. (bottom of main foto on website is a hard to see note: “View Slide show 1-17)
A. http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a53395/texas-cop-cpac/
8M read, xcl fotos…Esquire Mag
2) Swiss Radio:
http://www.srf.ch/news/international/fuenf-schillernde-persoenlichkeiten-auf-mission
it is in German..2nd of 5 personalities at CPAC
3) The Greg Gutfeld Show Feb 25, 2017 – Fox News Show cameo at the 12 minute mark
This week’s stats:
2309 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 02 this week (1 w/ White House Staffer)
75 Radio Interviews. 03 this week (1 w/ Swiss radio in German)
26 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 01 this week (CPAC)
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)…10 this week
148 interviews and reports in minor media = 09 this week.
1 meeting
COP stats since inception: August 2009
169 personal chats with a Member of Congress.. 0 this week
205 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 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
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
Weekly attendance at 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. 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 February 28th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of February 17, 2017
Good Guys are here: Wednesday at 1500 was just another day at the office (Senate), when I bumped into Don Murphy of (www.mpp.org) in the hallway. ‘Hey, let’s go to such and such a hearing.’ And off we went.
Before the sunset that night, due to Don knowing everyone well (R Members seem to all recognize him), I had solid, one minute chats with six (6) senators and one Congressman. As I ended each chat, I said to the Senator, “when you need police back-up, call me.” ….this in reference to when mainstream police organizations urge full-speed ahead with the War on Drugs, the Member can call upon LEAP speakers to provide ‘backup.’
As long time readers know, this was my very best day on the Hill in ten years. My head was about to explode from ‘what the heck just happened.’ Thank you Don for the introductions.
Icing on the cake: the next day I finished my rounds off all 100 offices. ALL BY MYSELF –I bumped into Senator Whitehouse (D-RI) in his office. As I started my 1 minute speech, he cut me off with, “I love LEAP.” To which I replied, ‘Thank you and that is all I need to know.’
Hi, Howard: Here’s your latest interview on my show: Spreading Like a Weed.
Thanks for another thoughtful discussion.
Stewart Harris
Visiting Associate Professor of Law
Lincoln Memorial University – Duncan School of Law
Creator and Host, Your Weekly Constitutional
This week’s stats:
2307 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 07 this week
169 personal chats with a Member of Congress.. 08 this week
1 meeting
COP stats since inception: August 2009
25 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 0 this week
139 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
72 Radio Interviews. 00 this week
205 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 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
62 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR)…02 this week (NBC twice)
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
Weekly attendance at 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. 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 February 13th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of February 10, 2017
Been in this office before: Always good when I enter a Congressional office and introduce myself thusly; ‘Hi. I represent police officers who don’t want to waste their time chasing a green plant, Willie Nelson, Snoop Dog – that kind of nonsense.’ This week and every week about 1 in 5 on the desk will respond with something like: ‘I remember you from last time.’ Does my heart good to hear that, it does. . (offering free samples once a month, when I have my fun day – probably helps too)
I also had two staffers stop me in the hallway. One had moved over to the Senate (promotion) and the other had become a lobbyist, after years as a Legislative Director. He was there to see an office on his issue.
My mentor, Eric Sterling, recommended a book in 2005 which I read: Tribes: in summary after X years learning the ropes, staffers fan out all over the federal bureaucracy and or become the lobbyists who go back to their colleagues and offices to move policies. It now occurs to me that my 3,500 presentations have done the same thing for drug reform…. I have created my own ‘tribe’ who still remember me and the issue years later… and it only takes a 15-minute chat. (okay the cowboy hat helps a bunch) Woohoo!!
Marijuana industry helps Trump ‘Make America Great Again:’ I presented to Grover Norquist’s Wednesday meeting. The topic was: Jobs, jobs, jobs. 123,000 to be exact. Thanks to Justin Strekin from NORML, I now know that the MJ industry employs about 120,000 spread over 28 states. I reported this number of good paying jobs (most are 15/hour for unskilled labor) is expected to double when CA, NV, ME and MA come on line next year along with workers in Florida’s MMJ industry. The MJ industry is doing its part to help America succeed!!
For any first-time reader of this letter: the 150 attendees for a presentation have millions of conservative members. One of our group is already working today in the WH (that I know of). Grover was summoned to the WH last week, as Trump wanted his input. Any pressure we can put on the administration to leave Colorado et al alone (muzzle Sessions) is my/our goal. And I cannot say too often that Grover is four-square on our side.
MJ – Uruguay Connection: I was invited to and attended a social event at the Uruguay embassy on Friday evening. A good time was had by all. It occurred to me that, if I had brought some MJ into the embassy (located in DC), it would still have been legal in the embassy, as they went legal/regulate about two years ago… No, no one lit up but I felt a solid sense of satisfaction. We are on the path to making the world a better place. (you probably know that once inside an embassy, it is legally the same as being in that country)
This week’s stats:
2307 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 09 this week
2 meetings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
25 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 0 this week
161 personal chats with a Member of Congress.. 00 this week
139 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
72 Radio Interviews. 00 this week
205 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 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
62 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR)…02 this week (NBC twice)
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
Weekly attendance at 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. 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
