Posted August 8th, 2014 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of July 25 & August 1 & 8, 2014
Trying to light a fire: Before taking a six day trip to Wisconsin to meet the new babies of my God kids and some needed R&R, I spent two whole days emailing all 535 offices. I am/was trying to show them the ‘children on the border’ c should be called ‘Drug War Refugees.’ So far that idea has only been picked up by a few papers and Robert Reich, Clinton’s labor secretary.
Preparation meets opportunity: The staffer from a major European country and I had lunch in DC this week. We spoke for 90 minutes in his language. We established our relationship and agreed we need to end this world-wide drug prohibition. We parted with my pledge to gather materials he could use to convince his government that it was in their interest to support the LEAP position. Note: LEAP Board Member Jim Gierach wrote and produced a booklet which calls for an end to world-wide drug prohibition. I gave my contact a copy.
Every ten years the United Nations has a special assembly to discuss drug prohibition. The next takes place in New York in 2016. There is time to change the world & I will do what I can.
Summer reading assignment: I participated in a sanctioned House briefing on Tuesday. LEAP speaker and former military police officer Dean Becker of the Drug Truth Network encouraged the federal govt. to read his book this summer. To End the War on Drugs is a compilation of over 100 experts who have been guests on his radio program. Dean, from Houston, & I go back 17 years. It was a pleasure to help him.
At the very bottom is a report on the conference I attended in NYC/United Nations a month ago.. As you can read, the cracks in drug prohibition have spread to the UN. I still chuckle remembering the Mexican rep informing us that Colorado marijuana has penetrated the Mexican market.
Cheerful news, again: Two votes show bipartisan support for our issue: In late July The Houses cast two votes in support of ‘normalizing’ banking services to state-legal marijuana businesses. By a vote of 231-192, which included almost every Democrat and 50 odd Republicans, this was a demonstration that the Congress is well on the road to applying the 10th Amendment to marijuana policy.
This week raw data:
1642 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 17 this week
48 Radio Interviews.. 02 this week
2 briefings and one hearing on DUI marijuana.
- COP stats since inception: August 2009
54 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 02 this week
89 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0 this week
10 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress.. 0 this week
- 81 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
- 36 Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)… this week
- 18 major conferences attended.. this week (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
- 26 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… this week
79 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $78,000).. 00 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. … Go to: · www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
- Citizens Opposing Prohibition
POB 543
Original URL:
http://idpc.net/blog/2014/07/preparing-for-the-2016-ungass-on-drugs-an-opportunity-we-can-t-afford-to-miss
The limited impact of repressive drug polices in reducing drug markets, as well as the increased harms caused by these policies, has now been widely recognized. To Ambassador Jean-Francis Régis Zinsou of Benin, “the importance of this topic no longer needs to be explained.” States have begun to create new national policies that they believe will more effectively address the harms caused by drugs. Ambassador Zinsou highlighted the most pertinent example when he described the recent marijuana reforms in several countries as “an admission of the failure of repressive policies.” Although the diverging perspectives between states increase the difficulty of constructive international dialogue, it is this fragmented consensus that makes the UNGASS so important. This was emphasized by the event moderator Mike Trace, Chair of IDPC, who also noted that the flexibility of the UN drug conventions is being stretched as states pursue their own policies. According to Mr. Trace, there is no longer any security in maintaining the current approach to international drug policy and the UNGASS is the ideal opportunity to discuss a new strategy.
Ambassador Yanerit Morgan of Mexico called for the UNGASS to be an “open, inclusive, substantive and comprehensive debate” involving all stakeholders. However, ensuring that such a debate takes place involves careful preparation. As Ambassador Zinsou reminded the audience, in the past, the drug policy debate has been silenced and is still at risk of being pushed to the margins of the international community. To the sponsors of the event, it is the international community’s responsibility to take full advantage of the opportunity presented by the UNGASS.
Dr. Renata Segura, Associate Director of the Conflict Prevention and Peace Forum of the Social Science Research Council, echoed the words of the Ambassadors when she reiterated that while an open debate as a goal sounds modest, it should not be minimized. Without adequate preparation, the international community risks a repeat of the 1998 UNGASS on Drugs, during which the voices of reformers and pragmatists were silenced by those in favor of the status quo.
Dr. Roberto Dondisch, Director General for Global Issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico, emphasized that after we have decided on how to prepare for the UNGASS, such as determining what formal structure for engagement and communication must be implemented, we must also decide on what we need to prepare. This bears resemblance to Dr. Segura’s first recommendation: that member states develop their position on drug policy by analyzing the existing evidence and the unique case in their respective countries. Dr. Dondisch stressed that nations must decide what they believe the problem is, namely, the use of drugs or the harms caused by drug use. States must then grasp the different environment that exists today, both internationally and in their nation, in contrast to the context in which the UN drug conventions were adopted. The objectives and strategies that are deemed most suitable will then become that nation’s reference point for discussions at the UNGASS. Mexico’s strategy of comprehensive participation is fundamentally focused on moving from a user-centered approach to a society-centered approach. Nations must prepare for the debate at the 2016 UNGASS by defining their objectives to reflect current circumstances and by identifying corresponding strategies that are ideal for their nation.
A representative from the Swiss Mission made a brief statement which reiterated Ambassador Morgan’s emphasis on the need for openness and transparency to promote a constructive discussion at the UNGASS. As Dr. Segura advised, Switzerland believes the inclusion of civil society and UN agencies other than UNODC is essential to the preparatory process. The Swiss representative also called for drug policies to be based on human rights, public health principles and scientific evidence. For Switzerland, the 2016 UNGASS should prepare the international community for the 2019 review of the 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action.
Posted July 21st, 2014 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of July 18, 2014
I love New York: Due to my participation in the United Nations drug conference in Austria this spring, I was invited to a planning session for UNGAAS 2016 ( every ten years the UN discusses how their world-wide prohibition is working). After introducing myself as the Co-Founder of LEAP & my standard statement to all such meetings: “The War on Drugs/Drug Prohibition has been the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral policy since slavery & Jim Crow.”
(UNGASS = United Nations General Assembly Special Session)
To the panel and 75 attendees I proposed: ‘It was my professional experience as a police detective that drug prohibition or War on Drugs increased pain, suffering, death and crime. I propose that before UNGASS 2016 that the United Nation direct the Member States to conduct research as to what causes more pain, suffering, death and crime; the consumption of drugs or their prohibition?’
Immediately the representative from Sweden pushed back saying, ‘Sweden wants a drug free world & we should work towards that goal.’ Such is the typical thinking/statements (I heard ad nauseum in Vienna) 53 years after the first international treaty prohibiting six (6) drugs.
After the meeting ended I had a half dozen chats with panel members & others (the Mexican panel member heartily agreed with my proposal) & all were positive to my proposal. I should point out that in my two encounters with the UN, nobody speaks ‘plain’ English or proposes much that is sensible (when the microphone is on).
BTW, the Swedish rep – a former police officer – came over and we chatted for 4-5 minutes. On a personal/police basis we found much common ground.
More Crown Royal: On Wednesday the House voted 231-192 to ‘normalize’ banking operations for marijuana-based businesses in the 34 states with such laws. Wow. I am still knocked out by a winning vote.. Yikes! I am running low on Crown.
A shout out to Michael Collins of DPA and Michael Correia of The Cannabis Industry and the others who worked long and hard for the above winning vote.
This week raw data:
1625 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 15 this week
54 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 02 this week (Nadler & Danny Davis)
46 Radio Interviews.. 02 this week
- COP stats since inception: August 2009
89 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0 this week
- 10 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress.. 0 this week
- 81 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
- 36 Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)… this week
- 18 major conferences attended.. this week (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
- 26 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… this week
79 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $75,000).. 00 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. … Go to: · www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
- Citizens Opposing Prohibition
POB 543
Posted July 20th, 2014 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of July 4, 2014
COP is the infantry: Since the vote to stop the DEA, I have talked to 14 R staffers – so far. Their boss voted in our favor — 8 due to straight forward belief in the 10th Amendment. The other 6 because they now believe medical marijuana is medicine. Stay tuned.
As you know, my job is in the trenches, wearing out boot leather.. Going door to door, gathering intel, informing the staffers, keeping the issue in front of the 535 offices is what I do.
Charlotte’s Web strain of CBD: Each of the 6 offices above said it was the anti-seizure med for children known as Charlotte’s Web was the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back.’ All the other stories of marijuana’s effectiveness were not enough but this medicine made them change their vote.
Hola Univision: I tweeted Jorge Ramos (news anchor) in Spanish naturalmente that the border crisis of kids pouring over was caused by the War on Drugs. He tweeted back (I am honored & pleased) yes to my analysis and Washington is to blame. He is a powerful ally to have.
Bigger sign/indication: At Grover’s we had 3 candidates for House and Senate speak. Afterwards I met with all three. One was neutral, one said he supports the 10th Amendment approach to marijuana and one waited for 2 minutes to talk to me! (first time for that). She flat out said we should legalize/regulate all drugs.
I can’t believe they published my LTE in the Boston Herald: I essentially said the editors were idiots. And they published! at bottom
1599 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 06 this week
88 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 01 this week
42 Radio Interviews.. 01 this week
79 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $75,000).. 01 this week
- COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 49 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 00 this week
- 10 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress.. 0 this week
- 81 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
- 36 Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)… this week
- 18 major conferences attended.. this week (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
- 26 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 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. … Go to: · www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
- Citizens Opposing Prohibition
POB 543
FAILED DRUG WAR
As a retired detective who worked in the trenches of the drug war in the ’70s, ’80s & ’90s, I am sure the Herald’s words supporting the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency were comforting to the Mexican drug cartels – which rake in billions from the illegal market for drugs ( “Congress goes to pot,” June 9 ). The longer we continue this failed prohibition approach, with regards to marijuana, the more billions the cartels rake in.
Marijuana is a mind-altering, intoxicating and sometimes psychologically addictive drug. It is certainly too dangerous to leave its production and sale in the hands of criminals, cartels and teens. It should be given the same respect and laws as beer. The Herald’s continued support for the prohibition of marijuana is baffling.
– – Howard Wooldridge, Adamstown, Md. The writer is a co-founder of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.
Posted July 3rd, 2014 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of June 27, 2014
We Agree: At Grover’s I had a five minute chat with a new member of a very powerful, national committee. We only agreed on one thing = the 10th Amendment should be the guiding principle for marijuana.
Did I just waste 3 hours? Not! The evening program was not another seminar on how great the drug war is going for America, rather an awards ceremony for fighting addiction. The gentleman across from me is the police liaison from a major European country, attached to his embassy. Speaking in his language, he stated flatly the solution to most problems would be to legalize all drugs. I was truly startled but then he is a cop first and diplomat second.
The next day, before I could write him to secure our link, he wrote me proposing we meet to see what we could do to change the prohibition policies. Stay tuned.
My old home town: Pounding the pavement this week, Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA) was leaving his office, as I was entering. We shook hands. I thanked him for his vote to employ the 10th Amendment and thus to stop the DEA from arresting state-legal MMJ patients. He said he was a firm believer in what he voted for..
Note: his Legislative Director and I have met 4 times in the past 6 years. I was always told that to support the MMJ amendment was too scary due to the voters. Two years ago Bishop voted NO. Now he must feel comfortable with this voters and can now support us. Bishop represents Albany, Georgia where I graduated from high school.
1593 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 03 this week
87 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 03 this week
49 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 02 this week
- COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 10 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress.. 0 this week
- 41 Radio Interviews.. this week
- 81 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
- 36 Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)… this week
- 18 major conferences attended.. this week (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
- 26 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… this week
* 78 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $75,000).. 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. … Go to: · www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
- Citizens Opposing Prohibition
POB 543
Posted June 16th, 2014 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of June 13, 2014
Someone has my back: At an international – leaning meeting this week the senior staffer to a House Member wanted ideas on what his boss could do to slow down, hurt the terrorists of the world. I immediately piped up that per the United Nations, the illegal drug trade is the number one source of money for terrorists around the globe.
The next person who was called on stated my observation was correct and added his own data on drug trade and terrorists. At a public meeting I am sure it is the first time someone backed my position on this aspect. Felt good…still does.
Not too loud: After I spoke in the reception area to the aide I had met before, I was leaving the Republican office, when the guy behind the desk said almost in a whisper,” Appreciate what you do.” I touched the brim of my hat in recognition and smiled going out the door. Little gestures like that confirm there is more and more light at the end of tunnel.
Personal pain equals political victory: the German word is ‘schadenfreude.’ As I was concluding a chat with an aide, the Member walked in. Per protocol, I stood up, as he walked over to shake my hand. Normally I just introduce myself and who I represent. Then the Member replies that the staffer will take care of me and give him/her a report later. Bye – bye.
This time I personally thanked him for his ‘yes’ vote to keep the DEA outside the states with medical marijuana. Seven (7) minutes later I learned in detail how his daughter & granddaughter had moved to Colorado in order to obtain the ‘Charlotte’s Web’ CBD medical marijuana which stops the epileptic seizures. On that basis he voted our way.
That his granddaughter and that family are suffering meant he voted to essentially legalize God’s medicine for the nation. Our side won the vote but what a cost! Schadenfreude is cruel.
1590 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 32 this week
10 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress.. 01 this week
84 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 03 this week
47 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 02 this week
- COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 41 Radio Interviews.. this week
- 81 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
- 36 Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)… this week
- 18 major conferences attended.. this week (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
- 26 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… this week
* 78 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $75,000).. 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. … Go to: · www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
- Citizens Opposing Prohibition
POB 543
