Posted November 15th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of November 15, 2013
Calvary Division: At Grover Norquist’s brunch I met a person who will be running for the US Senate in 14. Besides a few words on drug prohibition, I demonstrated the power of the horse to win the votes. I use the excuse of ‘horse power’ to introduce myself and my politics.
New Ally: I spent the week hand-delivering the NAACP endorsement of HR 1523 to all 535 offices in the Congress. I had brief chats with two dozen aides whose reactions ranged from “this is helpful” to “this is important” to “this is huge.” I was able to have 1-3 minute chats with a record five (5) Congressmen.
Congressman Cooper was headed out the door with his golf clubs and I asked if I could have 20 seconds. He nodded as he waited for the elevator. He is on our side and voted last year to cut-off DEA money to states with medical marijuana. He agreed to take a look at the NAACP endorsement upon his return.
NOTE: I spent all day Monday sending out an email of the endorsement to all offices. I wanted to make sure they had a copy. Moreover, by hand-delivering usually at least two more aides (in the reception area) knew of the event:
To an R office I would announce: (try doing this 200 times in a day)……… ‘I have cheerful news if your boss likes the 10th Amendment/States Rights. The NAACP has endorsed a 10th Amendment approach to pending legislation. So your boss has a new ally of the 10th. The issue is federal prohibition of marijuana. If your office doesn’t like the 10th, you have a new adversary.’ (my voice would have a hint of irony at this point)
To a D office: ‘I have cheerful news if your office doesn’t like the war on drugs. The NAACP is your new ally. They have endorsed the bill to make marijuana a states’ rights issue. This is not an April Fool’s joke. Please give this to your chief legal counsel or the LA (legislative asst) who handles judiciary.
It took 3 days to hand-deliver a copy to 535 offices. My feet need medical marijuana, they do. Thus my being on vacation next week is good timing. I am pooped.
This week’s stats:
- 1450 Presentations to Congressional staffers..24 this week
- 36 Radio Interviews.. 01 this week
- 51 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 05 this week
- 65 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. 01 this week
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COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 46 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 00 this week
- 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
- 17 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
- 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 72 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
- 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. 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. 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:
Posted November 14th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
The nation’s oldest civil rights organization, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), wants “swift enactment” of a Republican proposal to nullify federal drug laws.
Rep. Dana Rohrabacher’s (R-Calif.) “Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2013” would protect marijuana users from federal prosecution in states where the drug is permitted for medical or recreational use. The bill has bipartisan support — 20 co-sponsors as of Wednesday — including tea party associated Republicans like Reps. Justin Amash (R-Mich.), Don Young (R-Ak.), Dan Benishek (R-Mich.) and Steve Stockman (R-Texas).
The NAACP’s support might seem curious for an organization perhaps best known for battling “separate but equal” Jim Crow laws that were prevalent in Southern states until the 1960’s. Today, the organization sees states’ tolerant of marijuana use as more humane toward minorities than federal law, particularly “mandatory minimum” drug sentencing laws that have done disproportionate harm to minorities.
In a press release, the civil rights group said, “700,000 people annually are arrested in the United States for the possession of marijuana” but also that “60 percent of the people in prison are now racial and ethnic minorities.” The release also noted that “though numerous studies demonstrate that whites and African Americans use and sell marijuana at relatively the same rates, studies also demonstrate that African Americans are, on average, almost 4 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession.”
Some have called mandatory minimum sentencing laws the “new Jim Crow” including Howard Woolridge, co-founder of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP).
“The great evil in America has been drug prohibition and now the NAACP is working on this issue also. I expect much greater collaboration going forward, now that we are on the same page,” Woolridge told Rare in an email.
Woolridge added, “The NAACP’s endorsement of this bill is historic. Not only are they endorsing a bill which will lead to more states legalizing/regulating marijuana, they are urging the Congress to employ the 10th Amendment (States’ Rights) to do so. Both are firsts I am very certain.”
If the NAACP’s firm states’ rights position represents realignment in American politics, a similar shift may be happening within the GOP. Not only have some of the most conservative Republicans in the House supported Rohrabacher’s bill, but other liberals have taken notice that the most outspoken member of Congress on the issue of drug law reform is a Republican.
Tea party and libertarian hero Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was hailed by The Daily Beast’s David Freedlander in September as “one of the nation’s most articulate defenders of progressive values” specifically for his agreement with the NAACP on these issues. Reflecting on Paul as a potential 2016 presidential contender, Freedlander wrote “if you are a liberal yearning for a Democrat to speak out against the War on Drugs or the voting rights of felons, Paul is, at the moment at least, the only candidate you’ve got.”
Mr. Wallace is the host of Rare talk radio, and is a father, writer and “liberty propagandist.” He currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Follow him on Twitter @KurtWallace
– See more at: http://rare.us/story/naacp-backs-republican-states-rights-pot-proposal/#sthash.xcHKQeH8.dpuf
Posted November 12th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of November 8, 2013
Will lightning strike twice–Stockman/Democratic office: Earlier this year I had a planned meeting with an aide and when I arrived the legislative director and another aide sat in. The meeting lasted nearly an hour (20-25 minutes is normal). Later, the freshman from Texas became a co-sponsor of the bill to repeal federal marijuana prohibition.
This week roughly the same thing happened. The LD was candid that the Member has been against any changes for decades. He promised to bring up the repeal and try to persuade her to see the positive outcomes. Stay tuned.
Evacuation Drill = Perfect: These drills are always done when the Congress is in recess. Luckily I was able to finish my 1000 meeting, as the bell went off. Outside were three groups of high school kids and eventually someone from all three asked me why (I put my COP jacket on naturally). Meanwhile a documentary film maker was following me for the day and got it all on film. The footage cannot be posted to YouTube till next year but it was a rewarding moment on the Hill. Bright high school kids are always pure fun to converse with.
Whistle Stop Campaign: On the train home there were 30 senior high school students returning from a day in DC field trip. When I put my jacket on in preparation to get off at the next stop, the teacher asked why. In the next 9 minutes I had my jacket photographed 30 times and answered many questions. It was a super way to end an excellent day.
This week’s stats:
- 1426 Presentations to Congressional staffers..10 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 46 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 00 this week
- 35 Radio Interviews.. 00 this week (NPR Canada)
- 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
- 64 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. 00 this week
- 46 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 00 this week
- 16 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
- 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 72 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
- 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. 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. 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:
Posted November 5th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of November 1, 2013
New Strategy: I have presented to all but 100 offices in the House and 32 in the Senate. The holdouts refuse to acknowledge my email and phone requests for a meeting. This translates to me walking into those offices and asking for an impromptu meeting. This method has a rate of return of about 5% = Yuk. If you have ever been in sales, you know what I am talking about.
So, for the next two months I am contacting the ‘Health’ legislative assistant of the hold out offices to make a presentation. I will emphasize two points to reduce death, disease, crime and drug use via making drugs a medical issue: 1) The Good Samaritan (drug overdose) Law. 2) The Swiss Heroin Assisted Treatment Program…Both at bottom…I have my first ‘health’ presentation this coming week. At a minimum I inform the offices of the existence of two groups of law enforcement professionals (COP & LEAP) who oppose current policy which is a major component of each chat.
Insider View: The legislative director of Congressman Rohrabacher shared his offices’ ‘Dear Colleague Letter’ regarding their signature bill: HR 1523 (repeal federal, marijuana prohibition bill) See below.
Not routine: Grover Norquist requested & I presented to his group this week. I gave them the latest info in general and Colorado stores in particular. It is always a hoot to stand up in front of the 150 attendees and inform them of our march to repeal.
This week’s stats:
- 1416 Presentations to Congressional staffers..07 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 46 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 00 this week
- 35 Radio Interviews.. 00 this week
- 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
- 64 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. 00 this week
- 46 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 00 this week
- 16 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
- 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 72 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
- 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. 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. 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:
RE: HR 1523
April 10, 2013
Dear Colleague:
Please join us as an original co-sponsor of a bill we intend to introduce in the near future—the “Respect State Marijuana Laws Act of 2013.” The bill represents a unique opportunity for us to show respect for our constituents’ wishes, regardless of our personal opinion as to whether marijuana should be legalized.
Specifically, our bill legalizes marijuana at the federal level to the extent it is legal at the state level. In other words, the proposal would prevent the federal government from continuing to prosecute residents who are acting in accordance with their state’s marijuana laws.
This approach to marijuana policy is consistent with the views of a vast majority of voters: a recent poll found that nearly three quarters of Americans believe that the federal government should not arrest those who use marijuana in the states that have legalized it. In our view, support for this legislation will not be translated into “soft on crime” rhetoric by opponents, but will instead be lauded as a common-sense approach to a very difficult situation we’ve found ourselves in.
So far, 20 states, as well as the District of Columbia, have legalized the use of marijuana to some extent. Most have legalized it for medicinal purposes, two have legalized it for recreational purposes, and many more will likely loosen their restrictions on the use of the drug in years to come. Our bill would establish federal government respect for all states’ marijuana laws, and keep the federal government out of the business of criminalizing marijuana in states that don’t want it to be criminal.
Please join us as an original co-sponsor of our bill to show respect for state marijuana laws. If you would like to sign on or have questions, please contact Jeff Vanderslice (Mr. Rohrabacher’s staff), or David Greengrass (Mr. Cohen’s staff).
GOOD SAM LAW
Signed into law on April 3, 2007 by Governor Richardson
SENATE BILL 200
48TH LEGISLATURE – STATE OF NEW MEXICO – FIRST SESSION, 2007
INTRODUCED BY Richard C. Martinez AN ACT RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES; PROVIDING LIMITED IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION FOR A PERSON WHO SEEKS OR OBTAINS MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR A DRUG-RELATED OVERDOSE. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:
Section 1. A new section of the Controlled Substances Act is enacted to read:
“[NEW MATERIAL] OVERDOSE PREVENTION–LIMITED IMMUNITY.—
A. A person who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug-related overdose shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a
controlled substance pursuant to the provisions of Section 30-31-23 NMSA 1978 if the evidence for the charge of possession of a controlled substance was gained as a result of
the seeking of medical assistance.
B. A person who experiences a drug-related overdose and is in need of medical assistance shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance pursuant to the provisions of Section 30-31-23 NMSA 1978 if the evidence for the charge of possession of a controlled substance was gained as a result of the overdose and the need
for medical assistance.
C. The act of seeking medical assistance for someone who is experiencing a drug-related overdose may be used as a mitigating factor in a criminal prosecution pursuant
to the Controlled Substances Act.”
This concept was endorsed by the US Mayors Conference, June 25, 2008
SWISS HEROIN-ASSISTED TREATMENT 1994 – 2013: SUMMARY
This summary was taken from six published reports and updated every year. The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health reviewed and approved its release. Additional questions should be directed to Dr. Adreas Ledergerber the science and health advisor to the Swiss Ambassador at the Embassy. Tel: 202-745-7900 – NOTE: This summary was researched and written by Howard J. Wooldridge of Citizens Opposing Prohibition.
Overview: Due to the severe drug problem in Switzerland in the early 1990s, (rising number of injection drug users, visibility of open drug scenes, AIDS epidemic, rising number of drug related deaths, poor physical health, high criminality) the Swiss made a fundamental shift in approaching the problems caused by heroin addiction. The Swiss offer treatment-on-demand. Of an estimated 22-24,000 addicts (dropping 4% per year) 19,500 are in treatment and 92% are given daily doses of primarily methadone at conventional clinics. The Swiss treat about 1300 addicts with maintenance doses of heroin via 23 special clinics operating in cities and two prisons. The Swiss approach has resulted in lower rates of crime, death, disease, a slight drop in expected new users as well as an improvement in mental and physical health, employment and housing. The program has been copied by seven countries: Germany, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, England, Spain and Canada.
* To qualify for a heroin prescription: 1) at least 18 years old; 2) been addicted (daily use) for at least two years; 3) present signs of poor health; 4) two or more failed attempts of conventional treatment (methadone or other); 5) Surrender drivers license; 6) Heroin can only be obtained at the clinic and must be consumed on site (oral or injection). (Note: Under strict control and specific criteria [for example full employment] a few are allowed to take one oral dose daily away)
- Patients can receive up to three doses of heroin per day. 66% take the heroin via needle injection, the rest via pill or liquid heroin mixed with juice.
- Patients average about three (3) years in this plan. However, they may stay in treatment indefinitely. 20% of original patients are still in the program.
- The vast majority of patients are satisfied or very satisfied with the program.
- Average age of patient: 39 years.
*Crime Issues: 60% drop in felony crimes by patients (80% drop after one year in the program). 82% drop in patients selling heroin.
*Death Rates: No participant has died from a heroin overdose since the inception of the program. The heroin used is inspected for purity and strength by technicians.
*Disease Rates: New infections of Hepatitis and HIV have been reduced for patients.
*New Use Rates: Slightly lower than expected. 1) As reported in the Lancet June 3, 2006, the medicalisation of using heroin has tarnished the image of heroin and made it unattractive to young people. 2) Most new users are introduced to heroin by members of their social group and 50% of users also deal to support their habit. Therefore, with so many users/sellers in treatment, non-users have fewer opportunities to be exposed to heroin, especially in the rural areas.
*Cost Issues: 48 dollars/day: Patient costs are covered by national health insurance agency. Patients pay annually 700 dollars for the compulsory insurance. Note: The Swiss save about 38 dollars per day per patient mostly in lowered costs for court and police time, due to less crime committed by the patients.
*The Swiss purchase about 60 kilos of heroin for $130,000. Black market price: 3.7 million.
*In December 2008 the Swiss voted (68%-32%) to make the program part of their body of laws.
Reader: What the Swiss Program is not:
- It has not eliminated street sales of heroin. Dealers still exist in cities with clinics.
- It is not a ‘free’ drugs program. Patients must purchase health care insurance and receive their methadone or heroin as part of their drug treatment therapy.
- A non-heroin using adult cannot walk into a clinic and receive heroin.
- Simply put, the Swiss are using a comprehensive public health approach (treatment on demand) to heroin addiction whose unique feature is to allow a small minority of patients to receive pure, maintenance doses of heroin.
- Heroin is NOT a legal, regulated and or taxed product in Switzerland.
- The Swiss have never calculated how many fewer people have taken heroin during the life of the program because of the HAT (heroin assisted treatment) program. They have calculated there was an annual drop of users of about 1% between 1992 and 2002. Officially, the Swiss attribute any progress to their Four Pillar Approach, not any one component.
Posted November 4th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of October 25, 2013
Missed the shuttle, missed the first bus = Perfect timing: Most of this week was spent in Denver for the bi-annual DPA (Drug Policy Alliance) conference. The Ramada Inn was 40% of the price of the venue hotel, so you know where I stayed.
Arriving almost late, I was reviewing some literature at a table, when the gentleman asked if I would mind being interviewed. He was from Canada NPR – Quebec…Naturellement we spoke français the next 10 minutes.. All those hours on Saturday I spend at a café chatting in French with others paid off again. 7 hours later the French reporter for ‘Le Monde’ and I did a 40 minute interview.
Since Colorado has legal marijuana, I exited the plane with my all drugs shirt on …wearing it for the first time in four (4) years. It felt really good, knowing that the effort that Misty and I made last fall bore real fruit. The conference was great for networking, chatting with many about current and future strategies at the local, state and national levels.
FYI: I have finished my review of COP strategies in light of the August 2013 decision by AG Holder. Near unanimous opinion of my peers in DC that I should make no changes for at least a year. And so it will be.
This week’s stats:
- 46 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 04 this week
- 35 Radio Interviews.. 01 this week (NPR Canada)
- 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 01 this week (Le Monde –France)
- 64 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. 01 this week (Al Jazeera)
-
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 1409 Presentations to Congressional staffers..00 this week
- 46 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 00 this week
- 16 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
- 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 72 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
- 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. 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. 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:
