Posted July 22nd, 2013 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of July 12 , 2013
More bang for the buck: This time of year Senate offices are full of college interns. Often the legislative assistant has 1-2 sit in on my presentations, due to personal interest in the topic. This spreads the anti-prohibition message further and creates more buzz about the issue. Twice at lunch this week I had 5-6 interns sit near me and we engaged in 15 minutes of conversation.
No, I haven’t talked to any experts: One staffer was convinced that ending prohibition would automatically result in a great increase in use/abuse. I asked her sources or research. She had none. It was her gut feeling. I asked her to question influencing national policy on a ‘gut’ feeling. I requested she call for hearings on the issue of increased use. Or, at a minimum, speak to expert doctors in the field of addiction psychology, relating I had spoken to eight (8).
NOTE: In my first 35 presentations in the Senate I have had a grand total of two (2) aides defend drug prohibition.
Death is the solution..McCain: I had an excellent 30 minute chat with the new aide for Senator McCain. He understood the problems created by prohibition. As I updated my records, I wiped out the notes on the previous aide. Five years ago she stated the simple way to end the drug problem was to kill all drug dealers. I recall giving her the federal statistic that 900,000 teens sell drugs. “Would you execute a 14 y/o who is selling drugs?” I asked. She refused to answer. Glad she is gone from the Senator’s staff.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 1280 Presentations to Congressional staffers..20 this week
- 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… this week
- 56 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
- 72 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000) = 01 this week
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 31 Radio Interviews.. this week
- 37 brief chats with Members of Congress..this week
- 40 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. this week
- 13 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, 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. 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:
Published in the Missourian (note: I gave them two identifiers of me. One for COP and one for LEAP)
No Evidence Pot Causes Schizophrenia
Posted: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 6:32 pm
By Howard “Cowboy” Wooldridge, Co-Founder of LEAP — Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, Adamstown, Md.
To The Editor:
Mr. Miller implied that use of marijuana makes one schizophrenic. Of course there are no studies showing the use of marijuana causes schizophrenia. There is strong evidence that schizophrenics self-medicate with marijuana.
Mr. Miller and all of us should know and be taught in schools that every drug carries a variety of risks.
Let us assume that marijuana does cause this mental illness. How is the prohibition of marijuana helping our young people avoid schizophrenia, since it is much easier for a teen to buy marijuana than alcohol?
Indeed, how is marijuana prohibition helping anything?
http://www.emissourian.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/article_7b9e8c21-0bdd-5ee7-a4ff-0d02a079c34a.html
Posted July 15th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the weeks of July 5 , 2013
Can you read the tea leaves?: A slight majority of aides especially in the Senate are careful not to indicate or state an opinion that is contrary to the Boss. So how do they communicate to me their support for the COP position? Over my eight (8) years at this I have learned to read body language, etc. Or like this week one aide for an R office put it nicely: “Many changes are needed.”
Painter knows more: Karen and I hosted an exchange student from Finland for two weeks. I took her to Congress several times. Upon entering the Senate for the first time this year, a painter asked where I had been. I introduced Petra to him. The conversation turned serious.
He congratulated her country on having the #1 school system in the world. He lamented that the USA is now 17th in science and 25th in math. Petra was impressed that a painter was so up on such matters. Inside the Beltway everyone knows what the 10th Amendment is. Outside…not so much.
What stroke?: Even before my stroke I had set a limit of seven (7) presentations in one day. I had nine (9) on Tuesday, as I just can’t say no to a staffer. After the first seven my brain was about fried. Luckily, the next presentation I was able to do in Spanish, giving the English part of my brain a much needed rest. I did the 9th one w/o a problem and suffered no physical or mental after effects from the effort. Rest assured, I will not make a habit of this.
No one wanted to meet the rest of the week. Karen and I wore our shirts to work the 200,000 (we had about a dozen contacts) or so who came to see the fireworks on the Mall. We also attended the conservative-oriented 4th picnic in Virginia. Karen had many positive contacts. One woman walked up, said I disagree with your shirt and walked quickly away. Active defense of marijuana prohibition is approaching a statistical zero (outside the political realm).
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 1260 Presentations to Congressional staffers..16 this week
- 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… this week
- 56 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. 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
- 31 Radio Interviews.. this week
- 37 brief chats with Members of Congress..this week
- 40 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. this week
- 13 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, 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. 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 July 15th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the weeks of June 21 & June 28, 2013
Nice Legs!: Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-R) was in his gym clothes walking down the hall on Monday. “Nice legs.” I said. We stopped and had a one minute chat with me telling him about COP & HR 1523 to let “let Texas run Texas.” He repeated the bill number as he walked away which is unusual.
A few minutes later I was headed towards his office to drop off a copy of the bill (one sentence) and my business card. He happened to be going in the opposite direction again. He said he could not support the bill because it was about marijuana and he believes ‘someone smoking marijuana should be put in jail.’ He clapped me on the shoulder and kept going. The Congressman has long been a nanny-state liberal on this issue.
Unable to let it go, I said, “And teenagers will die this week selling marijuana.” As irony, a 17 y/o was shot dead this week because of his employment as a MJ dealer in North Carolina (full story at very bottom)
Grover Norquist goes public: On the 17th SSDP.org (Students for Sensible Drug Policy) hosted an event in Rayburn House Office Bldg. in coordination with seniors who had come to lobby for medical marijuana. After Congressman Polis spoke Norquist spoke of the need to apply the 10th Amendment (states’ rights) to marijuana policy. I am very confident that Grover does all he can (behind the scenes) to promote this idea. IMHO, he is the most powerful voice we have. He is both loved and feared….a great combo for federal politics.
Grover’s brunch: At his request I made a 3 minute presentation on the progress/updates from Colorado & Washington state, as those two states prepare the system to sell marijuana to adults for personal use. The handout I gave the conservative group is at the bottom.
Ben Droz – lobbyist – (only one for this issue) of http://www.votehemp.com/ gave his overview of ending the federal prohibition of industrial hemp. The House this week voted to allow universities to do research with hemp in the states (17) which allow its production. It was an historical vote. The first in 76 years to allow the growing of hemp.
Being prepared is 90% of success: I spent the bulk of the second week contacting Senate offices and arranging meetings. It will be my first effort in the Senate this session. I am happy to report that I have 31 meetings set up for the next two weeks.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 1244 Presentations to Congressional staffers..11 this week
- 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
- 56 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. 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
- 31 Radio Interviews.. this week
- 37 brief chats with Members of Congress..01 this week
- 40 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 1 this week
- 13 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, 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. 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:
An undercover drug sting in the parking lot of a Charlotte, North Carolina, elementary school ended up with one person killed and one person wounded, and a community wondering why police chose that particular location for their operation. Jaquaz Walker, 17, becomes the 17th person to die in US domestic drug law enforcement operations so far this year.
According to reports from WSOC-TV and WBTV 3, police set up a marijuana buy between an undercover police officer, an informant, and two teenagers last Tuesday afternoon. Police said that during the drug deal, Walker pulled a gun and shot the informant in the shoulder in an attempt to rob him.
The undercover police officer then shot Walker in the head, killing him. The teen who accompanied Walker fled, but was arrested later.
“You know, you have 15, 16 year old kids out here wielding firearms, that’s a very dangerous situation,” said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe, who also defended the decision to do the deal in an elementary school parking lot. “Anytime you conduct an undercover operation, what’s a good location? Whether it’s a shopping mall or neighborhood, there is no real perfect location.”
COLORADO MARIJUANA FACTS
The Governor signed six MJ related bills into law in May 2013
- Retail stores will open on January 1, 2014 for sale for personal use. In 2014 only established medical stores can sell to the general public. In 2015 normal entrepreneurs can open a store and sell.
- Residents can purchase up to one ounce. Non-residents may buy only a quarter ounce.
- There is no data base to track purchases. Thus, one could go store to store w/o worry.
- Minimum age to purchase is 21.
- Cannot sell MJ in a store with normal food and drink = no Amsterdam style coffeehouses.
- Marijuana magazines must be kept out of sight…like pornography mags.
- Potency is unrestricted and a label must be on the product to alert buyer to % of THC. The MJ must be sold in child-proof packaging.
- Adults may legally grow six (6) plants. Many growers are “doing 5-8 over” the legal limit. They are marketing the MJ via out-of-state friends who visit and take home a pound or two.
- There will be a 10% excise (sin) tax on MJ and normal sales taxes for the state and local governments.
- Seed to sale video surveillance of building. Same as with medical stores. The State can view any store at any time to monitor what is being done. Cameras cover every square foot of the building. Vertical integration encouraged (grow, process and sell under one roof).
- Cities and counties can prohibit stores in their jurisdiction. This does not impact home growing.
- Set a limit of 5 nanograms in the blood as a presumption of intoxicated driving – same as WA.
- Marketing materials may NOT contain cartoon characters, etc. in ads or packaging.
- Source: House bills 1042, 1238, 1317, 1318 & 1325 and Senate bill 283.
Washington State Marijuana Facts (proposed)
- Home growing is not allowed.
- Set a limit of 5 nanograms in the blood as a presumption of intoxicated driving.
- Stores must be at least 1000 feet from a school. Stores will be stand alone (no 7-11 type sales).
- Adults 21 and over may purchase up to one ounce of MJ, 16 ounces of food injected with MJ or 72 ounces of liquid infused with MJ. Sales are not tracked, allowing adults go to store to store.
- Assumptions are for a retail price of $12/gram = $326 per ounce. The black market will easily sell for less. (indoor, high % THC marijuana can be grown for $1-2.00 per gram)
- Advertising will be restricted. No advertising that appeals to young people/children. Other measures TBA.
- The state liquor control board will supervise the MJ stores. No vertical integration. Producers and processors may not operate a retail operation. Licenses will be issued beginning 12/1/13. Residency rules apply.
- The LCB is about to issue the draft regulations (on July 3, 2013) seeking official public comment before finalizing the rules.
- Restriction on time of sales: 0600 till 0200…much like alcohol.
Warning labels: (example) Do not smoke if you’re pregnant; no use prior to operating a vehicle or heavy machinery. Consult with your doctor before using if you have a prior heart condition, are at high risk for stroke, or high blood pressure, or have a history of mental illness. Consult with your doctor if you have Hep C because of the possible risk of fibrosis…
Initiative 502, approved by a 57-43 margin, and which became effective on December 6, 2012, delegated to the WA State Liquor Control Board (LCB) to authority to promulgate regulations to license and control the production, processing and sale of marijuana for general adult use. The regulations must be finalized by12/1/13
Roger Goodman, vice-chair of the House Judiciary Comm. in Olympia was the major contributor to this report.
Posted July 15th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the weeks of June 7 & 14, 2013
Sheriff. You have a minute? Almost late for my next appointment, a staffer with four interns in tow called out to me. Remembering my name is nearly impossible, so in such a moment they use either sheriff or cowboy.
The staffer wanted these four college students to meet me. The staffer’s 20 second bio of me included riding my horse across America and representing the police who did not want to waste time on marijuana. With the clock ticking I answered a question or two and zoomed off.
Mr. New York. How are you? Leaving a presentation, I spotted Congressman Charlie Rangel walking to the elevator. I greeted him and thanked him for his co-sponsorship of the marijuana repeal bill from last session. I left him at the elevator and kept going. Etiquette allows me to ‘walk’ with a Member of Congress to the door or the elevator and then the chat is over.
Es un placer a conocerle, Señor embajador: I missed a Grover Norquist meeting to attend a seminar at a think tank American Enterprise Institute (www.aei.org). The Mexican ambassador spoke and answered questions the first hour.
Arriving early and sitting in the front, I was able to ask the first question. When the event ended, I was able to meet the ambassador and have a one minute chat in Spanish. In diplomatic speak he said he and his country do understand that it is American drug prohibition causing the massive violence and suffering. (not the use of drugs)
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 1233 Presentations to Congressional staffers..16 this week
- 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
- 56 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. 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
- 31 Radio Interviews..1 this week
- 36 brief chats with Members of Congress.. this week
- 39 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 1 this week
- 13 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, 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:
Posted June 6th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the weeks of May 24 & 31, 2013
Can’t talk = can’t work: Thru several days of rain and cold, I pedaled without becoming sick. As I left Georgia, I had my worst case of laryngitis ever. It lasted the whole first week = I did paperwork and attended one seminar at The Urban Institute. The drug czar, a chief of police and an expert in why prison sentences should not be so long made up the panel. Questions from the audience were screened which meant that nothing allowed which questioned the concept of drug prohibition. Except for some networking, it was a wasted half a day.
Purpose driven life: Last week the Congress was “working in district” = recess and I was able to do 20 presentations. It felt extra good to be walking the corridors of Congress.
Marketing strategy: At the end of the day walking back to Union Station I spotted a Senate aide I have met several times…and his two colleagues moving toward me. He recognized me and asked how the legalization was going. I replied, ‘Ever better since I began passing out free samples after my meetings! Would you like a free sample?’..pointing to my briefcase. He laughed and said not today. I imagine he took a minute to explain to his companions who I was, etc…. All this was done at a walk, never breaking stride. Everyone here is in a hurry and has something to do/ accomplish, EXCEPT it seems Members of Congress.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 1217 Presentations to Congressional staffers..20 this week
- 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
- 56 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. 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
- 30 Radio Interviews..0 this week
- 36 brief chats with Members of Congress.. this week
- 38 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0 this week
- 13 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, 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:
