• Congressman Garrett (VA-R)

  • Gov. Chris Christy (NJ-R)

  • Colorado 2012

  • California Field Work, Prop 19

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of March 8, 2013

 

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of March 8, 2013

 Exposure at highest level:  The new Defense Secretary, former Senator Chuck Hagel, was exposed to the COP message a few years back.  He had spoken at the CATO Institute.  I positioned myself near the door.  Just before leaving, I was able to shake his hand.  He backed up a step to read the COP shirt, remarked it was interesting (with a grin) and disappeared.

Glad I was not shot:   Walking in front of the Capitol on my way to the House Office Buildings, the 30 MPH wind caught my hat and it went sailing.  I began running and it ended up next to the main bldg 100 yards from the starting point.  As I bent down to retrieve it, I noticed the Capitol Police officer who had been running after me.  Oops, I had entered a security zone.  Luckily, he knew me from the hat, was very friendly, and escorted me back to the sidewalk.  First loss of hat in six years.

Like a box of chocolates:   After a super chat with an assistant, two minutes later the next one challenged my statement, “14 year olds should not have a job option which gets them shot.  I would trade a thousand dead Charlie Sheens to save one 14 y/o selling drugs.”  Pushing back, the assistant replied that the 14 y/o had a choice.  I responded there is a reason we don’t let 14 y/o neither drive nor vote…lack of maturity.

I moved on from there but the assistant was obviously a fan of drug prohibition, as is his Republican boss from Texas.

 

COP stats since inception: August 2009

  • 1125 Presentations to Congressional staffers..10 this week
  • 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
  • 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
  • 45 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
  • 26 Radio Interviews..  this week
  • 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
  • 34 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.   this week
  • 11 major conferences attended (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, 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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under:On the Hill

Is the White House Stalling on State Pot Laws? March 7, 2013:US News & World Report

Is the White House Stalling on State Pot Laws?

By ELIZABETH FLOCK

RSS Feed Print

 

“I’d say they still don’t quite know what to do,” one lobbyist says.

Eric Holder was vague in saying a decision on state pot laws would come “relatively soon.”

Attorney General Eric Holder said Wednesday that the Obama administration still didn’t have an answer on how it would handle laws passed to legalize marijuana in Colorado and Washington state, but that it would come “relatively soon.”

[ALSO: Young Adults Left Behind by Marijuana Legalization in Colorado, Washington]

Many watchers of the issue, however, tell Whispers they believe the administration is stalling.

Howard Wooldridge, a lobbyist for the pro-marijuana legalization group Citizens Opposing Prohibition, says Holder’s remarks show the White House may not have yet made up its mind.

“How this administration is going to react to Colorado and Washington… is an enigma wrapped in a nutshell surrounded by a box in a dark room at midnight,” he says. “But if I had to guess, I’d say they still don’t quite know what to do.”

The reason for the delay may also be that the administration is in a no-win position, according to Jeffrey Miron, a senior lecturer of economics at Harvard University who has done a number of studies on the legalization of marijuana and other drugs.

“They are in an awkward position. Any decision that challenges the new laws in Colorado and Washington will anger their base; any policy that allows those laws to stand will energize the Republicans,” say Miron, who previously warned that legalization of marijuana in those two states could turn into a Supreme Court battle with the federal government. Possession or use of marijuana remains a federal crime despite the new state laws.

[OPINION: Medical Marijuana Is Safe for Children]

Adding a wrinkle to all of this is that a United Nations agency this week put pressure on the administration. In an annual report released Tuesday, the International Narcotics Drug Board said the laws in Washington and Colorado go against international drug control treaties.

A group of former U.S. drug chiefs, who similarly oppose the new laws, are also upset with the delay.

“If they don’t act now, these laws will be fully implemented in a matter of months,” former DEA administrator Peter Bensinger told the Associated Press, saying the delay could cause “a domino effect” for other states to legalize marijuana.

[PHOTOS: Marijuana Through the Years]

When probed by Whispers about the reason for the delay, a DOJ spokeswoman only said the agency was “in the process” of reviewing the laws. The White House did not respond to request for comment, while the Office of National Drug Control Policy declined to comment because the issue is before the Justice Department.

More News:

Elizabeth Flock is a staff writer for U.S. News & World Report.You can follow her on Twitter or Facebook or reach her at eflock@usnews.com.

 

Filed under:In the News

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of March 1, 2013

 

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of March 1, 2013

 Sign of the Times:  An email exchange with a Legislative Director I have known for years ended like this.  “You’re on the right side of history my friend.”   These types of little notes are instructive as to the ‘feel’ of DC on this issue.

Cowboy hat as business expense?:  On Monday evening I attended a Texas delegation soirée in the Rayburn Bldg.  Senator Cornyn was there along with a number of Congressmen.  Amazingly, I was the only one in the 150 attending wearing a cowboy hat.  Thus, a member of the Republican National Committee grabbed me and asked for my story.  Later, two legislative aides from the Senator’s office asked about my mission on the hill.  One LA rides horses so she received a copy of a 3,000 word story Misty wrote back in 2003 “How to Cross Really Tall Bridges” by Smooth Georgia Mist.  Later that aide wrote and wants to have coffee and talk about the COP mission and The Long Ride.  All good stuff.   BTW, Karen said NO to expensing the next Stetson.   Having a tax CPA for a wife means ‘no coloring outside the lines.’  Grrrr.

New MO – Modus Operandi:  Previously I would walk into an office and simply ask who the Legislative Assistant is who handles the COP issues.  Starting this January, I made the stop more informative.  “Hi, my name is Howard Wooldridge.  I am a retired police detective who represents an organization which believes all drug issues should be handled by doctors and clinics, not cops and prisons.  Who is you LA who handles judiciary, war on drugs, etc.?”

Because of this change I end up having excellent 2-3 minute chats with the front office people who are intrigued by COP ideas.  Since the first of the year I have had about 20 of these mini-presentations.

Late this week a cold knocked me on my butt and I only managed the above, 5 presentations and 1 radio interview.  I am fine enough now and back full-time on Monday.

COP stats since inception: August 2009

  • 1115 Presentations to Congressional staffers..05 this week
  • 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
  • 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
  • 45 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
  • 26 Radio Interviews..1  this week
  • 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
  • 34 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.  1 this week
  • 11 major conferences attended (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, 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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under:On the Hill

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week February 22, 2013

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week February 22, 2013

 VIP Meetings:   I earned several helpings of Crown Royal whiskey and Swiss chocolate this week

*30 minute chat with the Chief of Staff of a leader of the CBC-Congressional Black Caucus.  The Member has always supported the Drug War but his C of S and Legislative Director will both try to convince him to adopt the COP position because of the horrific civil rights violations committed in the name of drug policy.  I have known these staffers for four (4) years.  The feeling I had when I walked out of their office was a combo of elation and satisfaction, knowing all the hard work of 7 years is coming to fruition.

*20 minute private meeting with Grover Norquist and his Chief of Staff.  I asked for his support for HR 499 – (Federal MJ Repeal bill).  I can report a good meeting that was productive.

*2 minute chat with Texas Governor Perry.  I attended a Texas Society breakfast where everyone introduced themselves.  After saying my name and being from Fort Worth, I held up my “LONG RIDER” buckle and said, “And you earn this buckle when you ride your TEXAS horse across America, coast to coast.”  I was later able to ask a question, stating I was a retired detective who believed that chasing Willie Nelson and a green plant were nonsense and a waste of good police time.  I then asked a question about the 20,000 rape kits in Texas that had never been opened.

A few minutes later in the receiving line, the Governor said he knew of 3 young men riding from the Rio Grande to Canada.  He thought my experience might help them and thus he asked for my business card.  We spoke on my issue for a moment.   This may or may not develop into something more but it does show the power of just showing up is half of any win.

Not bad for a 30 dollar breakfast or one year’s dues to COP.

Too busy week in the House, as they were in recess.  23 meetings with staff plus a newspaper interview.  Whew!

 

COP stats since inception: August 2009

  • 1110 Presentations to Congressional staffers..23 this week
  • 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
  • 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
  • 45 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc..   1 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
  • 25 Radio Interviews..  this week
  • 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
  • 33 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 1 this week
  • 11 major conferences attended (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, 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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under:On the Hill

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week February 15, 2013

 

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week February 15, 2013

Just like Ron Paul:  This week I was able to ask two offices if their co-sponsorship of the Federal Repeal of Marijuana Act of 2011 had been a campaign issue last fall and had their support hurt them.  Both said no & no.  Both Members won by large margins.

Ron Paul would win his elections by numbers like 75/25.  Now other parts of the country are also treating a federal repeal position as a low political risk, no-brainer.

Working conditions:  Leaving the Longworth bldg close to 5:00 this week, one of the Capitol Police called out, “Good night sheriff.”   As I walked the ¾ mile (1.1KM) to the train station, I reflected on the officer’s greeting.  When I first started in the fall of 2005, the atmosphere of my working day was tense on a regular basis.  Republican aides were often hostile, demeaning outright rude.

Now I encounter hostility maybe once a month and the vast majority of aides from both parties are openly friendly and want to help me succeed.  I have had chats with many of the officers, they read my jacket and they whisper their support.   From my house and back to my front door averages an 11 hour day and is no picnic.  The wind at my back and the change in staff attitude sure makes the day go faster though.

 

COP stats since inception: August 2009

  • 1087 Presentations to Congressional staffers..9 this week
  • 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
  • 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
  • 44 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
  • 25 Radio Interviews..  this week
  • 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
  • 31 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, etc.
  • 11 major conferences attended (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, 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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed under:On the Hill