Posted September 22nd, 2012 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of August 31, 2012
The week was consumed by my excursion to Tampa. The Grover Norquist event was not as fruitful as I had hoped. I only made one good contact there. On the other hand, I do not discount the importance of being in the same room with the big dogs of the Republican Party of which there were about 200-225.
Thursday I had time to kill before my plane flight. I was up at 0420 to attend the TV show Joe in the Morning….with Joe Scarborough and crew. I arrived too late to go in immediately but finally got in at 0800 and was lucky to have a place directly behind the co-hosts+ 10 meters. That meant the shirt was readable to the TV audience. From 0900 to 1000 I attended the live broadcast with Chuck Todd of MSNBC. The shirt was on view often, as I positioned myself to be in his background. Moreover, the roving cameraman liked the shirt enough to request I reposition myself so it showed up better.
On the Hill for half a day on Friday, two staffers came up to me at lunch to say they had seen me on a program.
Without trying I had one interview & foto op with the Huffington Post…so, I am going to Charlotte in an attempt to make contact with media and whatever else I can do. Ever the optimist, I am.
Fourth year stats for COP- August 1, 2012 thru July 31, 2013:
50 Presentations to Congressional staffers: 1 this week
2 Radio interviews: this week
2 Blog, cable TV, minor media events: 1 this week
2 seminar, hearing or briefing attended: this week
1 Presentations to lesser VIPs: 1 this week
Total stats for COP in first 3 years:
944 Presentations to Congressional staffers
- 26 Appearances on major TV networks
- 14 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers
- 27 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, etc
- 66 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $65,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 33 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 19 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, etc.
- 10 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… Go to:
www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
- Citizens Opposing Prohibition
- POB 2902
- Washington, DC 20013
Posted August 27th, 2012 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of August 24, 2012
Having an impact: I received these this week. I have to hide the identities. The document in question is at the bottom. These types of requests reinforce my belief that COP is making a difference. It ain’t fancy or flashy but I believe it is the work in the trenches that sets up a foto op/success picture later.
Good Morning Howard,
You stopped by the office the other day for your annual visit to discuss drug policy. Can you please forward me an electronic version of all of the factsheets you gave me?
Specifically, the handout entitled “2012 Updates: re: Drug Prohibition/War on Drugs.
Thank you,
Linda Jones
Legislative Director/Chief Counsel
Congresswoman xxxxxxxxx (WY-18)
xxxx Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Subject: RE: Modern Federal Prohibition – R (read time: 1 minute)
It was a pleasure meeting with you.
I passed along your information to John M, Sr. Legislative Assistant, in our office.
Enjoy the rest of your summer! Take care.
Best,
KS
Executive Assistant/Scheduler
Office of Congressman XXXX (WY-05)
XXXX Rayburn HOB | Washington, D.C. 20515
Have invitation, will travel: Grover Norquist is having his Wednesday brunch in Tampa next week and I was invited. It will be a large affair, as all the 48 state meeting of the ‘center-right’ movement are also coming to this 3 hour affair. Already 3 governors will be addressing us and the VIPs of the party will be there to pay homage to Grover and the powerful ‘Taxpayer Pledge.’
I will stay with a COP supporter to keep expenses down. The chance to mingle with VIPs from all over the country makes the modest travel expenses worthwhile. And the breakfast and meeting are free!
Fourth year stats for COP- August 1, 2012 thru July 31, 2013:
49 Presentations to Congressional staffers: 16 this week
2 Radio interviews: 1 this week
1 Blog, cable TV, minor media events: this week
2 seminar, hearing or briefing attended: this week
Total stats for COP in first 3 years:
944 Presentations to Congressional staffers
- 26 Appearances on major TV networks
- 14 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers
- 27 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, etc
- 66 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $65,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 33 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 19 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, etc.
- 10 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… Go to:
2012 Updates re: Drug Prohibition/War on Drugs
- China & others will loan us 6 billion of the 15 billion spent on prohibition by Congress in FY 2013. Return on that investment after a trillion dollars? Drugs are cheaper, stronger, and readily available to anyone in the USA per federal reports.
- National Review endorses the repeal of federal prohibition of marijuana: HR 2306
- DOJ reported in Sept. 2011 that 1000 Mexican Drug Gangs operate in American cities. DEA chief of global operations – David Gaddis – reported in October 2010 the gangs are the #1 organized crime threat to the country. In 2010 the DOJ reported that the availability of all drugs except cocaine increased.
- The Heritage Foundation in the fall of 2010 called for the elimination of the Drug Czar’s Office (ONDCP) and the Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act (DFSCA) as part of its plan to eliminate unneeded or wasteful government programs. Savings: 300 million.
- Grover Norquist, a former drug czar and other prominent conservatives launched RightOnCrime.com to inject conservative values into spending on criminal justice issues.
- 56% in 2012 Rasmussen poll said marijuana should be legal; 40% oppose. Majority support was in the West, East and Midwest. Over 50% of the young, Dems and independents support legalization.
- In 2011 Kentucky dramatically cut drug law sentences in order not to build in prisons. This is occurring in many other states in 2012, notably Georgia.
- Exact figures on the extent of the cuts are hard to come by, but the American Bar Association says most states cut court funding 10 percent to 15 percent in the past three years. At least 26 states delayed filling open judgeships, while courts in 14 states were forced to lay off staff. Associated Press/MSNBC
- In 2010 Afghanistan became world leader in export of hashish – helping fund the Taliban war machine. Experts state 50% + of the Taliban operating budge depends on drug trade profits.
- In 2012 Pat Roberson, noted evangelist and leader of the 700 Club called for marijuana to be legalized like alcohol, in order to stop destroying so many young lives.
- In 2011 the DEA reports that drugs are still “readily available to America’s youth.”
- Michigan lost nearly 15 percent of its civilian and officer law enforcement employees combined from 2001 through 2010…over 3,000 officers gone. Other states report significant reductions in force. The Thin Blue line is thinner. Where should we focus dwindling resources?
Posted August 20th, 2012 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of August 17, 2012
They are just cowards: Again this Friday I wore my COP shirt to the House Offices. A woman passed me saying she agreed. I asked her to tell her Congressman how she felt. She replied, “No use. They are cowards.” So true.
By chance 20 minutes later she and a colleague emerged from an office. Her colleague was a former staffer and she remembered me. They had become staffers in a federal agency. We had a nice chat, lamenting on how the Members know what to do but lack the courage. Sigh.
Make them squirm: I was only able to go two days on the Hill this week, helped by Karen’s sister who ‘babysat’ Karen (this was her bad week of the 2nd round of chemo – good news is she was in much less pain & nausea this time..took NO Oxicontin). In one Texas R office I had a brief follow-up chat with the staffer I met last year. Let’s just say he was not happy to see me, as he was nearly rude a year ago.
Me: Did your office take a position on the bill to repeal federal prohibition of marijuana.
He: Yes, we opposed it.
Me: Recall that the bill would simply ‘Let Texas run Texas.’
He: We know that.
Me: So, the Member is not a federalist, not a believer in States Rights..long pause….on this issue.
He: (Visibly pissed) we oppose the bill.
Me: Okay, hopefully one day he will become a believer in less federal govt and more personal freedom.
He: -silence-
Me: Thanks for your time. See you next year. We will have a bill which will be much like this one.
He: -silence & visibly more pissed.
Me: smiling inside, poker-faced outside. “See you next year.”
Being perfectly professional, I was able to pour lots of salt on a gaping wound. Sometimes I just have to do it. The hypocrisy of Republican offices is off the charts.
Thursday morning I attended a seminar on ‘Human Rights Violations in Mexico’ at the Wilson Center. The 40 attendees had no interest in stopping the policy of prohibition which has caused 60,000 deaths in Mexico. They only take action AFTER the bodies come floating down the river.
On Friday I broke my rule of not doing more than 7 presentations in a day…I did 15…I paid for it the next day..It mentally wears me out.
Fourth year stats for COP- August 1, 2012 thru July 31, 2013:
33 Presentations to Congressional staffers: 18 this week
1 Radio interviews: this week
1 Blog, cable TV, minor media events: this week
2 seminar, hearing, briefing attended: 1 this week
Total stats for COP in first 3 years:
- 944 Presentations to Congressional staffers
- 26 Appearances on major TV networks
- 14 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers
- 27 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, etc
- 66 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $65,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 33 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 19 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, etc.
- 10 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… Go to:
Posted August 19th, 2012 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
All hat & no cattle?! Hardly: The capitol employee read my t-shirt in the café & exclaimed, ‘You are not wearing THAT shirt into the Congressional offices!’ “Oh yes I am.” I replied. During our ensuing chat he was incredulous* that I would wear such a provocative shirt. On Friday I decided I wanted to have more of a fun work day, so I went super Friday casual by wearing my COP shirt. NOTE: the House staffers are much more relaxed than the Senates.’ I would not wear the shirt there to go door to door.
No staffer blinked all day, as most already knew me and had seen the shirt at one time or another. One staffer at the café asked, “Where have you been? I haven’t seen you in the Cannon bldg in months.” I explained my stroke, bicycle trip & Karen’s cancer. … I had fun both in the Metro, the train and in the halls as visitors asked why. Even a cowboy needs a fun day from time to time.
Somebody knows me: In mid-July Jaisal Noor an independent media person called me for an interview. The topic was the notorious* ‘stop and frisk’ action of the NY City Police. He was impressed enough to ask me to go to a studio in DC to have professional equipment record the interview. Below is a 10 minute YouTube result of his reporting. My commentary comes in at the 5 minute mark, reflecting the monetary reasons police like drug prohibition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0NgZ9B0Zko&feature=youtu.be
Not getting any easier: Under full disclosure, going door to door is like eating your vegetables; I would rather just have desert. Luckily, on Wednesday my first day making presentations, I had an easy time making six presentations in the afternoon after the Grover Norquist brunch meeting. On Friday I had another nine chats. Speaking of having desert, I gave a one hour radio interview which originated in South Dakota. A productive day and week, despite only working 3 days.
Karen finished her second week of chemo. She remains a tower of strength and resolve. Hair is mostly gone, as she maintains her positive outlook. We are reading a book on how to be cancer via nutrition. Rule # 1, 2 & 3…stop eating sugar in any form.
*incredulous = erstaunt
*notorious = berüchtigt – notorisch
Fourth year stats for COP- August 1, 2012 thru July 31, 2013:
15 Presentations to Congressional staffers: 15 this week
1 Radio interviews: 1 this week
1 Blog, cable TV, minor media events: 1 this week
Total stats for COP in first 3 years:
- 944 Presentations to Congressional staffers
- 26 Appearances on major TV networks
- 14 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers
- 27 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, etc
- 66 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $65,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 33 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 19 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, etc.
- 10 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… Go to:
Posted August 19th, 2012 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Estimada Embajadora: I attended along with a 100 others attended a presentation by the Drug Czar – Gil Kerlikowske. The theme was how our drug prohibition policies are affecting other countries in the Americas. No surprise that his speech described how the cartels were moving into new countries, causing misery and death. Our response is additional aid and words of comfort and support.
Sadly, I was not called upon to ask a question. What was striking was Kerlikowske often mentioned that legalization would not solve or help any problem in the Americas. He felt the need, over and over, to convince the audience that legalization was of no benefit to any country in the Americas. Small steps.
I have been at this since 1997. I have seen these steps unfold. The fans of prohibition are now in the third phase ‘they fight you.’
Recall the words of Ghandi: “First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win.” – – Mahatma Gandhi
After the ‘show’ I did have a chat with the Washington Post reporter. I then moved on to have a 4 minute chat with the ambassador from Costa Rica, who was sympathetic to the COP position. Finally, I entered into a chat with 4 staffers from several Central American countries. They were vocal about how American policy was hurting their countries, not quite saying (they are diplomats after all) they agreed with Guatemalan President Perez on the need to legalize all drugs. The last two chats were in Spanish, naturalmente.
Drug policies = crowded prisons: On Wednesday I attended a Senate Judiciary hearing on our over-crowded prisons. Suffice to say I was pleased when two of the three witnesses pointed out that drug crimes were filling our prisons. Chairman Leahy even said he was now embarrassed to have voted for some mandatory minimum bills decades ago. Small steps.
Note: I am not back full-time, as Karen has entered the chemo stage. I work as her condition allows.
