Posted October 11th, 2020 by hiwayhowie
Note: As you might imagine, working by phone means few colorful stories, etc. I had an excellent 20 minutes in Spanish with Senator Harris’ assistant. I am encouraged by her enthusiasm.
Activity this week:
3352 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 08 this week
1 hearing by zoom from Olympia, Washington Public Safety Committee by invitation from the Comm. Chairman
COP stats since inception: August 2009
205 interviews and reports in minor media
90 Radio Interviews… 0 this week
327 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
397 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.: 0 this week –
107 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week
44 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribute, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
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 $40.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 40 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 drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted September 21st, 2020 by hiwayhowie
Back in the Saddle: This week I made two presentations to Senate offices via phone. Feels good to do something, cause Good Trouble. Per the Senate staffers, the last six months were exclusive Covid 19…no oxygen for any other issues. That has changed this month. So, I am making contact the only way available: phone, Zoom, etc. I have several more meetings booked, including one with the Criminal Justice aide to Senator Harris on Thursday.
Long fly ball to Right Field: My project to have a House Member introduce clean legislation to De-crim simple possession of all drugs (like Portugal did in 2001), failed in August. The Member sent the proposed legislation to the Drug Policy Alliance for review and comment. They rejected the concept of a simple bill and successfully convinced the Member to introduce a complex bill with many facets of social justice. So, the Portugal approach became a small part of a bill which has zero chance to pass the Senate. Worse, I expect little to no press coverage.
Personal: My response to the CV was to spend 2-3 hours a day on my bicycle to bring my lungs and heart to peak condition, in case Mr. Virus knocked on my door. Straight Up: I was scared and remain very concerned. The first three months I was making a steady 140 miles a week. I am down to 80-100 miles per week and given my age, I am quite careful re: masks, distance, etc. I hope and trust this note finds you in good health, if not spirits.
Fall Campaigns: There are 5 States with marijuana ballot issues. All are expected to pass relatively easily. Thus, I will stay put and focus on Congress. Missy, my new horse, is making steady progress and she will be ready for campaigns in 2022.
PS: I am deeply touched by the many of you who continued your financial support. It is always a confirmation that COP is doing something worthwhile. Thank you for keeping the faith.
Activity this week:
3344 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 02 this week
205 interviews and reports in minor media = 01 about a month ago. http://theleafonline.com/c/lifestyle/2020/09/video-becker-2020/
I come in for 3 minutes at about minute 48.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
90 Radio Interviews… 0 this week
327 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
397 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.: 0 this week –
107 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week
44 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribute, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000) 0 this week
* Consider being a member of COP at $40.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 40 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 drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted March 21st, 2020 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of March 20, 2020
Small, short and very important: As you probably know, Congress is now closed to the public. So, my work has gone to zero. Snot!!
Probably my last piece of work for a while….this week I had a chat with a legislative aide on a project he had requested my assistance. In about two hours I produced and sent a document for his review and edit. Due to the Covid, it will be a while before this effort could bear fruit.
Baring the unexpected, this will be the last newsletter for a while. As soon as Congress opens its doors, I will return to work. Until then, I am training the new pony for urban, campaign work which should bear fruit this fall. The horse-cowboy combo will generate lots of media, as always.
Optimism: As many of us (certainly me) are a bit depressed from the lack of social contact and the pain and suffering of those who get the Covid, let me share this story:
This week, I stopped in at Staple’s to order more COP stationery and business cards. The manager came over and asked why. A customer joined in, as we all maintained 5-6 feet of distance. We had a solid, long chat as to why legalize heroin and the failure of current policy in general…
It has been 20 months since I began wearing the new t-shirt. The results are consistent; general agreement/resignation that the War on Drugs – Modern Prohibition has failed and legalize/regulate all drugs might be a good idea. Call me wild and crazy but this could be over in five years.
This week’s stats:
10 minutes on the phone with a congressional aide
COP stats since inception: August 2009
3342 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 0 this week
90 Radio Interviews… 0 this week
327 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
397 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.: 0 this week –
204 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week
107 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week
44 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribute, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000) 0 this week
* Consider being a member of COP at $40.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 40 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 drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted March 16th, 2020 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of March 13, 2020
A funny thing happened on the way to CPAC: I received info this AM that a guy I shook hands and chatted with for several minutes has tested positive for the CV. I am still quite certain my cold was just that. Know that I am 100% back, road the pony yesterday, lifted weights and rode my bicycle for 90 minutes. It has been 16 days since the handshake. I am fine.
I know you guys worry about me. If my health changes, I’ll let you know.
Wardrobe Change: in consultation with my mentor I have decided that I will only wear my T-shirt to Congress, unless there is a very formal occasion. The impact of the shirt the past 18 months has been over-whelmingly positive. On an average day a 1-200 hundred will read it and a few ask why. The issue of marijuana prohibition is nearly over and they are well-represented now by 11 other full-time lobbyists on the Hill. I will again be the Lone Ranger with my Heroin Shirt and work on the macro policy of Modern Prohibition.
PS: Wearing the jacket, CMan Evans and I were waiting for the crosswalk to turn green. He asked why legalize heroin. We ended up having an xcl chat outside of the Longworth House Bldg. Git R Dun!
This week’s stats:
3342 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 08 this week
90 Radio Interviews… 01 this week
327 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 02 this week: ( R-TX) Louie Gohmert and Dwight Evans (D-PA)
COP stats since inception: August 2009
397 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.: 0 this week –
204 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week
107 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week
44 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribute, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000) 0 this week
* Consider being a member of COP at $40.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 40 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 drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted March 6th, 2020 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of March 6, 2020
Why are Conservatives Leaders Afraid of Marijuana?
Wikileaf
While that catches your attention, if you walk up to the front of now-retired law enforcement official, Howard Wooldridge’s shirt, you’re instantly arrested …
The URL above is the result of showing up at CPAC…it is what I consider a minor, media contact…the 5-minute read
is excellent.
How it works: Not feeling 100% I had a short day on Wednesday. I met with a few staffers and then went to the elevator. CMan Johnson and an aide were waiting also. I had my 45 second elevator speech with an emphasis on the Swiss method of treatment for heroin addicts. As you know, Ohio is The hardest hit state for heroin OD. Know what is most important to your audience.
Using Sick Days: Somewhere between the 10 days in New Hampshire and 4 days at CPAC, I caught a cold and thus took off most of this week. At my age, I don’t push it.
This week’s stats:
3342 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 03 this week
89 Radio Interviews… 02 this week
325 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 01 this week: ( R-OH) Bill Johnson
397 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.: 01 this week – White House advisor on domestic policy
COP stats since inception: August 2009
204 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week
107 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week
44 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribute, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders. Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000) 0 this week
* Consider being a member of COP at $40.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 40 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 drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
