Posted December 9th, 2019 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
No Shirt, no chat: entering the office of an extreme, Republican Member the legislative aide demanded, ‘Hey, where’s your t-shirt?! How do I know it’s really you without it?!’ We had a pretty good laugh and then a good chat. BTW, with the impeachment process, many of us are looking for anything to lighten the mood.
Basic Info on Drug War casualties: Question – of the 2.2. million in our jails and prisons – how many are there due to our lovely Drug War / Modern Prohibition…I attended the quarterly meeting of the Justice Roundtable (100 orgs dedicated to social justice..I’ve been attending since 2005). A major figure in the social movement was a featured speaker and told us that, since only 20% of those in prison are for drugs, the problem of mass incarceration lies elsewhere.
I was able to forcefully rebut the speaker during Q & A. Please know that for pure drug crimes (sale/possession), yes, it is 20% And please know that when you add in the associated crimes like robbing a bank to obtain drug money, or break into a house for drug money, or shoot another dealer the figure rises to about 70-75% I say ‘about’ because no organization has ever done nor published any info on the aspect of policy. Even the CATO institute held two panels recently on mass incarceration and the speakers used the same 20% number…disappointing to say the least,. NOTE: I use the 70-75% after chats with about 20 detectives from all over USA. My personal experience was 70% in a Lansing, MI suburb.
This week’s stats:
317 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 01 this week (CMan Ron Wright R-TX)
3298 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 13 this week
01 Meetings – Justice Roundtable
166 interviews and reports in minor media = 01 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
387 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0 this week
85 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
102 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 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
43 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 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
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Posted November 25th, 2019 by hiwayhowie
Homework: After meeting with a staffer, I received this email/request for help:
First, thanks for your time, passion, and expertise.
In summary, three takeaways:
1. Summary of rationale/purpose for a judiciary hearing and a breakdown of the what, why, etc.
2. Draft provision ideas for fixes on prohibition you would like to see in federal law
3. HR 1587 – take a look and suggest additions for this bill with regard to data we need to make the argument
All the best,
PK
Historic Vote: I attended the House Judiciary Comm hearing/markup on Wednesday. I very much enjoyed the back and forth, as Republicans said marijuana needed to be studied before any vote and the Democrats responding that, when the Rs were in control, they failed to study the issue AND the plant has been used now for 6,000 years so much is already known. 24-10 and the bill to deschedule MJ now moves to the full House.
Note: The bill contains poison pills put in by Ds that guarantee the Senate will kill it…so, don’t put the champagne on ice. Sadly.
It was a very good, gratifying week.
This week’s stats:
317 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 02 this week (CMan Carter, R-GA and CMan Spanno R-FL)
3285 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 09 this week
01 Meetings – House hearing/markup
165 interviews and reports in minor media = 01 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
387 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0 this week
85 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
102 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 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
43 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 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 November 13th, 2019 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of November 8, 2019
Makes my day easier: Chatting with an aide to a Florida, Republican office – she finished half of my sentences regarding marijuana and the prohibitions of all the drugs. No, my task is not easy. However, it is infinitely easier than in years past.
: With the cooler weather I am again wearing my windbreaker with the message of legalize heroin. On three separate occasions I was asked by other lobbyists why. These chats just add to the spice of the day to make the job interesting. And then almost no matter what they were lobbying for, I am able to mention how the War on Drugs has an impact in their world.
This week’s stats:
3264 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 07 this week
01 Meeting –
COP stats since inception: August 2009
384 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0 this week
315 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
85 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
164 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week
102 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 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
43 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 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 November 6th, 2019 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Buildup of Good Karma?: My first week back from holidays was extraordinary. At the Grover Norquist center-right meeting I had solid chats with two Republican members of Congress, the governor of Alaska and four (4) candidates for Congress. As a bonus the former communications director of Speaker Boehner popped in and we caught up. Note: with the politicos – all I discussed was the opioid epidemic and how the Swiss program saves lives and money…
Fun Story: A woman in my Saturday morning French group had asked and received the two big reasons to legalize heroin. She was excited to tell me how she had relayed the reasons to a woman friend who wanted drug users locked up as long as possible. Her answers rocked her friend and started a spirited debate between the two. Legalizing all drugs would mean protecting our children better!!! Small steps.
War on US: an acquaintance of Colleen Cowles has just published a thorough primer on all aspects of our lovely Modern Prohibition / War on Drugs… I do heartily recommend the book for those who want to gain a background on the policy, history, its effects and the path forward. See Below for details.
This week’s stats:
3257 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 05 this week
384chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 05 this week
315 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 02 this week
01 Meetings –
COP stats since inception: August 2009
85 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
164 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week
102 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 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
43 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 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
Colleen Cowles
As many of you know, a book I authored has just been released. OCTOBER 30th is OFFICIAL LAUNCH DAY FOR THE NEW BOOK, “War on Us: How the War on Drugs and Myths About Addiction Have Created a War on All of Us”. The War on Drugs truly does affect all of us. Sharing this information could be very helpful to someone you know, and I’d greatly appreciate it if you’d share this email and upcoming Facebook posts.
CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO (under two minutes) for a preview of book content. The statistics are truly shocking!
ORDER FROM AMAZON on OCTOBER 30th, the official launch day, to RECEIVE 3 ADDITIONAL FREE BaONUSES.
Click HERE for more information on bonuses, or visit www.WarOnUs.com to request free sample chapters.
Thanks to everyone for all of the support and encouragement in completing this project. I couldn’t have done it without you.
– Colleen
Posted October 27th, 2019 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of October 25, 2019
Cheese, Chocolate and Heroin Treatment: On the 27th of Sept I met with Catherine Ritter and her assistant at a café in Bern, Switzerland. After catching up (we met in Geneva 3 years ago), she gave me some of the latest literature (in English), answered my several questions and most importantly, confirmed the Swiss govt is still ready to come to the Congress and explain their program for heroin addiction treatment.
Good and Bad – Catherine said from time to time the legislature wonders why they are spending money on heroin treatment, when there hasn’t been a “problem” in so long. She has to remind them of how big the problem was before the implementation of HAT (Heroin Assisted Treatment)
A week later I had lunch in Bern with Dr. Christoph Bürki, former director of the Bern heroin clinic and my professional friend now for 19 years. Still specializing in treatment, now in private practice, he shared the latest in on- the- ground info on treating heroin addiction. He shared his experience as a brand new doctor in the 90s in Zurich and having addicts he was trying to help, dying weekly.
Last, I had a coffee with a now retired police officer in Lausanne. He and most of his colleagues were opposed to opening an HAT clinic in his city. After it had been open a year, and the crime had dropped dramatically (60%), he and others reluctantly came around. He said the police dept resistance is now almost zero.
Note: total expenses for the three meetings to COP budget: just under 200 dollars
Personal: Gas tank is full and I’ll be at work this coming week.
This week’s stats:
03 Meetings –
COP stats since inception: August 2009
3252 Presentations to Congressional staffers… this week
379 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. this week
313 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week (CMan Trone, D-MD)
85 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
164 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week
102 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 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
43 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 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
