Posted June 18th, 2018 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of June 8, 2018
Missed the big guy: On Wednesday I received an urgent text from Don Murphy to meet him. I pushed the, “I can’t talk right now” button, as I was in a conference. A few minutes later Don met with former NJ Governor Chris Christie and had a productive chat. The Governor said he recalled going toe to toe with the cowboy on the day of the New Hampshire primary. Go hat go!!
Oil & Gas Conference: I spent Wednesday and Thursday with 45 oil/gas people + some politicians from 26 countries. Besides honoring the invitation of a professional friend, I knew from last year’s conference it would be productive; I had chats with personnel from four embassies, including two ambassadors. I offered them COP assistance to learn more about the legalization movement – like I did for Germany and France in 2015.
This week’s stats:
247 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 02 this week (the ambassador from Austria & Nigeria)
01 conference
02 Meetings – meetings, hearings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
2788 Presentations to Congressional staffers… this week
269 personal chats with a Member of Congress… this week
152 interviews and reports in minor media = 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
75 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 0 this week
28 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 00 this week
83 Radio Interviews. 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 prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted June 3rd, 2018 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from weeks in May 2018:
Starting on a cheerful note, the two-day conference in Oslo went well. About 30 activists from all of Norway (population 5 million) gathered to learn how to move the issue and learn as many facts/strategies as possible. I made a 20-minute presentation and then 50 minutes of Q & A. I recall my very first anti-prohibition meeting at Rick Days’ house in Dallas (pop 6 million) had about 25 attending in 1997.
They flew in 2 other speakers (Holland, UK) and we bunked in an Air B n B. The event was well-organized and their national efforts are off to a good start. The only COP expense was the food. Note: their Govt essentially declared a war on drugs in 1982. Their health minister had a Road-to-Damascus type conversion last year and has declared his support to adopt the Portugal model. I will keep you posted. Historically, Norway and Sweden have been the two most USA-style, War on Drugs nations in Europe.
My two meetings in Bern were less encouraging. The visa lady laid out clearly the steps for a USA heroin addict to come/live in Switzerland, enroll in their health care and then receive HAT. My impression was confirmed this will be pushing big boulders up the hill. She also confirmed that no foreigner has ever tried to go through this process. Note: the central Swiss govt does not approve the visas…each of the 26 Cantons makes the decision. Oy Vey.
Joined by Karen, we had an excellent, informative lunch with (now my old friend of 17 years) Dr. Christoph Bürki. Recall he ran the Bern HAT clinic for a number of years (how I met him) and is now in private practice, still treating addicts with methadone or morphine. (for heroin an addict must go to a clinic). Besides up to the hour info on Swiss HAT, he confirmed that the road I have set upon will be a nightmare of bureaucracy …otherwise ,
Ready to Go: Karen and I had a most enjoyable 4 weeks full of hiking (50,000 steps in 4 days in London), family, friends, etc. = I am very rested and full speed ahead. Karen was a saint as folks asked me…. The chat below delayed her dinner by 10 minutes, as 3 more ladies asked me why before I ordered. (foto may not be available on website)
British Pub, cold pint of beer, mate asks why…and voila
Posted May 1st, 2018 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of April 27, 2018
Elevator Man: ‘Joe’ made his I-am-running-for-Congress presentation at Grover’s this week. He was mightily impressive and also in a hurry. Before leaving the area, he did a TV interview. I hung out at the elevator and then held it, while he and his entourage joined him. I had my 45 seconds and then another 2 minutes as his handlers were trying to get him into a waiting SUV. He kept asking me questions. What could I do but answer them??!!
Land of Oz: Also at Grover’s was a producer for the Dr. Oz TV program. She focuses on mental health issues and was happy to hear about the Swiss HAT approach.
I delivered the 2018 updates to the Senate this week, finishing that task. I had a particularly fruitful chat with the CJ aide to a southern Senator…after 10 years of ‘hell no’, his aide stated the office is now all in for the 10th Amendment on marijuana.
Next week is family business in Michigan & then off to Old Europe for four weeks. The only COP business is a lunch with my Swiss HAT doctor/friend and a visit to the Bern visa office, to see if and American can move to Switzerland and receive their HAT treatment.
This week’s stats:
2788 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 17 this week
245 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 01 this week (candidate running for Congress)
01 Meetings – meetings, hearings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
269 personal chats with a Member of Congress… this week
152 interviews and reports in minor media = 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
75 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 0 this week
28 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 00 this week
83 Radio Interviews. 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 prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted April 22nd, 2018 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of April 20, 2018
We love our vets: Nothing, but nothing exemplifies the changes (the Senator’s position is evolving {rapidly}) regarding marijuana than what I experienced for two hours this week. During a hearing by the Veterans Committee in the House, one could not distinguish between Rs and Ds…it was one big love fest of let’s push and push to put God’s medicine into the hands of our veterans in specific and medical marijuana for all citizens in general. Wow!!
Make the Pitch: After Grover’s meeting I was able to have an extended chat with my White House contact regarding the President’s now very public support for the 10th A and marijuana. I asked that the WH pressure Speaker Ryan to allow a vote on our bills. I can’t tell you what the response was. Let’s just say, I am still going to work on Monday. On a professional note – it is gratifying to have a chance to ask the WH for something directly..this development only took me 9 years in the trenches.
This week’s stats:
2773 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 11 this week
269 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 05 this week (David Young R-IA, Gwen Moore D-WI, Serrano D-NY, Lowey D-NY, Amash R-MI
244 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 02 this week (candidate running for Congress)
Meetings – 2 meetings, 2 hearings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
152 interviews and reports in minor media = 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
75 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 0 this week
28 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 00 this week
83 Radio Interviews. 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 prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted April 20th, 2018 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of April 13, 2018
Passing the Torch: For as long as I have been in DC (2005), Republican Rohrabacher has led those Rs who want to apply the 10th A to marijuana policy. That changed on Friday morning as CMan David Joyce (from the NE corner of Ohio) became the point man. He is a former public defender and prosecutor, solid and will work to convince other Rs to abandon the federal prohibition of marijuana. BTW, 27 of the leaders of MJ reform met to pass the torch. We now have some seriously heavy hitters on our side. (industry folks with real money)…the COP, MPP, NORML, DPA { folks who are here for the social justice aspects } are wonderful and we will one day pass the torch to the industry and fade into history
Nobody put champagne in the fridge: As I was attending 3 meetings on Friday, R Senator Gardner of CO announced that Trump would support a 10th A approach to marijuana. It was nice to hear it but nobody started looking for a new job. Because: De dicho al hecho – hay mucho trecho {From the saying to the having it done – there is a really big gap}…especially in Washington 2018.
Must be present to win: COP members may be tired of reading this stuff (Just show up = 90% of success). En route to the next presentation, who is wondering the hallways, looking for his new office? = Conor Lamb (D-PA) who won by 750 votes. We had a nice chat and ended with him giving his general support to the 10th A for marijuana issues.
This week’s stats:
2762 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 12 this week
264 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 10 this week
(Conor Lamb (D-PA), Brady (R-TX), Mark Meadows (R-NC), Jackie Speers (D-CA), Schakowsky (D-IL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Sires (D-NJ), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Gaetz (R-FL), Norman (R-SC)
242 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 01 this week (candidate running for Congress)
Meetings – 4 meetings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
152 interviews and reports in minor media = 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
75 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 0 this week
28 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 00 this week
83 Radio Interviews. 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 prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
