COP on the Hill: Stories from the weeks of February 9, 2024

This week’s work:

What if, what if:  Last week the problem was religion; this week a staffer asked: what if we make it much easier for addicts (Opioid Use Disorder OUD) and OD and die…won’t insurance rates go up?  Doctors might be reluctant to prescribe it.

I was very patient, as I explained that OD amongst patients being given controlled doses of methadone mostly die (a few have heart attacks) from polydrug use: combine methadone with alcohol, fenty, cocaine, etc.  Oh Vey!  I am certain my message of be ‘Pro-Life’ Love and Compassion for constituents who have OUD fell on deaf ears. Yes, it was a Republican staffer.

And of course, the bill only allows doctors who want to do this to easily certify and dispense..no obligation.

Personal note: I’ll be in the Chicago area Monday morning to pick up my new horse…I should make it back in time for my meetings and presentations next week. Yes, I am excited.  It is a Long Rider’s horse with 6,000 miles of LD experience.

1 meeting: Grover Norquist

388 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 01 his week: Matt Gaetz (R-FL) —              BTW..for all the news about him – he is very solid on his support for MJ legalization and a turn to going medical versus lock them all up.

5104 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 05 this week

460 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs,  04 this week… Congressional Candidate in 4 states

COP stats since inception: August 2009

116 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week.

99 Radio Interviews:  0 this week

231 interviews and reports in minor media … this week –

33 major conferences attended – CPAC 2023, (3 UN drug conferences in Vienna, Austria),  LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week

Media:  Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, OAN, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribune, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters, Stern

* Consider being a member of COP at $40 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 ( to donate by Internet)

To send a check:

COP

POB 543

Buckeystown, MD  21717

COP on the Hill: Stories from the weeks of January 19, 2023 

My every four year Pilgrimage to New Hampshire: A modest success over all with 16 media events.

Supplemental to Stories of January 19, 2024.

COP coordinated with MJ Leadership Fund Don Murphy to spend a week in New Hampshire to bring up the issue of marijuana and the drug war in general.  16 hours a day spent to attend 3 rallies.  Most were easy to handle, except Trump’s: he has Secret Service protection, so we had to stand in the very cold, windy outdoors for a chance to be scanned by the SS.

Still, at his rally I was interviewed by NPR, CNN and the Washington Post…

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise:  At a Dean Phillips’ rally it was near ending, so I moved close to the only exit door.  A woman asked me ‘why legalize heroin.’  She kept asking questions, so we chatted for 10 minutes.  She said we should introduce ourselves;  She was the candidate’s wife Annalise!  And we chatted for another 10 minutes.  It was great!

Don’t let anyone see us:  A DeSantis volunteer asked for a photo of my jacket (legalize heroin)…we moved to a dark corner so attendees could not see us..LOL

Plz Cover your shirt:  I was asked by Haley staff to cover the shirt with my jacket..I complied but forgot to zip it up; Ooops…The legalize pot letters are clearly visible

I had a chat with Kasie Hunt, now CNN,,,also John Heileman of MSNBC.

CMan Dean Phillips (D-MN); Matt Gaetz (R-FL)

Major Press interviews: CNN, NPR (2), Bloomberg, Washington Post, Die Stern (German major magazine), C-Span broadcast my Q & A,

Minor: 09..total of 16.

This week(s) work:

116 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 07 This week.

231 interviews and reports in minor media …16 this week –

386 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 02 his week:

Meetings: 0

5079 Presentations to Congressional staffers…  this week

454 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs,  01 this week…Annalie Phillips, wife to CMan Phillips & Candidate  for President

COP stats since inception: August 2009

98 Radio Interviews:  0 this week

33 major conferences attended – CPAC 2023, (3 UN drug conferences in Vienna, Austria),  LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week

Media:  Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, OAN, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribune, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters, Stern

* Consider being a member of COP at $40 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 ( to donate by Internet)

To send a check:

COP

POB 543

Buckeystown, MD  21717

Greetings From Chilly-Willy Concord, New Hampshire.

Just had a solid chat w/ CMan and Dem Prez Candidate Dean Phillps, offering him my advice on how to articulate Drug War/Drug Policy, as he holds 4 town hall meetings a day…

I am happy I drove from MD, as Tuesday was a snowing, freezing mess on the roadways…the first 3 days of attending campaign stops has been a bit exhausting; 16 hour days and lots of driving between events, fast food on the go, etc…..and all worth it!  Really good media interviews, talking to Nikki Haley, Dean Phillips, Marianne Williams today; plus media interviews with CNN, Washington Post, 2x with NPR and 1 great interview with a German magazine (Stern) which is a mixture of Life-Look and the National Enquirer…auf Deutsch natürlich….plus dozens of chats with regular people.

COP on the Hill: Stories from the weeks of January 5 and 12, 2024

2024 Outlook:

Given the intransigence/ political BS of Majority Leader Schumer in the Senate, no meaningful marijuana legislation will be on the Prez’ desk in 2024.   Essentially, he will not take a 70% win on banking and deschedule.

The chances of greatly expanding methadone access for Fenty addicts has a slight chance, as the Senate Health Committee had a hearing and winning vote in December.

I have solid confidence that more will pass this year at the state and federal levels to expand the medical use of ‘magic mushrooms’,etc to help especially veterans and anyone with PTSD.

3 seconds too slow:  I was headed to my next appointment in Rayburn, when out of the elevator popped Congressman Buddy Carter, republican from Georgia. More importantly he is the chairman of the health subcommittee which would hold a hearing on the bill to expand methadone access. I had 2 seconds during which I said buddy pause Carter, as i remembered his name. 3 seconds later I remembered he was the chairman of the committee I want to talk to. I promise to be faster on my feet next time.

On Sunday I head to the primary in New Hampshire.  Recall I was there in 2016 and 2020, receiving major media coverage; NY Times, Jake Tapper of CNN tweeted out my foto, great chats with Chris Christy, etc.  Yes, I am bringing my long johns, etc.

This week(s):

Meetings: 1 -Grover Norquist Center-Right meeting

5079 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 35 this week

454 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs,  01 this week…  R Candidate  for the House from Colorado.

COP stats since inception: August 2009

384 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 his week:

109 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week.

215 interviews and reports in minor media …0 this week –

98 Radio Interviews:  0 this week

33 major conferences attended – CPAC 2023, (3 UN drug conferences in Vienna, Austria),  LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week

Media:  Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, OAN, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribune, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters

* Consider being a member of COP at $40 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 ( to donate by Internet)

To send a check:

COP

POB 543

Buckeystown, MD  21717

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of December 15, 2023

Scope of the Problem/Issue: Even my world was a bit rocked this week..Back to back presentations where the first aide had lost 8 high school and university friends (all from relapse) and the next aide had lost 7…it took my breath away.  As you know, relapse is a major problem and nobody but nobody (besides COP)  is asking the Congress to research a path to help these addicts.

Belt Buckle Scores Big Win: I was gathering the last of the names of health policy advisors, when I entered the Member’s office.. an aide said the Christmas festivities had just begun and offered me a beer and Wisconsin cheese…I hesitated before saying yes…he and I had a good chat on health policy, the Member and I met, along with his neighbor from Idaho…the party was in the conference room and I was invited to join.

An aide asked about the belt buckle.  I explained the Long Ride.  Since a Member was from Idaho, I took the opportunity to praise his state; in two weeks to cross southern Idaho in August and 104 temperatures, someone took us into 12 of 14 nights…then someone insisted on knowing the worst state…I hesitated, not wanting to insult Kansas…they insisted so, I revealed in the 24 days of travel in KS, we only received shelter 3.

Then someone asked my mission. The Members and staff gave me 5 minutes to make a mini-presentation.  I finished my beer, thanked them for the hospitality and wished them all a very Merry Christmas.

Note: this is the last Newsletter of 2023.

This Week:

5079 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 14  this week

384 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 02this week:  Grothman (R-WI), Fulcher (R-ID)

453 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs,  01 this week…  R Candidate for US Senate.

Meetings: 02 Grover Norquist    & Latino evening rally event in VA

COP stats since inception: August 2009

109 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week.

215 interviews and reports in minor media …0 this week –

98 Radio Interviews:  0 this week

33 major conferences attended – CPAC 2023, (3 UN drug conferences in Vienna, Austria),  LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week

Media:  Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, OAN, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribune, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters

* Consider being a member of COP at $40 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 ( to donate by Internet)

To send a check:

COP

POB 543

Buckeystown, MD  21717

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of December 15, 2023

Scope of the Problem/Issue: Even my world was rocked a bit this week..Back to back presentations where the first aide had lost 8 high school and university friends (all from relapse) and the next aide had lost 7…it took my breath away.  As you know, relapse is a major problem and nobody but nobody (besides COP)  is asking the Congress to research a path to help these addicts.

Belt Buckle Scores Big Win: I was gathering the last of the names of health policy advisors, when I entered the Member’s office.. and aide said the Christmas festivities had just begun and offered me a beer and Wisconsin cheese…I hesitated before saying yes…he and I had a good chat on health policy, the Member and I met, along with his neighbor from Idaho…the party was in the conference room and I was invited to join.

An aide asked about the belt buckle.  I explained the Long Ride.  Since a Member was from Idaho, I took the opportunity to praise his state; in two weeks to cross southern Idaho in August and 104 temperatures, someone took us into 12 of 14 nights…then someone insisted on knowing the worst state…I hesitated, not wanting to insult Kansas…they insisted so, I revealed in the 24 days of travel in KS, we only received shelter 3.

Then someone asked about my mission. The Members and staff gave me 5 minutes to make a mini-presentation.  I finished my beer, thanked them for the hospitality and wished them all a very Merry Christmas.  FWIW…5 minutes of having an exclusive time with a Member normally costs a lobbyist/advocate 10K.

Note:  this is the final Newsletter of 2023…wishing you and yours the best of the Season, cowboy

This Week:

5079 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 14  this week

384 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 02 this week:  Grothman (R-WI), Fulcher (R-ID)

453 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs,  01 this week…  R Candidate for US Senate.

Meetings: 02 Grover Norquist    & Latino evening rally event in VA

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of December 8, 2023

This week was centered on the annual, 2-day Energy Transition conference in DC (my Fourth). This one was not as productive as last year (spoke to 4 Members of Congress).  I did enjoy the change of pace and had a long chat with the Norwegian ambassador on her countries’ drug policy and one of the presenters.

This Week:

5065 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 1  this week

382 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 01 this week:  Ezell (R-MS)

452 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs,  01 this week…  the ambassador from Norway.

COP stats since inception: August 2009

109 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week.

215 interviews and reports in minor media …0 this week –

98 Radio Interviews:  0 this week

33 major conferences attended – CPAC 2023, (3 UN drug conferences in Vienna, Austria),  LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week

Media:  Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, OAN, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribune, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters

* Consider being a member of COP at $40 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 ( to donate by Internet)

To send a check:

COP

POB 543

Buckeystown, MD  21717