Posted March 24th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of March 24, 2017
Embarrassment turned to Gold: The clock showed nearly 1800, as I was about to finish for the day in Rayburn. Opening yet another door, there were 3 young staffers and a person I took to be the Chief of Staff. He asked about the ‘Long Rider’ buckle and 4 minutes later, the group had an outline of taking a horse across the USA. Then, he introduced himself as John Culberson from Houston (yup, the Congressman).
He said no worries about not recognizing him. He said he immensely enjoyed the stories and then the one minute summary of the Swiss program. Later, his aide said our chat was the best moment in an exceptionally stressful week (Obamacare vote, zillions of lobbyists and the phone ringing off the hook). Note: Anything a Texan does to bring glory to the Lone Star State, brings the doer of deeds much respect. We say: ‘If you are telling the truth, you are not bragging.’
Walk with me: Congressman Al Green of Texas was just leaving, as I entered his office. We had met before. I told him the reason for my visit. He had to vote, so he asked me to go with him to the committee room.. Two minutes later he had a solid understanding of the Swiss program and asked I meet for an in-depth meeting with his health staffer. Perfect Speed? Just show up!
*The 441 offices in the House have received the Swiss info. Next week I will do the entire Senate. During the Easter break (two weeks) – I will start real COP work.
If you want to know about marijuana and drug policy developments before anyone else does, check out Tom Angell’s recently-launched daily newsletter Marijuana Moment. It’s like the Politico Playbook, but just for marijuana. Sign up at http://MarijuanaMoment.net
Tom Angell, my young, smart, fellow reformer is the brilliance behind this service and I heartily recommend it. I wish I had had this 11 year ago, when I started my work on the Hill. Sample at bottom.
This week’s stats:
129 offices visited for a mini-presentation of the Swiss HAT program
179 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 02 this week
2353 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 15 this week
1 meeting
COP stats since inception: August 2009
206 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. this week
76 Radio Interviews. 0 this week
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000).. 0 this week
42 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
72 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 00 this week
148 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
26 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 (CPAC)
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
* Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 30 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 March 24th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of March 17, 2017
More Info: The Grover group has always received briefings from Congressional staffers. Starting this week, the Grover meeting is receiving a briefing from White House staffers.
Choose your words carefully: what do you write to your professional friend who is now a mid-level staffer at the White House? Length must be less than two minutes…here is my first note (and I won’t send her more than 3 per year)
Morning ‘Jane,’
I am so thrilled for you and your new position. Cream does rise to the top. Simply WOW.
To business. AG Sessions is making louder noises about going after Colorado stores et al. Reasons not to do that:
1. Jobs – combining Rec and Medical – the industry in 28 states employs 123,000 FTE. Colorado alone employs 22,000 Full Time Equivalent
2. Heroin – and ‘brothers’ causes some 100 deaths per day & WAS a campaign issue. Optics would suck that DEA goes after God’s green plant, not heroin.
3. Illegals – base and more want the AG to focus on ridding the country of the 12-20 million illegals. No one gives a rat’s ass about MJ.
I remain at your service, (see me smiling broadly, knowing where you are reading this)
Howard
Good Karma/Bad Cold: A cold hit me like the 8-inch snow storm this week. I was only able to spend Wednesday on the Hill, after the Grover meeting. The gods were smiling, as I bumped into 3 Congressmen in only 24 offices visited. I also had a good chat with the probable new Cman from SC who will take Mulvaney’s place (he is now at OMB). Like Mulvaney, the new guy is also very solid on 10th and MJ.
This week’s stats:
24 offices visited for a mini-presentation of the Swiss HAT program
177 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 03 this week
2353 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 04 this week
206 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 01 this week
1 meeting
COP stats since inception: August 2009
76 Radio Interviews. 0 this week
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000).. 0 this week
42 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
72 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 00 this week
148 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
26 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 (CPAC)
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
* Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 30 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 March 14th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of March 10, 2017
Box of Chocolates: entering an office in Longworth, I met two French doctors (had a flag on their lapel). I said hello to them and ended up in a ten-minute chat in French about the Swiss program.
Thank you: Senator Booker (D-NJ) was at the elevator in Longworth, waiting w/ two other Cman. I introduced myself, mission and then thanked him for his leadership in ending the War on Drugs. He re-shook my hand, thanking me for the kind words….”it (LE support) is good to know that.”
Cman Franks (R-AZ)..met him in his office saying, “I represent cops who believe if you have a drug problem, see a doctor – not a jail.” He responded (in front of 4 VIPs from his District), “ I could use some drugs right now.” “I have plenty of free samples in my briefcase; Prozac, Valium, pot, Oxi.” I replied. Everyone laughed, as the Cman and his four guests went into the main office.
Follow-up letter to Cman Tim Ryan (D-OH)
Congressman Ryan,
Thank you for your time last week in the hallway, as I explained how the Swiss are very effective/pro-life in dealing with their heroin abuse problems. I have visited their clinics in 01, 08 and 16 to become knowledgeable. My fluency in French and German aided my efforts with the Health Ministry.
I remain at your service,
It was that type of crazy/rewarding week.
Radio Program taped earlier with a law professor in Knoxville, TN…I come in at about 8:40 & go for about 18 minutes
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/ywc/episodes/2017-02-18T09_23_43-08_00
This week’s stats:
153 offices visited for a mini-presentation of the Swiss HAT program
174 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 04 this week
2349 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 22 this week
76 Radio Interviews. 01 this week
1 meetings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
205 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0 this week
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000).. 0 this week
42 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
72 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 00 this week
148 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
26 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 (CPAC)
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
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 $30.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 30 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 March 10th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of March 3, 2017
Off Message:
Background – as you know, we had an increase in the number of citizens who died last year from heroin/opioid abuse issues.
Therefore, I spent my week opening 135 doors in Cannon and Longworth to distribute the summary of how the Swiss effectively deal with the same problem.
My pitch was:
‘I represent police officers who believe – if you have a drug problem see a doctor. Specifically, this morning, I am here on behalf of the 38,000 who died last year from heroin/Oxycodone OD. And the 30,000 who died the year before and 20,000 the year before that. (handing the receptionist a single sheet w/ Swiss program) This is for your health LA (legislative assistant). And who is your colleague for health? — taking their business card…Plz advise ‘Sean’ that the Swiss approach is very much pro-life, as they want their citizens to survive their addiction. Second, this document has been approved by the Swiss govt for distribution to the Congress. I do not want you to think some cowboy wandered in from the hallway with ideas on how fix a health problem.’ (90% of the receptionists will smile at this – note there is complete lack of any humor in their jobs, as EVERYONE comes in so very serious about whatever issue they are promoting).
I finish saying,’ if ‘Sean’ has questions I have been to the Swiss clinics and can answer many questions. Or, the contact info for the Swiss Health Ministry is at the top. I met that person in Geneva last year and her English is better than mine.’ Smiles from the staffer.
I should note that an average of two staffers heard this mini-presentation. Sometimes the receptionist grabbed the health LA, so I could expand on the whole program.
To contact all 535 offices is going to take the entire month of March. The COP mission remains to end drug prohibition. However, in the month of March, I feel a responsibility to help the million or so citizens who are addicted to heroin/Oxy, of whom another 40,000 are projected to die this year. I did the same mission in January of 2016 w/o any success. Nonetheless, it is worth a second attempt.
This week’s stats:
135 offices visited for a mini-presentation of the Swiss HAT program
170 personal chats with a Member of Congress.. 01 this week
2327 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 17 this week
2 meetings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
205 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0 this week
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000).. 0 this week
42 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
75 Radio Interviews. 00this week
72 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio) 00 this week
148 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
26 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 (CPAC)
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
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 $30.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 30 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 February 28th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of February 24, 2017
Kurt SchlichterVerified account@KurtSchlichter Feb 22 he is: Senior Columnist for Townhall.com, w/ 88,000 twitter followers…tweeted this out on Thursday morning:
What would #CPAC be like without the cowboy guy with the legalize drugs T-shirt?
CPAC 2017:
The craziness began Wednesday night with a reception, speeches by VP Pence (Thursday) and P Trump on Friday and closed with a speech/history lesson/snoozer by Sheriff Clarke of Wisconsin on Saturday.
Highlights: I bumped into a gentleman I met 8 years ago as a legislative assistant. He had quickly moved up the ranks and is now an advisor to Prez. Trump. I congratulated him on his position, thrilled that this professional friend of mine (dozens of chats over the years) now hangs his hat at the WH 8-5. More importantly, he allowed 3 minutes me to point out the reasons Trump should NOT go after Colorado.
16 media interviews on Thursday, 7 on Friday and none on Saturday. Add to that to many dozens of young CPACers wanting fotos of the cowboy and the shirt. My best numbers ever.
Here are some early samples of published media articles. More stuff on my Twitter feed @cannabiscop..like 10 seconds with Sean Hannity.
1) NPR station KMUW in Witchita, KS : http://kmuw.org/post/trump-and-cpac-complicated-relationship-no-more
…17 fotos of CPAC ..Cowboy is in #15. (bottom of main foto on website is a hard to see note: “View Slide show 1-17)
A. http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a53395/texas-cop-cpac/
8M read, xcl fotos…Esquire Mag
2) Swiss Radio:
http://www.srf.ch/news/international/fuenf-schillernde-persoenlichkeiten-auf-mission
it is in German..2nd of 5 personalities at CPAC
3) The Greg Gutfeld Show Feb 25, 2017 – Fox News Show cameo at the 12 minute mark
This week’s stats:
2309 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 02 this week (1 w/ White House Staffer)
75 Radio Interviews. 03 this week (1 w/ Swiss radio in German)
26 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 01 this week (CPAC)
72 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss. French TV and radio)…10 this week
148 interviews and reports in minor media = 09 this week.
1 meeting
COP stats since inception: August 2009
169 personal chats with a Member of Congress.. 0 this week
205 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0 this week
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000).. 0 this week
42 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
* 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
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 $30.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 30 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
