Posted February 28th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of February 17, 2017
Good Guys are here: Wednesday at 1500 was just another day at the office (Senate), when I bumped into Don Murphy of (www.mpp.org) in the hallway. ‘Hey, let’s go to such and such a hearing.’ And off we went.
Before the sunset that night, due to Don knowing everyone well (R Members seem to all recognize him), I had solid, one minute chats with six (6) senators and one Congressman. As I ended each chat, I said to the Senator, “when you need police back-up, call me.” ….this in reference to when mainstream police organizations urge full-speed ahead with the War on Drugs, the Member can call upon LEAP speakers to provide ‘backup.’
As long time readers know, this was my very best day on the Hill in ten years. My head was about to explode from ‘what the heck just happened.’ Thank you Don for the introductions.
Icing on the cake: the next day I finished my rounds off all 100 offices. ALL BY MYSELF –I bumped into Senator Whitehouse (D-RI) in his office. As I started my 1 minute speech, he cut me off with, “I love LEAP.” To which I replied, ‘Thank you and that is all I need to know.’
Hi, Howard: Here’s your latest interview on my show: Spreading Like a Weed.
Thanks for another thoughtful discussion.
Stewart Harris
Visiting Associate Professor of Law
Lincoln Memorial University – Duncan School of Law
Creator and Host, Your Weekly Constitutional
This week’s stats:
2307 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 07 this week
169 personal chats with a Member of Congress.. 08 this week
1 meeting
COP stats since inception: August 2009
25 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 0 this week
139 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
72 Radio Interviews. 00 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
62 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR)…02 this week (NBC twice)
* 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 13th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of February 10, 2017
Been in this office before: Always good when I enter a Congressional office and introduce myself thusly; ‘Hi. I represent police officers who don’t want to waste their time chasing a green plant, Willie Nelson, Snoop Dog – that kind of nonsense.’ This week and every week about 1 in 5 on the desk will respond with something like: ‘I remember you from last time.’ Does my heart good to hear that, it does. . (offering free samples once a month, when I have my fun day – probably helps too)
I also had two staffers stop me in the hallway. One had moved over to the Senate (promotion) and the other had become a lobbyist, after years as a Legislative Director. He was there to see an office on his issue.
My mentor, Eric Sterling, recommended a book in 2005 which I read: Tribes: in summary after X years learning the ropes, staffers fan out all over the federal bureaucracy and or become the lobbyists who go back to their colleagues and offices to move policies. It now occurs to me that my 3,500 presentations have done the same thing for drug reform…. I have created my own ‘tribe’ who still remember me and the issue years later… and it only takes a 15-minute chat. (okay the cowboy hat helps a bunch) Woohoo!!
Marijuana industry helps Trump ‘Make America Great Again:’ I presented to Grover Norquist’s Wednesday meeting. The topic was: Jobs, jobs, jobs. 123,000 to be exact. Thanks to Justin Strekin from NORML, I now know that the MJ industry employs about 120,000 spread over 28 states. I reported this number of good paying jobs (most are 15/hour for unskilled labor) is expected to double when CA, NV, ME and MA come on line next year along with workers in Florida’s MMJ industry. The MJ industry is doing its part to help America succeed!!
For any first-time reader of this letter: the 150 attendees for a presentation have millions of conservative members. One of our group is already working today in the WH (that I know of). Grover was summoned to the WH last week, as Trump wanted his input. Any pressure we can put on the administration to leave Colorado et al alone (muzzle Sessions) is my/our goal. And I cannot say too often that Grover is four-square on our side.
MJ – Uruguay Connection: I was invited to and attended a social event at the Uruguay embassy on Friday evening. A good time was had by all. It occurred to me that, if I had brought some MJ into the embassy (located in DC), it would still have been legal in the embassy, as they went legal/regulate about two years ago… No, no one lit up but I felt a solid sense of satisfaction. We are on the path to making the world a better place. (you probably know that once inside an embassy, it is legally the same as being in that country)
This week’s stats:
2307 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 09 this week
2 meetings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
25 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 0 this week
161 personal chats with a Member of Congress.. 00 this week
139 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
72 Radio Interviews. 00 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
62 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR)…02 this week (NBC twice)
* 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 13th, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of February 03, 2017
Where’s my coat: I put my new jacket in the coat room for the Grover Norquist meeting. I always place it on the front of the rack, so all can read the message. (see below)
Since last year another attendee has been moving it to the middle of the rack, so no one can read it….= I still have a ways to go
How to succeed: This text from Don Murphy of MPP to Mike Correia of NCIA , “if you are on the Hill, stop by FinServ in 2128 (Rayburn). Good opp to meet new members.” Don has been sending these types of messages since he arrived two years ago. This type of intel sharing has never been done in 10 years on the Hill. Don is also the author of the 100 ‘getable’ R members, allowing us to focus on who might evolve and shift their vote our way. Thank you Don.
History Lesson: in my 10 years on the Hill – Don is the first MJ reformer (besides me) to be on the Hill several days a week, EVERY week. The novelty of having lunch with a fellow MJ reformer has still not worn off.
This week’s stats:
2298 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 11 this week
2 meetings
COP stats since inception: August 2009
25 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 0 this week
161 personal chats with a Member of Congress.. 00 this week
139 interviews and reports in minor media = 00 this week.
72 Radio Interviews. 00 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
62 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR)…02 this week (NBC twice)
* 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 2nd, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of January 20 & 27, 2017
Inaugural Balls: Karen and I attended the Texas ball on Thursday evening. Our first two in 09 and 13 were not only enjoyable, they were productive as I had solid chats with a number of VIPs. Sadly, this year was a bust for politics. We had a good time.
On Friday MPP invited me to the Liberty Ball at the Library of Congress. This was both enjoyable and productive. Marijuana reformers filled a table of 12, I had chat with many guests (most chats started with: “love your hat” to which I replied, “You should see the horse that goes under it.” and much was discussed over excellent food and drink . Whereas the Texas ball had some 12,000 attending (making it a mad house), this one only had 425, allowing for more contacts and enjoyable, quiet conversations.
Will the center hold? Don Murphy of MPP and I drove to Philadelphia on Wednesday to mingle at the Republican national retreat. Fortune favoring the bold, we just walked up to the police barricades, acted like we owned the place and voila, the Sergeant let us pass into the venue hotel. I had solid chats with 4 House Reps and two Senators that first night.
About 8PM a crowd of 4-500 gathered on the opposite side of the street and they were in an ugly mood. The police moved 100 officers to keep them away from the venue…it was a bit tense for an hour or so. The highlight was Congressman Peter King (R-NY) who asked Don to take some fotos outside (see below). That led to a 10-minute social chat inside and now both he and Cman Donavan know me as “The Cowboy.”
Socks Optional: The next night (after Trump and Pence were there) the security was even tighter. Don led the way and another Sgt escorted us a block and half to the venue. Cman Yoho of Florida (and a solid leader in ending MJ prohibition) invited us to his table for drinks… His first question was to ask Don if he were wearing socks (Don has a reputation of not)…which lasted a half hour…. Cman Rohrabacher and I discussed 1968 Prague events…wow..Seven hours later we returned to our hotel (across the street) happy with our many chats with Members of Congress and the national media. Thank you Don and MPP for suggesting and planning these two days.
This week’s stats:
2 meetings
25 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc) 01 this week
161 personal chats with a Member of Congress.. 14 this week ( all Republican )
139 interviews and reports in minor media = 03 this week.
72 Radio Interviews. 01 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
2287 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 00 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
62 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR)…02 this week (NBC twice)
* 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 2nd, 2017 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill:
Stories from the week of January 6 & 13, 2017
IMHO: Several have asked my thoughts on the incoming President as it relates to COP work… I have medium confidence that Trump will direct AG Sessions to focus on the issue of the undocumented immigrants, not marijuana. Trump will, like Obama, leave Colorado et al, in peace. His base cares about The Wall, etc…nobody has a concern for the issue of a green plant.
Pleased, I am: I took stock of what influence we will have with the administration. Know that I asked the next VP a question about applying the 10th Amendment to MJ a few years ago. He answered my question, taking about a minute to explain his thinking… Recall I had a two minute chat with incoming Chief of Staff Reince Priebus 3 years ago re: 10th…I had a 3 minute chat last month with the incoming Secretary of the Interior – Cman Mike Zinke of Montana who agreed that we should apply the 10th to MJ. I have had 4 chats with former TX Governor and incoming Secretary of Energy Rick Perry, who also has been public in support of the 10th and MJ.
This is to report, that the boot leather left on the marble of the halls of Congress by me and others, has helped create an atmosphere of the idea that drug policy should be left to the states. COP has done its part of create this positive development and I thank you for your support.
My good Tony Lamas boots are freshly re-soled and ready for action. Next week will be Grover’s meeting plus two inaugural balls, where I can hob-knob with the big boys..My tux is ready.
This week’s stats:
2 meetings
147 personal chats with a Member of Congress.. 05 this week
71 Radio Interviews.. 01 this week (Michigan station)
2287 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 08 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
205 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0 this week
136 interviews and reports in minor media = 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
62 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media..This week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR)…02 this week (NBC twice)
24 major conferences attended – (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, etc) 0this 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
