Posted August 16th, 2015 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of August 14, 2015
Don Murphy – Mr. MPP:
Due a mechanical problem on the subway, a 10 minute ride stretched to 45 and that was a good thing. Don Murphy and I had attended the Grover Norquist meeting and rode the Metro back to work. Don gave me several good ideas on top of another half dozen already this the summer. Don is a full-time lobbyist for www.MPP.org
Don started 8 months ago at the tender age of 50ish. His energy is what I had, when I started in 2005. He is by far the hardest working, most capable lobbyist for reform I have met in 10 years. If you ever have a chance to meet him, buy him a beer.
A bit more regal:
I switched to the Senate this week. I expect to meet with half of the 100 offices during this recess.
1922 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 14 this week
01 meetings this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
19 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress.. 0 this week
82 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 0 this week
82 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $80,000).. 0 this week
149 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 00 this week
38 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
59 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
88 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
22 major conferences attended.. (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, etc) 0 this week
38 Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC)…0 this week (BBC)
* 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 August 14th, 2015 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of August 7, 2015
Good Moment: I was in COP t-shirt (super casual Friday, once-a-month)…entering a friendly office, there was a couple from the district and 3 staffers…I ended up chatting with them for 5 minutes, finishing by asking the assistant to thank Congresswoman Matsui for her support and leadership on the issue. It was just special and I am unable to put the articulate the warmth, positiveness of the moment.
Sick Day: I had the feel-me-no-goods on Tuesday, so I stayed home…I worked on some requests, one listed below (also below a thank-you note from House staffer) The other was giving the House Judiciary staffers the names of two LEAP speakers they requested…..and of course, catch up on the ton of long-term paperwork.
Sky Above/Mud Below: Back to back meetings went quite differently. At an R office the aide was a throw-back to the last decade. He indicated the meeting would be 1) standing up and 2) in the reception area. It was like someone ordered him to meet with me and do his best to make me uncomfortable. BTW, this has not happened in this decade. (it did happen regularly in 05,06,07 and 08)..yes, it was an R office.
Personal Note, $$: This week I was asked to do something brand new: be a consultant. A New York firm found me and set up a phone chat with a gentleman who was interested in prison populations going up or down. I made some real money for 45 minutes of doing what I do anyway….run my mouth.
1909 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 22 this week
01 meetings this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
101 chats/conversations with Members of Congress.. 0 this week
82 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $80,000).. 0 this week
149 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 00 this week
38 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
59 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
88 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
22 major conferences attended.. (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, etc) 0 this week
38 Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC)…0 this week (BBC)
* 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
Mr. Wooldridge,
Oklahoma State Senator Kyle Loveless spoke with you briefly at the forfeiture meeting in Washington. Do you have any recommendations of law enforcement officers in Oklahoma who support forfeiture reform?
Any help is greatly appreciated!
David White
Office of Sen. Kyle D. Loveless
*************************************
Thanks for the follow-up Mr. Wooldridge,
I always appreciated your perspective on this issue. I think there are some interesting policy proposals out there regarding loosening marijuana laws and I can tell you, your advocacy on the issue always was appreciated by staffers.
If I can ever be of any help to you, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Best,
xxxxx
Posted August 9th, 2015 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of July 31, 2015
Karma: I was delivering a thank you note to Congressman Bishop (R-MI) late on Wednesday. En route I engaged two Members in one minute chats. Note: with all these type of chats, I barely introduce myself and simply talk 10th Amendment for marijuana.
MISC: After a House hearing on the heroin overdose crisis I had a 2 minute chat with the US Drug Czar Botticelli. I confirmed he was quite aware of the 20 year running Swiss program which has very successfully reduced crime, death from overdose and disease.
I was then able to have 5-6 minute chat with Congressman Bishop of Michigan. He had asked some solid questions during the heroin hearing…all good.
Helping Hand: I had a 45 minute meeting with the chief legal counselors (for the Democratic Party) to the House Judiciary Committee. One remembered seeing my hat/me at the hearing on heroin the day before. We branched off into that area of policy. They asked me for LEAP speakers for upcoming hearings this fall on the overdose problem/crisis.
82 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 02 this week
19 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress.. 01 this week
1887 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 02 this week
82 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $80,000).. 01 this week
03 meetings this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
149 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 00 this week
38 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
59 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
88 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
22 major conferences attended.. (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, etc) 0 this week
38 Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC)…0 this week (BBC)
* 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
URL: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n406/a04.html
Newshawk: Suzanne Wills
Votes: 0
Pubdate: Sun, 19 Jul 2015
Source: Dallas Morning News (TX)
Copyright: 2015 The Dallas Morning News, Inc.
Contact: http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/send-a-letter/
Website: http://www.dallasnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117
Author: Howard J Wooldridge
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n396/a03.html
LEGAL THEFT BY THE POLICE
Re: “Assets being taken unjustly – Forfeiture laws give states free hand to seize property of individuals simply on suspicion, say Laura and John Arnold,” Tuesday Viewpoints.
As a retired Michigan police detective, I am keenly aware of my profession’s desire to “police for profit.” As a property room officer, I handled the cash coming in and the sale of mostly $2,000 cars my colleagues seized. Our local prosecutor received 10 percent of all money seized in the county, ensuring political support. How does this work?
Every six months I would take almost a thousand dollars in cash to buy hay for our horses. Had I been stopped, the officer could seize the money and the truck, claiming I was en route to buy drugs. A year later I could go to the court to show ownership of four horses and the need to buy hay every six months. Maybe, I would get the money back – maybe not. How could I prove I was not buying drugs?
This legal theft by my profession is disgusting.
Howard J Wooldridge, Dallas co-founder, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
Posted August 2nd, 2015 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of July 24, 2015
Walk with me: After the Wednesday Grover Norquist Meeting I was about to head to the Metro, when Grover asked me to go in his direction. We had a solid chat for the two minutes before we arrived at his destination. Of course I can’t relate what was said, just know that it was all good for drug reform.
Thank you for your Support: an hour earlier at the Norquist meeting, former Texas governor and presidential candidate Rick Perry was there. I was able to ask him a question on foreign policy AFTER I thanked him for his support for employing the 10th Amendment towards the Green Plant. It bears repeating; my greatest, single achievement during 10 years is the privilege of attending this meeting….and now seated at the VIP table, instead of the bleachers.
Just show up! Making the rounds on Thursday morning the law of averages caught up, and Congressman Dr. Larry Buchson was talking to his receptionist, when I came in to deliver more cheerful Colorado news. Buchson gave me 5 minutes to make my pitch for MJ should be a state responsibility and cost AND we get there by employing the 10th Amendment.
We had a pleasant chat and he agreed it all boiled down to support, or not, the principle of states’ rights. NOTE: he has voted against us his first 2 ½ years in the Congress.
1885 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 04 this week
18 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress.. 01 this week
149 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 02 this week ( Republicans running Congress)
03 meetings this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
80 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 0 this week
38 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
59 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
88 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
22 major conferences attended.. (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, etc) 0 this week
38 Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC)…0 this week (BBC)
81 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $80,000).. 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
Posted July 24th, 2015 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of July 17, 2015
Vital Concerns: Making my rounds on Wednesday, a nine year old boy asked if I were a real cowboy. He was in a big family group of 8-9 persons in the hallway of Cannon. I showed him my favorite foto of Misty. His dad was a veteran and upon learning what I do, thanked me. He commented that his buddies need the green medicine for suicide prevention/PTSD help. I promised to do my best.
What is really important Congressman?: At a Texas Society breakfast I was able to have a solid chat with CMan Williams (R-TX). Invoking the slaughter of the 5 soldiers in TN, I said the police should focus on serious issues, not a green plant. As our Governor Perry said, this should be a state responsibility. The Congressman listened and then directed me to stay in contact with his office thru his Chief of Staff. I later met the CofS and we had a good chat.
Early Contact: Chatting away in German on Saturday morning, a gentleman currently a legislator in Annapolis and now running for Congress saw my shirt and asked why. We had a solid chat and I sent him my 4 one page talking points for marijuana….he is ready to “Go Colorado” today.
1881 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 05 this week
17 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress.. 01 this week
80 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 05 this week
147 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 01 this week
02 meetings this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
38 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
59 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
88 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
22 major conferences attended.. (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, etc) 0 this week
38 Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC)…0 this week (BBC)
81 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $80,000).. 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
