Posted March 24th, 2014 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of March 14, 2014
Down the Rabbit Hole at the UN Drug Conference in Vienna: At the end of a first day of 100 speeches which focused on how much drugs hurt our children & nothing on the status of the prohibition approach after 53 years…I was a bit of ‘where in the hell am I?’ Are these people just clones with different names?
Towards evening, I asked the UK gentleman to explain & help me understand what I was missing. Simply put, ‘nothing is said here which does not have 5 layers of complexity far beyond drug policy.’ In other words; this is an Alice in Wonderland community.
The UK guy gave me his translation of the days speeches based on his 20 years of attending this conference: the tone away from ‘get tough’ – War on Drugs is a good thing — to one of human rights, treatment vs. jail and decrim are important changes to make — for him this was a sea change for this gathering. Having put six weeks of preparation into this project, I DID feel much better after he put it all in perspective.
Fortune favors the bold: The Queen of Sweden has been the chairwoman of the NGO (Non-Government Organization) meeting for many years and a harsh & fierce drug warrior. She said over and over that drugs hurt children. When the 3 hour meeting ended, I walked down to the front to attempt a contact. Just before she reached the exit door, we made eye contact (maybe she liked my Stetson??) and I said, ‘Your majesty. We all care about children. As a police officer I know that drug prohibition means kids sell drugs and are shot and killed every day as a result. This is terrible. Prohibition is causing the death and suffering of our children. This government report shows the problem.’ I extended the document and she took it. Woohoo. Document is at the bottom which was discovered by COP Board Member Jerry Epstein.
Having an edge: The next day I was in the corridor looking for contacts. An attendee said, ‘hello.’ I responded ‘Bonjour’ because I had heard him speaking French to the guy next to him. We began a nice chat en français naturellement. The third person in this group turned out to be the head of the INCB (International Narcotics Control Board) and a fierce drug warrior.
An English speaker was given about a minute to make his pitch for a change in policy. My new friend told Monsieur Raymond Yans (Mr. INCB) that this American speaks very good French. He gave 2-3 minutes to make my pitch. It was able to make a full ‘mini-pitch,’ & we had a good ‘give and take.’
Oh yeah…when I am not working, I am non-stop improving my Spanish, German and French.
- 61 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 03 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
1490 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. this week
- 81 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
- 36 Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)… this week
- 18 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
- 26 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… this week
- 77 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $75,000).. this week
- 55 brief chats with Members of Congress.. this week
40 Radio Interviews.. 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. If you agree that Modern Prohibition/War on Drugs is the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral policy since slavery & Jim Crow and want to be a part of the solution… Go to:
- www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
- Citizens Opposing Prohibition
- POB 543
- Buckeystown, MD 21717
Why do more than 900,000 teenagers sell drugs1 but not alcohol or cigarettes?
Because alcohol and tobacco are regulated and sold through stores
Notes:
1) “Alcohol Use and Delinquent Behaviors among Youths,” April 2005, SAMHSA Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (www.SAMHSA.gov), USDHHS. (www.hhs.gov)
In 2003, nearly 9 million (36.1 percent) youths aged 12 to 17 had engaged in at least one delinquent behavior during the past year. Almost 6 million (23.8 percent) youths took part in a serious fight at school or work, 4.5 million (18.1 percent) youths took part in a group-against-group fight, 2.1 million (8.3 percent) youths attacked someone with the intent to seriously hurt them, 1.1 million (4.5 percent) youths stole or tried to steal anything worth more than $50, more than 900,000 (3.6 percent) youths sold illegal drugs, and more than 900,000 (3.6 percent) youths carried a handgun during the past year.
Posted March 3rd, 2014 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of February 21, 2014
The Hat: At Grover Norquist’s brunch Republican National Committee head Reince Priebus was the VIP of the day. Though in a hurry to leave, he stopped to shake my hand saying, “I always enjoy seeing the hat.” (he has seen the hat 4-5 times in the past couple of years). He gave me 90 seconds to make my pitch that he should urge party leaders to flush the marijuana issue by repealing the federal prohibition…before the start of the debates in 15.
Republican governor of Texas Rick Perry and I had breakfast on Wednesday (along with 150 others). During Q & A I was able to thank him for being a man of principle and his endorsement of the 10th Amendment approach to marijuana. Politicians, like all of us, appreciate positive feedback. Later we shook hands and exchanged a few words.
It is a big deal: Late last year I was approached by a group which attends the bi-annual United Nations conference on drugs. They have me on a break-out panel during this 10 day conference where I will speak Spanish. All the details are now worked out, plane ticket is bought, hotel room reserved and I am working on all my languages to make sure I am at the top of my game. Note: panel is in Spanish, world press is often in French and of course they speak German in Vienna.
One published LTE this week at the bottom.
- 1489 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 02 this week
- 50 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 2 this week
- 77 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $75,000).. 01 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
55 brief chats with Members of Congress.. this week
40 Radio Interviews.. this week
- 65 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
- 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
- 17 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
- 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 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. If you agree that Modern Prohibition/War on Drugs is the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral policy since slavery & Jim Crow and want to be a part of the solution… Go to:
- www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
- Citizens Opposing Prohibition
- POB 543
- Buckeystown, MD 21717
WHY DOES SEN. BROWER HATE FREEDOM?
Re “Don’t be a dick, Senator Brower” ( Editorial, Jan. 30 ):
Big Pharma is already losing north of $2 billion a year in lost sales to God’s medicine, the green plant. Somebody has to look for the poor drug companies, so why not Sen. Brower? The other possibility is his ego would be shattered, if he had to admit he was wrong on the issue of medical marijuana.
Some senators like Brower want to continue to stick their nose in my doctor’s office and tell him what is or is not good for me. Brower is obviously neither a lover of liberty nor less government intrusion in the lives of the citizens of Nevada.
Howard Wooldridge
Pubdate: Thu, 13 Feb 2014
Source: Reno News & Review (NV)
Copyright: 2014, Chico Community Publishing, Inc.
Contact: renoletters@newsreview.com
Website: http://www.newsreview.com/issues/reno/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2524
Author: Howard Wooldridge
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n115/a02.html
Adamstown, Maryland
Posted February 24th, 2014 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of February 14, 2014
Good week to be sick: Snow did shut down the government for a day and a half. My cold turned into bronchitis…
Karen shaking her head: I did go in on Wednesday for Grover’s meeting and I really wanted to meet with John Conyers’ chief legal counsel. Karen could not stop me. And of course I came home and spent the next two days flat on my back.
Police abuse: I was headed into the House Office Bldg, when the Capitol Police officer motioned me over. He had many questions about marijuana policy around the country and locally. As he inspected the cars for bombs & bad guys, we chatted…And chatted in the sharp wind and 20 degree temperature.
I made eye contact with two aides I knew and at least one Congressman, as they drove by in their cars. Always good to be seen talking to a Good Guy with a gun.
Elevator chat: Congressman Pierluisi of Puerto Rico was chatting with his aide before we entered the elevator. In the elevator I asked her in Spanish to help with a translation. In English I said, “How does one best translate: 5-6-7 teens are shot everyday because of their employment as drug dealers?” She gave me the translation and the crowded elevator knew my politics. BTW, Puerto Rico has been experiencing massive, new violence in drug prohibition cases.
Oh and I did catch Conyer’s staffer and he promised to talk to the Congressman. As this goes out, I am back to almost healthy. Karen is still shaking her head.
- 1487 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 01 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
55 brief chats with Members of Congress.. this week
76 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $75,000).. this week
40 Radio Interviews.. this week
- 48 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0
- 65 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
- 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
- 17 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
- 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 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. If you agree that Modern Prohibition/War on Drugs is the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral policy since slavery & Jim Crow and want to be a part of the solution… Go to:
- www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
- Citizens Opposing Prohibition
- POB 543
- Buckeystown, MD 21717
Posted February 10th, 2014 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of February 7, 2014
Wish I could do this more often: Tuesday evening the Texas State Society had their annual soirée – reception in the Rayburn Bldg. Maybe I was able to have one minute chats with four (4) Congressmen and one Senator (Cornyn) because I was the only person in the room of 200 with a cowboy hat. Picture this. Shake hands with the Senator and…
‘Senator. A pleasure. Our governor Perry last week announced his support for employing the 10th Amendment to marijuana policy. Are you ready to let TEXAS RUN TEXAS?’
His answer was about the same as the other three Republican House Members…’mumble, not time, must take a look, mumble, mumble.’ The one Democratic Member and I had an excellent three minute chat.
A star one day?: I spent half of Thursday and all day Friday helping two guys from Denmark who are making a documentary of lobbying/advocating for a change in drug laws.
• 1486 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 09 this week
55 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 05 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
• 76 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $75,000).. this week
• 40 Radio Interviews.. this week
• 48 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0
• 65 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
• 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
• 17 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
• 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
• 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. If you agree that Modern Prohibition/War on Drugs is the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral policy since slavery & Jim Crow and want to be a part of the solution… Go to:
• www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
• Citizens Opposing Prohibition
• POB 543
• Buckeystown, MD 21717
Posted February 9th, 2014 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of January 31, 2014
Hell Froze over twice: This week two, long time supporters of drug prohibition reversed their positions on at least marijuana. Governor Perry (R-TX) declared his support for the 10th Amendment (states’ rights) for marijuana policy, as did Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). These new positions add fuel to the fire to achieve COP’s goal to repeal federal, marijuana prohibition.
Some aides ‘get it:’ I was especially encouraged by two presentations this week with Republican, Senate staffers. I laid out the problems of the 2016 primary for president, if marijuana is an issue. The two aides thoroughly understood how young people (under 40) will take a negative view of the party, if their candidates say they would roll-back the system in Colorado and Washington. They both became animated and promised to run the concept of a companion bill to HR 1523 up the chain of command to their respective Senators. Note: I believe strongly that at least two D Senators will write the bill, as soon as they can stand next to an R who co-sponsors.
• 1483 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 06 this week
• 76 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $75,000)..03 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
• 55 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 0 this week
• 40 Radio Interviews.. this week
• 48 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0
• 65 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
• 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
• 17 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
• 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
• 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. If you agree that Modern Prohibition/War on Drugs is the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral policy since slavery & Jim Crow and want to be a part of the solution… Go to:
• www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
• Citizens Opposing Prohibition
• POB 543
• Buckeystown, MD 21717
PUBLISHED LTE: Savannah Morning News – January 30, 2014
LAW ENFORCEMENT FACES SOME DIFFICULT CHOICES
Speaking as a retired detective, I know that every teen in Georgia has a job option to sell marijuana.
Nationwide, nearly a million teens are employed in selling drugs and they carry guns. Every day kids are shot and shot dead because of their “employment.”
Moreover, pedophiles are not caught as often as possible, since detectives and narcotics officers spend tens of thousands of hours searching and arresting over a green plant.
I agree with Bernard K. Logan ( letter to the editor, Jan. 26 ) that marijuana is no play toy. It should be given the same rules and respect as beer.
We are a thin blue line, Mr. Logan. Do we protect our teens from pedophiles or go after adults using marijuana?
HOWARD J. WOOLDRIDGE
Albany
Published in the Baltimore Sun – January 25, 2014
DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA
As a retired detective, I support moving simple possession of marijuana down to a parking ticket-level offense ( “Zirkin, Kittleman propose decriminalizing marijuana Jan. 21 ).
My active-duty colleagues will have more time for pedophiles, the deadly drunk driver and other public safety threats. Most police officers did not sign on for the job to chase a green plant.
Howard J. Wooldridge, Adamstown
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