COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of January 31, 2014

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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