COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of March 1, 2019

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of March 1, 2019

Outside Project: The new governor of Wisconsin Evers received a “Pants on Fire” rating from Politifact, when he said 75 to 85 % of felons in WI prisons were in due to the War on Drugs. I had a solid chat with a governor’s aide, explaining that he was in the ball park, that Politifact was in error (I sent them a note also, which they acknowledged receiving)…and I offered mine and LEAP’s assistance to help the Gov.

Struck Out: I received word this week that the White House read the summary of the Swiss Heroin Treatment program and rejected it as any part of the path forward. Tant pis.

CPAC: I spent a day and half on my feet, giving interviews and having foto taken. The next two days I spent off my feet in high traffic areas, talked to some 180, more fotos and lost my voice on Saturday late PM (good timing). Cheerful News – I was stunned at the overwhelming interest and thoughtful chats I had with the college crowd. 4-5 was a normal group, once 9 were in a semi-circle listening. Yes, I was wearing the Heroin shirt. I was also stunned that many shared that they had lost 1-3 school chums!! SOB that was mind-bending.

Much less press, foreign or domestic, as Trump has the nomination next year.

The 40+ crowd was mostly not happy with my message, of course. And no, I was ‘holding court’ near the hotel reception, as Trump spoke for 2 hours…glad I missed it.

Perhaps I am being self-serving. I believe I made a meaningful impact at this particular CPAC (my 13th). If I had charged 5 bucks for a foto, it would have paid all the expenses!!

This week’s stats:

3051 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 09 this week
292 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 03 this week (AZ-D Grijalva, Mike Kelly R-PA, Matt Gaetz, R-FL)
01 Meetings – meetings, hearings, etc.
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 01 this week –CPAC
363 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 03 this week 2 elected officials from Europe and White House advisor on domestic policy
163 interviews and reports in minor media = 09 this week. (due to CPAC)
103 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 01 This week -Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribute, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters..02 this week

COP stats since inception: August 2009

85 Radio Interviews.
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
84 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $83,000) 0 this week
43 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 0 this week
* Consider being a member of COP at $40.00 or more per year. All contributions are tax-deductible. 40 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 drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org