COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of September 4, 2009

Howard on the Hill

Stories from the week of September 4, 2009

Time marches on: I was struck this week at the number of offices  where the first person I met in 2006 or 2007 had been promoted: Legislative Assistant to Legislative Director, two had been promoted from LD to Chief of Staff.  The new aides I spoke to pass on a summary of the meeting to their boss (usually the LD and a 60-90 second summary to the Member).  Thus, the anti-prohibition message is refreshed & reinforced .    One aide who had become chief of staff said she only had 3 minutes.  Because she kept asking questions, we said good-bye after 10.  Small steps.

How do  you spell frustration?: I spoke to a good number of aides this week who stated their personal support  for repeal of prohibition but  whose boss was never going to change.   I can imagine how difficult a conversation with such a Member would be.   I have been at this for 12 years.  One must have the patience of Job.

Git R Dun:* During the August recess I managed 117 staff presentations + a few other activities.   Now that the members are back and the aides busier, I have time to catch up on some paperwork.

*Git R Dun = Get the work done! = Schaffe es!

Howard

Citizens Opposing Prohibition (yearly membership starts at $30.00)

PO Box 772

Buckeystown, MD  21717-0772

Modern Prohibition/The War on Drugs is the most destructive, dysfunctional &  immoral  domestic policy since slavery and Jim Crow.

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