COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of August 16, 2013

Stories from the week of August 16, 2013

Reformgasm:  Dropping into a senior, Democratic office its Chief of Staff whom I had met before was in the reception area.  We chatted.  I asked why his boss had not signed onto the repeal bill (HR 1523).  He called in an aide and asked, “Why aren’t we signed onto this bill? Find out and get us on the bill!”

Again, showing up and asking a question is half the battle.

New era:  On Monday Nico Orduz (LEAP’s legislative affairs coordinator) spent the day with me, as we made Senate office presentations.  He spoke for about three minutes at each meeting to introduce LEAP.  He is an impressive young man born in Colombia whose mom was a federal prosecutor against the cartels.

Going forward, LEAP and COP are collaborating on Hill and DC work.  I am thrilled.  Again this week, a House office requested a meeting with Neill Franklin and the Congresswoman.  I passed on this request to Nico for follow-up.   Another office wanted speakers at their House briefing in September. I put forth the names of Neill and Judge Gray   NOTE:  When an aide asks for suggestions on witnesses, I start with Neill and Judge Gray.  I don’t even mention myself.  They are superior presenters and have the requisite CV(resume) to impress the Congress.  I don’t.

With the Holder initiative on mandatory minimums, the ‘Stop and Frisk’ decision in New York City, the legalization of marijuana in several states, etc..drug reform is bubbling up as never before in DC since I arrived in 2005.  Having LEAP involved in federal affairs again is exciting and beneficial.  COP might yet be an “overnight” success.

 Letter to Congressman:  Please send your House Member an email in support of HR 1523.  This is THE bill which reform is pushing on the Hill. Feel free to personalize the letter but don’t go past one page.   When they reply, pls forward their response.

Sample:

Dear Congressman xxxxx,

I write you today to vote for common sense and greater freedom by allowing the States to choose their own path regarding marijuana.  Mr. Rohrabacher’s HR 1523 is a clean, one-sentence bill which simply returns to the States the power they lost in 1937.

We are a diverse country of 310 million citizens.  One size does not fit all on some issues.  We allow the States to find their own way on important topics like alcohol, tobacco, firearms and gambling.  There is no rational reason to exclude marijuana from this group.

Currently the federal government spends about four (4) billion to support marijuana prohibition of which over a billion is borrowed from China.  This is lunacy, as marijuana since the ‘70s has been easier for our teens to buy than alcohol. This policy is truly a “bridge to nowhere.”

Thank you for supporting HR 1523.

Sincerely,

Your name

Your city

Text of HR 1523: `Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of this subchapter related to marihuana shall not apply to any person acting in compliance with State laws relating to the production, possession, distribution, dispensation, administration, or delivery of marihuana.’.

This week’s stats:

• 1316 Presentations to Congressional staffers..10  this week

COP stats since inception: August 2009

• 58 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
• 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
• 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… this week
• 72 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000)
•  2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position
• 31 Radio Interviews.. this week
• 37 brief chats with Members of Congress..this week
• 40 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.  this week
• 15 major conferences attended..  this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions.  etc)
• Permanent invitation to 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