COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of January 10, 2020

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of January 10, 2020

Expense my belt buckle?: I am starting the year, as I have the past three years by distributing to all 535 offices a summary of the Swiss approach to heroin addiction treatment.

As us Swamp Creatures become ever sicker of the heightened drama of the past three years, there seems to be a growing desire to NOT talk about politics. Although I only entered 20 offices on Wednesday, 4 aides noticed my buckle* and asked what that was all about. 2-3 minutes of horse travels then led to a solid chat about drug treatment. It turned into an enjoyable, productive afternoon. COP treasurer has said No! to expensing the buckle…shucks.

It is not What you know: I am on first name basis, have had several beers with him – with only one VIP person in DC. He and I had a 2020 strategy session this week, discussing how to move the COP agenda regarding marijuana onto the president’s desk. There is modest expectation of success. I will do my part.

This week’s stats:

390 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 02 this week (2 Candidates for Congress)
3298 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 04 this week
02 Meetings –

COP stats since inception: August 2009

317 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
166 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week
85 Radio Interviews.. 0 this week
102 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 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
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
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