COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of March 1, 2013

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of March 1, 2013

 Sign of the Times:  An email exchange with a Legislative Director I have known for years ended like this.  “You’re on the right side of history my friend.”   These types of little notes are instructive as to the ‘feel’ of DC on this issue.

Cowboy hat as business expense?:  On Monday evening I attended a Texas delegation soirée in the Rayburn Bldg.  Senator Cornyn was there along with a number of Congressmen.  Amazingly, I was the only one in the 150 attending wearing a cowboy hat.  Thus, a member of the Republican National Committee grabbed me and asked for my story.  Later, two legislative aides from the Senator’s office asked about my mission on the hill.  One LA rides horses so she received a copy of a 3,000 word story Misty wrote back in 2003 “How to Cross Really Tall Bridges” by Smooth Georgia Mist.  Later that aide wrote and wants to have coffee and talk about the COP mission and The Long Ride.  All good stuff.   BTW, Karen said NO to expensing the next Stetson.   Having a tax CPA for a wife means ‘no coloring outside the lines.’  Grrrr.

New MO – Modus Operandi:  Previously I would walk into an office and simply ask who the Legislative Assistant is who handles the COP issues.  Starting this January, I made the stop more informative.  “Hi, my name is Howard Wooldridge.  I am a retired police detective who represents an organization which believes all drug issues should be handled by doctors and clinics, not cops and prisons.  Who is you LA who handles judiciary, war on drugs, etc.?”

Because of this change I end up having excellent 2-3 minute chats with the front office people who are intrigued by COP ideas.  Since the first of the year I have had about 20 of these mini-presentations.

Late this week a cold knocked me on my butt and I only managed the above, 5 presentations and 1 radio interview.  I am fine enough now and back full-time on Monday.

COP stats since inception: August 2009

• 1115 Presentations to Congressional staffers..05 this week
• 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
• 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
• 45 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc..  this week
• 71 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000) =  this week
• 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
• 26 Radio Interviews..1  this week
• 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
• 34 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.  1 this week
• 11 major conferences attended (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, 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.   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