COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of November 8, 2013

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of November 8, 2013

Will lightning strike twice–Stockman/Democratic office:   Earlier this year I had a planned meeting with an aide and when I arrived the legislative director and another aide sat in.  The meeting lasted nearly an hour (20-25 minutes is normal).   Later, the freshman from Texas became a co-sponsor of the bill to repeal federal marijuana prohibition.

This week roughly the same thing happened.  The LD was candid that the Member has been against any changes for decades.  He promised to bring up the repeal and try to persuade her to see the positive outcomes.  Stay tuned.

Evacuation Drill = Perfect:  These drills are always done when the Congress is in recess.  Luckily I was able to finish my 1000 meeting, as the bell went off.   Outside were three groups of high school kids and eventually someone from all three asked me why (I put my COP jacket on naturally).  Meanwhile a documentary film maker was following me for the day and got it all on film.  The footage cannot be posted to YouTube till next year but it was a rewarding moment on the Hill. Bright high school kids are always pure fun to converse with.

Whistle Stop Campaign:  On the train home there were 30 senior high school students returning from a day in DC field trip.  When I put my jacket on in preparation to get off at the next stop, the teacher asked why.  In the next 9 minutes I had my jacket photographed 30 times and answered many questions.  It was a super way to end an excellent day.

This week’s stats:

• 1426 Presentations to Congressional staffers..10  this week

COP stats since inception: August 2009

• 46 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.  00 this week

• 35 Radio Interviews..   00 this week (NPR Canada)
• 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
• 64 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. 00 this week
• 46 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 00 this week
• 16 major conferences attended..  this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions.  etc)  this week
• 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
• 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
• 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