COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of September 18, 2020

Back in the Saddle:    This week I made two presentations to Senate offices via phone.  Feels good to do something, cause Good Trouble.  Per the Senate staffers, the last six months were exclusive Covid 19…no oxygen for any other issues.  That has changed this month.  So, I am making contact the only way available: phone, Zoom, etc.  I have several more meetings booked, including one with the Criminal Justice aide to Senator Harris on Thursday.

Long fly ball to Right Field:   My project to have a House Member introduce clean legislation to De-crim simple possession of all drugs (like Portugal did in 2001), failed in August.  The Member sent the proposed legislation to the Drug Policy Alliance for review and comment.  They rejected the concept of a simple bill and successfully convinced the Member to introduce a complex bill with many facets of social justice.  So, the Portugal approach became a small part of a bill which has zero chance to pass the Senate.  Worse, I expect little to no press coverage.

Personal:  My response to the CV was to spend 2-3 hours a day on my bicycle to bring my lungs and heart to peak condition, in case Mr. Virus knocked on my door.  Straight Up:  I was scared and remain very concerned.  The first three months I was making a steady 140 miles a week.  I am down to 80-100 miles per week and given my age, I am quite careful  re: masks, distance, etc.  I hope and trust this note finds you in good health, if not spirits.

Fall Campaigns:  There are 5 States with marijuana ballot issues.  All are expected to pass relatively easily.  Thus, I will stay put and focus on Congress.  Missy, my new horse, is making steady progress and she will be ready for campaigns in 2022.

PS:  I am deeply touched by the many of you who continued your financial support.  It is always a confirmation that COP is doing something worthwhile.  Thank you for keeping the faith.

Activity this week:

3344 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 02 this week

205 interviews and reports in minor media = 01 about a month ago. http://theleafonline.com/c/lifestyle/2020/09/video-becker-2020/

I come in for 3 minutes at about minute 48.

COP stats since inception: August 2009

90 Radio Interviews… 0 this week
327 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
397 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.: 0 this week –
107 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 This week
44 published interviews/foto in major (daily) newspapers or magazine… 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
* 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