COP on the Hill: Stories from the weeks of May 24 & 31, 2013

COP on the Hill

Stories from the weeks of May 24 & 31, 2013

 Can’t talk = can’t work: Thru several days of rain and cold, I pedaled without becoming sick.  As I left Georgia, I had my worst case of laryngitis ever.  It lasted the whole first week = I did paperwork and attended one seminar at The Urban Institute.  The drug czar, a chief of police and an expert in why prison sentences should not be so long made up the panel.  Questions from the audience were screened which meant that nothing allowed which questioned the concept of drug prohibition.  Except for some networking, it was a wasted half a day.

Purpose driven life: Last week the Congress was “working in district” = recess and I was able to do 20 presentations.  It felt extra good to be walking the corridors of Congress.

Marketing strategy:  At the end of the day walking back to Union Station I spotted a Senate aide I have met several times…and his two colleagues moving toward me.  He recognized me and asked how the legalization was going.  I replied, ‘Ever better since I began passing out free samples after my meetings!  Would you like a free sample?’..pointing to my briefcase.    He laughed and said not today.  I imagine he took a minute to explain to his companions who I was, etc…. All this was done at a walk, never breaking stride.  Everyone here is in a hurry and has something to do/ accomplish, EXCEPT it seems Members of Congress.

COP stats since inception: August 2009

• 1217 Presentations to Congressional staffers..20 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
• 56 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
• 30 Radio Interviews..0 this week
• 36 brief chats with Members of Congress.. this week
• 38 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.   0 this week
• 13 major conferences attended..  this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, 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