COP on the Hill: Stories from the weeks of November 30, 2018

COP on the Hill

Stories from the weeks of November 30, 2018

Back in the Saddle: During 2018 I have been sending Grover Norquist a series of short emails regarding the concept that MJ being on the ballot increases Democratic turnout and can influence a close election. On Monday he asked me to present my findings to his center-right meeting of 150 conservative, DC leaders.

I am allowed to tell you that a solid amount of evidence exists to show that MJ or MMJ on the ballot will drive turnout and impact a tight race. Many thanks to Oklahoma NORML leader, Norma Sapp, for her input on this topic. Key factoid: 42,000 voted in the OK, 2018 primary – only voting for the medical use of MJ and not for any other offices…that is about 5% of the total voters. Grover was impressed. Thank you, Norma.

NOTE: the strategy here is to encourage the Republicans in Congress to vote YES on employing the 10th Amendment on marijuana which would effectively result in a quick road to legalize it at the state level. In the audience was the communications director for Majority Leader McConnell (who has blocked all MJ votes). BTW, he and I have a solid relationship.

*** I really, really want to be out of a job by this time next year.

Shrinkage: Four years ago, SAM (Safe Approaches to MJ) held a Congressional briefing where 3 Congressmen spoke to an audience of about 100. This week SAM held a briefing which I again attended. No Members showed up and only 25-30 staffers. It was pitiful and felt like a funeral. Woohoo!!!!

This week’s stats:

2927 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 01 this week
277 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 01 this week (US Senator Cantwell, D-WA)
153 interviews and reports in minor media = 01 this week.

2 Meetings – meetings, hearings, etc.

COP stats since inception: August 2009

99 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 18 This week (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}
357 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 01 this week -A State Senator from Michigan
30 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 -ALEC
84 Radio Interviews. 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 prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org