Stories from the week of January 27, 2012

COP on the Hill

Your Voice in the United States Congress

Nurse Karen happier:  This week I only dealt with emails, leaving the house only for therapy and to attend Grover’s brunch.  Today- Friday I had planned on going to the House, but decided to spend the afternoon with Misty for the first time in a month.  Even riding bareback, I did not fall.  However, next time I will wear my bicycle helmet.

When Zogby speaks, people listen:   At Grover’s brunch we were addressed by John  Zogby of polling fame. He asked likely voters in a Republican primary (nationwide) various questions.   I found this question extremely interesting:

1. “America is the most powerful nation in the world not only because of its strong military but because of the personal freedom it represents.  America must intervene in the affairs of the world whenever its interests are challenged.”

1. “America is in a new global era and cannot afford to spread its resources too thin.  It must rely on strong alliances with other nations and take care of domestic priorities first.”

Statement A:   48%

Statement B:  47%

Not sure: 5%

In my humble opinion this issue will be THE issue splitting Republicans like none other since abortion.  And the Ron Paul view (B) is gaining in popularity, especially with young Republicans.  CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) should provide some fireworks in two weeks. .. Can’t wait.

No opinion yet:  After three months of missing each other at Grover’s, I had a chance to speak to David Keene (President of the NRA – National Rifle Association).  On the question of NRA members losing their Second Amendment right to buy and possess firearms AND ammunition due to being a medical marijuana patient, the NRA is still discussing the topic and has not yet reached a decision.  This week I booked my motel for the NRA convention in April in St. Louis.

When you have no money:  In order to speak to a Member in a straight-forward situation, House Members ask/demand about a $1000 per minute, Senators 2,000.  Thus COP must use surrogates* = talk to the staff of Members, convince them to speak to the Member, give them COP talking points, etc..as expressed in this note.

*surrogate = Ersatzperson

Howard,

 Thank you for coming to our office and sharing your valuable perspective as a former police officer.  I will share your thoughts with Senator XXXXXX.  Thanks as well for your offer to volunteer. (My note—in reference to helping with any event where the Senator needs someone who speaks four languages)

Sincerely,

Bill 

Stats for COP’s third year, started on August 1, 2011:

253 presentations to Congressional staffers:   0 this week

6 Letter to the Editor:  0 this week

2 Television appearances (Univision):   this week

5 Other media (blogs, cable TV, etc):  this week

7 radio shows:     this week

11 (Member of Congress) contacts:   this week

Permanent invitation to Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 140 conservative VIPs.

2 Major conferences attended: Drug Policy Alliance International & the Congressional Black Caucus

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…  Go to:

www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to: 

COP

POB 2902

Washington, DC  20013

If you have questions or comments, please send an email to: howard@citizensopposingprohibition.org

COP total stats in first two years:  August 1, 2009 thru July 31, 2011)

 649 Presentations to Congressional staffers

22 Appearances on major TV networks

10 published interviews in newspapers

12 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, etc

57 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $56,000)

19 brief chats with Members of Congress

13 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, etc.

6 major conferences attended (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, etc)

Permanent invitation to Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 140 conservative VIPs.