Posted June 10th, 2025 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill – Stories from the week of May 23, 2025
Saving Lives:
Today I had a working two-hour lunch with Dr. Christoph Bürki. Meeting in his hometown of Bern, the capital of Switzerland, we had our 10th odd meeting, since we met 25 years ago. At that time, he was running the government clinic in.Bern for those addicts who wanted to get off heroin.
Now in private practice, he gave me the latest updates from his world of treating those with an addiction. I shared with him my activities on the Hill. The program he wrote up 31 years ago has only had some minor changes, standing well the test of time and tens of thousands of patients and their experience.
In terms of saving lives the good Doctor is probably the most unsung, unknown hero of the last 30 years. His program is now the national program in eight countries. Also, kudos to the Canton of Zurich for the bold step of implementing the program.
As you know, I have a 6-minute summary of the program that is approved every year by the Health Ministry of the Swiss government. Despite every Member of Congress receiving a copy since 2010, not one has expressed an interest in visiting Switzerland, nor learning more about it.
PS…walking back to the car, 7 high school students wanted a group foto of my shirt (legalize heroin)…we had a nice 3 – minute chat auf deutsch which surprised the heck out of them! Foto in separate mail.
This Week:
01 meeting… Dr Buerki in CH (note: the Doctor bought lunch so the only COP expense was 15 bucks to park for 3 hours.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
7069 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 0 these weeks
403 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
481 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, … 0 this week.
117 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 this week
245 interviews and reports in minor media … 0 this week –
102 Radio Interviews: 0 this week
34 major conferences attended – CPAC 2024, (3 UN drug conferences in Vienna, Austria), LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Media: Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, OAN, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribune, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters, Stern
* Consider being a member of COP at $40 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 ( to donate by Internet)
To send a check:
COP
POB 543
Buckeystown, MD 21717
Posted June 10th, 2025 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill – Stories from the week of April 18, 2025
Marijuana: Gone but not forgotten-
As you know, our side has had the votes in Congress since 2019 to end the federal prohibition of marijuana. Because of exterior reasons, the democrats were unwilling to call a vote on the bill which would end it.
That said, plz know that when and if the opportunity comes up to pass such legislation, I will shift gears in 2025-2026 session of Congress.
Update:
I am now 2/3 finished with my initial contact with Senate offices. I had a most excellent chat with the health aide from a SW state this week. Having such chats with these men and women help keep me going.
Personal Note: I am going on vacation April 21 for 5 weeks. I will be having lunch with Dr. Buerki in Switzerland (co-author of the Swiss treatment program for heroin addiction).
This Week:
01 meeting.. Grover Norquist center-right meeting
7069Presentations to Congressional staffers… 06 these weeks
COP stats since inception: August 2009
403 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
481 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, … 0 this week.
117 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 this week
245 interviews and reports in minor media … 0 this week –
102 Radio Interviews: 0 this week
34 major conferences attended – CPAC 2024, (3 UN drug conferences in Vienna, Austria), LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Media: Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, OAN, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribune, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters, Stern
* Consider being a member of COP at $40 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 ( to donate by Internet)
To send a check:
COP
POB 543
Buckeystown, MD 21717
Posted June 10th, 2025 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill – Stories from the week of April 4 and 11, 2025
Affirmation from an FBI agent: Last week I moved to the Senate. As I strolled towards an office, a guy behind me asked why legalize heroin…after my 30 second answer he said he had to agree – with a note of sadness in his voice. He had recently retired after a 30 year career…his first 20 were in drug enforcement. As he moved to another task, he reflected on his 20 years…and realized that 0.0 had improved in USA during that time…they had been wasted..
His last assignment was helping the elderly who had become victims of financial abuse. He had a sense of real accomplishment of putting bad guys in prison and receiving the personal thanks from the victims.
New Ally: I had a pleasant surprise at the Norquist meeting. Shanita Penny made a presentation on why we should apply the 10th Amendment to marijuana. We had a nice chat afterwards. She is with a govt. affairs/advocacy/lobbying firm in DC.
Personal Note: I am going on vacation April 21 for 5 weeks. I will be having lunch with Dr. Buerki in Switzerland (co-author of the Swiss treatment program for heroin addiction).
This Week:
02 meetings.. Grover Norquist center-right meeting
7063 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 17 these weeks
COP stats since inception: August 2009
403 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
481 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, … 0 this week.
117 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 this week
245 interviews and reports in minor media … 0 this week –
102 Radio Interviews: 0 this week
34 major conferences attended – CPAC 2024, (3 UN drug conferences in Vienna, Austria), LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Media: Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, OAN, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribune, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters, Stern
* Consider being a member of COP at $40 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 ( to donate by Internet)
To send a check:
COP
POB 543
Buckeystown, MD 21717
Posted June 10th, 2025 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill – Stories from the week of March 21 & 28, 2025
Lesson Learned: It has been a month since I sent to the White House a proposal for ending the federal prohibition of marijuana; no response and I believe there will be none for two reasons. I should not have made public this information. The chances of it happening were extremely slim to start with and my making this public effectively killed it hope. Lesson learned.
Small Change: I’ve been in the new Congress for 3 months and have noticed a change in the reaction to the message of punishment for simple possession of hard drugs AND especially that USA needs a better approach to treatment. The two bills I have had in the past have not yet been introduced. Once they are, we will know if more Members are ready for a change.
This Week:
02 meetings.. Grover Norquist center-right meeting
7046 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 15 these weeks
481 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, … 01 this week.. diplomat from Georgia
COP stats since inception: August 2009
403 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
117 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 this week
245 interviews and reports in minor media … 0 this week –
102 Radio Interviews: 0 this week
34 major conferences attended – CPAC 2024, (3 UN drug conferences in Vienna, Austria), LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Media: Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, OAN, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribune, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters, Stern
* Consider being a member of COP at $40 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 ( to donate by Internet)
To send a check:
COP
POB 543
Buckeystown, MD 21717
Posted June 10th, 2025 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill – stories from the weeks of March 7 and 14, 2025
Update: My written proposal to the WH staffer was received 10 days ago…still waiting for a response.
Progress Continues: I had a chat with the leading R in NJ’s governor’s race this fall. All positive.
Daily Stuff: As I go around the offices, obtaining needed info on who handles criminal justice and health issues, I wear my windbreaker with the “Legalize Heroin” on the back…This continues to draw attention of staffers and another 6 or so ask me daily…we engage..all good
This Week:
02 meetings.. Grover Norquist center-right meeting
7031 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 17 these weeks
480 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, … 01 this week.. R from NJ running for governor
COP stats since inception: August 2009
403 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
117 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 0 this week
245 interviews and reports in minor media … 0 this week –
102 Radio Interviews: 0 this week
34 major conferences attended – CPAC 2024, (3 UN drug conferences in Vienna, Austria), LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 0 this week
Media: Blaze TV {new, popular right-wing}, (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC, CNN, NPR, OAN, German, Swiss, French, Spanish TV and radio) Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Grand Rapids Press + 9 other MI papers. Chicago Tribune, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}, Reason Magazine, Reuters, Stern
* Consider being a member of COP at $40 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 ( to donate by Internet)
To send a check:
COP
POB 543
Buckeystown, MD 21717
