Posted March 12th, 2019 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of March 8, 2019
Stupid Voice: Despite not talking at all, it took my voice 5 days to return to 90%…so I was able to go in on Friday which turned out to be a productive day.
Variable: Cameras and microphones are everywhere at CPAC… I have a 2 second cameo on a CNN report at the 34 second mark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6afdMFPaGH4&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1iGsBBNvtp_RNQwZXZpJE0H4a4ZcSaT713u-uNETHZ_5v6I5Lfe9mKCkA
This week’s stats:
3062 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 11 this week
01 Meetings – meetings, hearings, etc.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
292 personal chats with a Member of Congress… this week
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
363 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0 this week
163 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week.
103 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 01 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
85 Radio Interviews.
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 drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted March 12th, 2019 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of March 1, 2019
Outside Project: The new governor of Wisconsin Evers received a “Pants on Fire” rating from Politifact, when he said 75 to 85 % of felons in WI prisons were in due to the War on Drugs. I had a solid chat with a governor’s aide, explaining that he was in the ball park, that Politifact was in error (I sent them a note also, which they acknowledged receiving)…and I offered mine and LEAP’s assistance to help the Gov.
Struck Out: I received word this week that the White House read the summary of the Swiss Heroin Treatment program and rejected it as any part of the path forward. Tant pis.
CPAC: I spent a day and half on my feet, giving interviews and having foto taken. The next two days I spent off my feet in high traffic areas, talked to some 180, more fotos and lost my voice on Saturday late PM (good timing). Cheerful News – I was stunned at the overwhelming interest and thoughtful chats I had with the college crowd. 4-5 was a normal group, once 9 were in a semi-circle listening. Yes, I was wearing the Heroin shirt. I was also stunned that many shared that they had lost 1-3 school chums!! SOB that was mind-bending.
Much less press, foreign or domestic, as Trump has the nomination next year.
The 40+ crowd was mostly not happy with my message, of course. And no, I was ‘holding court’ near the hotel reception, as Trump spoke for 2 hours…glad I missed it.
Perhaps I am being self-serving. I believe I made a meaningful impact at this particular CPAC (my 13th). If I had charged 5 bucks for a foto, it would have paid all the expenses!!
This week’s stats:
3051 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 09 this week
292 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 03 this week (AZ-D Grijalva, Mike Kelly R-PA, Matt Gaetz, R-FL)
01 Meetings – meetings, hearings, etc.
31 major conferences attended – (UN drug conference, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review, Republican Annual Retreat etc.) 01 this week –CPAC
363 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 03 this week 2 elected officials from Europe and White House advisor on domestic policy
163 interviews and reports in minor media = 09 this week. (due to CPAC)
103 Appearances/Interviews on major TV/Radio/Print media. 01 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..02 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
85 Radio Interviews.
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 drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted March 12th, 2019 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of February 22, 2019
It was a typical recess week, busy with presentations.
Fun story: – Off Duty – a year ago I had minor surgery with a local anesthetic. The doctor’s voice was dubious, almost angry when he asked why on earth should we legalize heroin. I employed the standard response of:
Me: ‘I’ll give you life-time free cigarettes, if you will smoke them.’
Doc: “No, of course not.”
Me: ‘I’ll give you 50 bucks a pack.’
Doc: ‘No!’ and then caught himself off in mid word, as the light bulb went off in his brain. “I see your point.”
This week for my follow-up, the doctor walked in, shook hands and immediately said, ‘regarding the heroin, I agree with you completely. The govt. should buy up all the heroin and then give it for free to the addicts at a clinic or something.’
I informed him that the Swiss have been using that concept for 25 years. My leg was fine and one more convert to COP thinking. Only 319 million more to go.
This week’s stats:
3042 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 23 this week
COP stats since inception: August 2009
Meetings – meetings, hearings, etc.
289 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
360 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0this week
85 Radio Interviews.
154 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week.
100 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}
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
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 drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted March 11th, 2019 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of February 15, 2019
Just show up and:
Have chats with three Congressman in their offices
Have a lobbyist for the transportation industry make contact and wants help with truck drivers and DUIM.
Get in wrong line for MJ Banking hearing and end up with in camera interview with Christian Broadcast Network + later follow up question.
Chat for 10 minutes with new staffer in the hallway after lunch (after he asked what COP stood for)
15 presentations to staff regarding the Swiss MAT -heroin treatment approach
And just enjoyed the heck out of being in the middle of the process.
This week’s stats:
292 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 03 this week {Cman Buck, R-CO, Cman Cleaver, D-MO, CMan Green D-TX}
3019 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 15 this week
100 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
Tribune…01 this week Christian BN
2 Meetings – meetings, hearings, etc.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
289 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
360 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0this week
85 Radio Interviews.
154 interviews and reports in minor media = 0 this week.
Tribute, Honolulu Star Advertiser {foto and caption}
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
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 drug prohibition. COP provides that voice. www.citizensopposingprohibition.org
Posted March 5th, 2019 by hiwayhowie
2018 Summary of COP Activities
The Numbers:
264 presentations to Congressional Staff
27 chats with Members of Congress
129 chats with other VIPs (state reps, state senators, etc.)
04 Minor press interviews
27 TV interviews, major press comments
4 radio interviews
2 Major conferences attended
3 major newspaper interviews
Expenses:
Salaries: 000
Website Master: 000, time/expertise donated by Dwight Maskew of Colorado
990 Preparations and misc. bookkeeping: 000 – time and expertise donated by Karen Anderson
Mileage & Mass Transit: 2042
Meals: 1145
Office Supplies: 351
Misc: 375
Internet & Phone: 1265
Conventions : ALEC, CPAC, National Review Cruise : 5578
Total: 10,756 Monies raised in 2018: circa 12,500
Work done in 2018:
Congress – COP continued to focus on educating the Congress which resulted in steady progress toward our goal of applying the 10th Amendment to marijuana. In 2018 we gathered enough votes in the House and the Senate to pass our 10th legislation but Republican leader ship blocked any vote. As a COP member, be proud of the part you have played in making this happen.
Nationally – COP spoke truth to power at three major political events. Though expensive, the all conservative crowds at these events are the leaders who return home, infected with anti-prohibition ideas and talking points.
Internationally – COP no longer goes to the United Nation’s world summit on drugs in Vienna This decision taken, when we realized that there was so little bang for the money and time spent. COP continues to promote to all Members of Congress and the White House the Swiss Heroin Treatment Program.
