Stories from the week of October 28, 2011

COP on the Hill

Your Voice in the United States Congress

The ‘sandbox’ I play in:  Quoting Steny Hoyer (D-MD & former majority leader of the House last year):”The Senate right now is dysfunctional.   The Congress is not working.”  This town drives good people away (Senator Jim Webb is leaving after only one term) and those that stay probably need lots of professional therapy  = I ride my horse.  !Poor Misty!

Karen tells me I am still sane but sometimes I ponder the question.  

Something in the water?:  The Senate was in recess this week, so I took a chance and on Monday emailed the 60 offices I had not seen this year.  The next four days I had 21, scheduled presentations.   Normally the response to a request for meeting is about 8%   This was 33%   Happy for the change I was.  Having an appointment beats (psychologically) the heck out of going door to door.

On the same theme…since my arrival in 2005, a Republican office was always easy to recognize, as the TV was always set to the Fox News channel and a copy of the Washington Times would be on the table.  In about ten R offices this year the TV was on CNN and no copy of the WT.  What is going on?

Improving their image:  I ran across this website for the Mexican Drug Cartels.  Who knew so many people thought of them as the good guys?   www.wearethecartels.com

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

180 presentations to Congressional staffers:    21 this week

3 Letter to the Editor:   this week

1 Television appearance:  this week

2 Other media (blogs, cable TV, etc)

2 radio shows:  this week

8 (Member of Congress) contacts:    this week

1 Major conference attended (Congressional Black Caucus annual)

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.

Stories from the week of October 21, 2011

 COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of October 21, 2011

Your Voice in the United States Congress

I was wrong:  During 2007 -my first full year on the Hill – I made a presentation to Bill, a legislative director.  The next four years I asked him for a 5 minute follow-up chat w/o any answer to dozens of email requests and a good 30 times stopping by his office and leaving a business card.   I sent an email last year ‘return receipt requested.’  He deleted the email without opening it.   ‘Obviously’ he thought little of me or the issue.

Today I made yet another attempt.   Bill came into the office moments after my arrival.  “Got a few minutes?”  “Sure.” He replied.  I was sure he would give me a scant* 60 seconds before showing me the door.  Instead he led me into the Member’s office, where we had an engaging 10 minute conversation, he asking questions and making comments on HR 2306, the repeal bill.  

It took me nearly two minutes into the chat to comprehend that ‘Bill’ was as swamped* as all of us are trying to do our jobs = no time to make an appointment with me.  But, to have an impromptu,*  constructive chat was no problem.  Nothing personal about me or my issue. Thus >  My bad.  My wrong.  Won’t happen again.

Who is a leader & who pretends?:  This week I sat within 10 feet of former Mexican President Vicente Fox, Senator McCain (R-AZ) and Senator Sessions (R-AL) and listened to them speak.  President Fox exuded sincerity, humanity, intelligence, humor and wisdom.  The other two not so much.

At the CATO event I was able to apologize to Fox in Spanish for the pain and suffering his country suffers because of America’s drug prohibition.  It felt so muy bien. (very good)

­Interview from two months ago:  This was miss-placed.  The producers just found it and put it up on the web.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhBNjNRRG7k&NR=1

11 minutes of radio interview

*scant = kaum

*swamped = überschwemmt

*impromptu = improvisiert

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

159 presentations to Congressional staffers:   9 this week

3 Letter to the Editor:   this week

1 Television appearance:  this week

2 Other media (blogs, cable TV, etc)

2 radio shows:  this week

8 (Member of Congress) contacts:    this week

1 Major conference attended (Congressional Black Caucus annual )

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.

Stories from the week of October 14, 2011

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of October 14, 2011

Your Voice in the United States Congress

Turning a frown* upside down:  I was not in my most positive mood on Friday, as I rode the train in the rain to DC…then

• The sun came out & walking to the station, I heard someone yell, “Hey you forgot your hat!”  Walking back to the train another passenger also said I forgot my hat.  Nice having others notice my state of undress.
• In the Longworth café reading the paper before my 10 AM start time,  I woman stepped up and asked, “Can I take you picture?”    She got both my COPS SAY LEGALIZE POT jacket (draped*over a chair) & my hat and buckle in the foto.   Her American friend (she was from Russia) joined us and we had a great 10 minute chat.
• Mike, a legislative director I have known for 4 years happened to be in the reception area of the office when I came in.  “Howard.  Always good to see you.”  We had an excellent 10 minute chat on the issue.  He said he quietly pushes the COP position in the building.   That was THE highlight of my day.
• As I have reported in the past, Congressmen don’t mind if you walk them to an elevator or from an elevator to their office.  This day I caught a New York Congressman leaving his office who is a co-sponsor of HR 2306, the repeal prohibition bill.  I had about 80 seconds to thank him for his courage and other chit chat.* 
• Returning to that office, I had an excellent 8 minutes with his Chief of Staff.   I told him about LEAP’s new executive director, Neill Franklin and how effective Neill would be with VIPs.
• My last presentation was to an older (40)  staffer from a western state whose chief objection to HR 2306 was the morality issue of a nation going to hell, if it allowed legal consumption of marijuana.    Always good to respond with.. the immorality of teens having a job option which gets them shot.  The aide was not impressed but it was a great way for me to end a near perfect day and a good week.

Friday’s workday reminded me of police work.  Whether stopping seven cars for traffic violations, or meeting seven staffers from Congressional offices, you never quite know what to expect…kind of like a box of chocolates.

Wind under my wings:   Today marks four years since Karen and I said, “I do.”  She keeps me balanced and focused on the job at hand.  Lucky boy, I am.

*frown – Stirnrunzeln

*draped = zu drapiern

* chit chat = zu plaudern

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

150 presentations to Congressional staffers:   6 this week

3 Letter to the Editor:  1 this week

1 Television appearance:  this week

2 Other media (blogs, cable TV, etc)

2 radio shows:  this week

8 (Member of Congress) contacts:   1 this week

1 Major conference attended (Congressional Black Caucus annual )

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.

Stories from the week of October 7, 2011

COP on the Hill

Your Voice in the United States Congress

Washington, DC based:  Four years ago former LEAPer Jody James suggested that LEAP have at least a DC mailbox to demonstrate a commitment and presence in the nation’s capital.  They declined to act but this week I had a brain burp,* remembered her suggestion and adopted it for COP.  New address at bottom reflects the COP focus on educating the Congress and thus changing the course of federal law.

Reward system works:  I really enjoy my Crown Royal whiskey and the Swiss chocolate I came back with this spring.  But, I only allow myself a shot and some squares, when I have had a chat with a Member of Congress.   Wednesday I asked Congressman Huelskamp (R-KS) why he thought the nation should continue spending another trillion on the failed drug policy of prohibition.  This was at the monthly Leadership Institute breakfast (www.leadershipinstitute.org) NOTE: The LI trains young Republicans.   After the breakfast we spoke for two minutes, agreeing the government can not fix stupid via the police/criminal justice system.

Two hours later via being at Grover Norquist’s’ brunch, I was invited to a luncheon with Congressman Dent (R-PA) attended by about 25 persons and again I was able to ask questions.  Two shots and 4 squares of chocolate that night!

Go left or go right?:  On Friday I usually head to Congress to have seven meetings with staffers.   This Friday I decided it was more important to send a personal email to all House staffers.  The memo at far bottom (3 minute read).  My thanks for the contributions of NORML expert Paul Armentano to this memo.

*brain burp = etwas im Koph fallen lassen

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

144 presentations to Congressional staffers:   2 this week

3 Letter to the Editor:  1 this week

1 Television appearance:  this week

2 Other media (blogs, cable TV, etc)

2 radio shows:  this week

7 (Member of Congress) contacts:   2 this week

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.

Published LTE in Roanoke, VA daily paper:

METH MAKERS ARE THE BOOTLEGGERS OF OUR DAY

Re: “Briefly put,” Sept.  27 editorial:

Speaking as a retired detective and student of history, your idea ( have pharmacies participate in tracking sales of meth ingredients ) to improve the meth problem is doomed to failure.

We in law enforcement have been trying such ideas for the past 40 years.  The results of those ideas and a trillion tax dollars spent? According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, “Drugs are readily available to America’s youth.”

The meth lab, whether “shake and bake” or the table-sized variety, is the moonshine still of the 21st century.  We can make 99 percent go away if we would repeal the prohibition of amphetamines.  Allow adults legal access to the same amphetamines we give Air Force and Navy pilots to fly long missions.  This is not complicated.

HOWARD WOOLDRIDGE

Detective/Officer ( retired )

 Morning

Where does your office stand on HR 2306? The Frank/Paul bill – Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011

This report is the first of four regarding marijuana.  Any questions, please call/write.

Howard

Detective/Officer Howard  Wooldridge (retired)

Drug Policy Specialist, COP – www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org

Washington, DC

817-975-1110 Cell

howard@citizensopposingprohibition.org

DUI of Marijuana Arrest Procedures   (or any non-alcohol, intoxicating drug (pain killers, etc)
 

Overview:  Based on the street experience of this author (400 arrests for DUI or DUID), arresting anyone for non-alcohol related DUI follows closely the same procedures as alcohol-related DUI.  The three (3) differences are that on the side of the road, there is no instrument-based test to determine the level of intoxication.  The second difference is that blood should be drawn before the arrestee is put in jail.  The third is the results of the blood test are not revealed, until after the arrestee has been released.
 
Steps:
 
1.   Officer observes bad driving or responds to an accident.
2.   Officer conducts a field interview (questions and observations ) of the driver to determine sobriety.
3.   If sobriety is in question, officer has subject perform physical & mental tests.

1. NOTE: In some states, a DRE (drug recognition expert) will also run the suspect through a series of physiological (pulse rate, nystagmus) and performance tests.

4.   If tests indicate intoxication above the legal standard and alcohol is not detected, the subject is arrested and read their rights for a chemical test.
5.   The officer requests the arrestee submit to a blood test, as breath would be useless.
6.   The arrestee is taken to a medical facility and blood is drawn.  Arrestee is taken to jail. Formal charge is DUI of Drugs.   The blood is taken to a lab. NOTE: if arrestee declines to take the test, a search warrant is obtained and blood is drawn with or without their cooperation.
7.   X Days later the results from the lab are sent to the  prosecutor’s office.  The prosecutor would then issue a complaint and warrant for DUI of Drugs, if the facts warrant such.

1. NOTE: Pennsylvania used to have a 5ng/ml THC/blood standard for DUI but in 2011 amended it to 1ng/ml.     Some states set the level at zero (Michigan) or 2ng/ml (Ohio, Nevada).

8.   If a trial takes place, the prosecution uses the following elements to demonstrate guilt to the jury: driving, field interview and the presence of marijuana in the blood (or other intoxicating drugs-note most common in my experience was prescription pain killers).
9.   Generally speaking the punishment for DUI alcohol and DUI marijuana is the same. 

10.  Whereas the federal government has set a national standard of 0.08% for alcohol DUI, it has not set a standard for marijuana or any other intoxicating drug (cocaine, heroin, Oxicodone, Vicodin, etc)

Stories from the week of September 30, 2011

COP on the Hill

Your Voice in the United States Congress

It is WHO you know:  ARO is a list serve – Alliance of Reformed Organizations of which COP is a part.  There was a big chat about a recent ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms Bureau) memo that said medical marijuana patients could not possess firearms or buy ammunition.  Will the NRA (National Rifle Association) and other pro Second Amendment groups step up to defend gun owners who are using God’s medicine instead of store-bought pills?

David Keene, noted conservative, recently became the President of the NRA.  He attends Grover’s Wednesday brunch, sitting about 8 feet from me and we know each other.   Next week I will ask/request him to bring the weight of his organization to bear on the issue and defend gun ownership for all Americans.

Where is Grundy, Virginia?:  First part of the week was spent traveling to/from and being on a prohibition panel, sponsored by the Appalachian Law School and the Blue Ridge PBS station.  The prohibition side was taken by Tamara Neo, the local prosecuting attorney for Grundy.  As the television camera rolled, Ms. Neo started her speech by saying she was a Libertarian. 

I immediately felt sorry for her, as Libertarians know drug prohibition is anti-freedom and a big government program.  Typical for persons in her position, she never even tried to defend prohibition, concentrating on how bad drugs were for families and the crime caused by prohibition.

The students had excellent questions and my five hours on their campus was enjoyable on every level.  PS>  and it is ALWAYS good to get away from Washington, DC.

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

142 presentations to Congressional staffers:   this week

2 Letter to the Editor:  this week

1 Television appearance: 1 this week

2 Other media (blogs, cable TV, etc)

2 radio shows:  this week

5 (Member of Congress) contacts:    this week

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 772

Buckeystown, MD  21717

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.