Posted August 20th, 2026 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of June 19, 2026
Note: I was on vacation the last month
Make a suggestion? I had a several minute chat with a gentleman from Central America and candidate for the VP of that country. We discussed the long-running issue of his country being used as a transit point for S. American drugs being exported to the USA. I suggested the long-term solution of legalize all drugs to destroy the DTOs (drug trafficking orgs), their corruption and violence.
Opportunity: At the Grover meeting was a rep from the CATO institute. Later I spoke to her. There are a number of 2-year contract positions open. Essentially, a candidate would sum up what area of policy they would like to research and publish. I asked and she said yes that one could do a deep dive into the USA’s prohibition / war on drugs policy. Applications are being received until 13 July. If you or anyone you know is interested, I’ll provide the contact information.
Meetings this week: Grover Norquist right of center meeting
7314 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 01 this week
506 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, … 01 this week: VP candidate for a Latin America country
COP stats since inception: August 2009
404 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
246 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 May 10th, 2026 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of April 24 and May 01 ,08, 2026
Status of Marijuana: As you know the President signed an executive order moving medical use of cannabis to Schedule 3 of the DEA system of classification. Please know COP and all major organizations (minus ASA -Americans for Safe Access) have always and still do push for DE-schedule. COP will continue to advocate for De-Schedule which would put the green plant in the boat as alcohol and tobacco.
My best info is: there is still no hard and fast regulations surrounding the implementation of the Schedule 3 classification. This is unfolding as I write.
Personal Note: I was unable to walk the halls these past weeks. My left *&^% hip was barking loudly. Also, going on a planned 3-week vacation.. Next newsletter will be early June. I will work straight thru the summer and until the Congress adjourns for the election.
Meetings this week: 3 Grover Norquist right of center meetings
404 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 01 this week WY Congresswoman Hageman (odds on favorite be a Senator next year)
Good chat with the Republican Governor of a western state
7313 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 09 this weeks
506 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, … 03 this week: Republican candidates for the US House.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
246 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 April 19th, 2026 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of April 17, 2026
Put me in Coach: Just past the Senate security procedure, a guy asked me what a Long Rider was? (on my belt buckle). After my brief explanation on how to earn the buckle, he asked of my mission in DC…I explained the COP point of view with a few sound bites. We kept talking…a total of 7-8 minutes.
He was a staffer to a Midwest Senator. A few years back he had been the coach of his universities’ Debate Club. He offered that my messages were effective and easy to understand and remember. In my 20 years on the Hill, it was my first professional feedback.
Examples of some buzz phrases I use with Members and Staff:
The government Can Not fix personal stupid.
Make drugs a medical issue, not criminal.
Personal responsibility Must be the cornerstone of drug policy; All Drugs
I can protect you and your family better from Bad People, if we stop wasting time on Drug People.
Regarding my push for effective treatment for heroin/fentanyl addiction:
”please ask the Senator to become Pro-Life for his/her constituents that are this tall” (putting my hand up to the level of the person I am talking to.
I incorporate all those points in my 15-minute presentations to staff.
Personal Note: After explaining to my doctor my serious symptoms earlier this spring, he recommended two weeks in France…just came back – all better.
Meetings this week: 1 Grover Norquist right of center meetings
7304 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 07 this week
506 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, … 02 this week: two Republican candidates for the US House.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
403 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
246 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 April 19th, 2026 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of March 13, 20 and 27, 2026
A Joy: I met a Senate health aide with a master’s in public health and a minor in addiction psychology. She knew as much about the Swiss Medication Assisted Treatment approach as I did. We had a delightful 15-minute chat. Made my day.
Firefighters were interested: Every year for two weeks a good 100 Firefighters roam the House and Senate offices, pushing their agenda. I was able to chat with 3 groups of them (via my jacket message..best $68 I ever spent). All were interested in learning how legalizing heroin would cut their OD calls for service. Nobody thought I was crazy after a 5-minute explanation.
Ciao Bella; 3 young, Italian journalists attended the Grover meeting. At the end they came over and we ended up chatting for 15 minutes. Eyeing the 3 flags (French, German, Spanish) on my nameplate, they asked if I spoke Italian. “Ciao Bella” (Hey beautiful) I responded…we all laughed. I learned a bit about current Italian politics, and they learned why modern drug prohibition was such a failure/bad idea Note: With Europeans I emphasize that terrorists #1 funding source is the sale and traffic of illegal drugs.
Meetings this week: 3 Grover Norquist right of center meetings
7297 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 20 over 3 weeks
COP stats since inception: August 2009
403 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
504 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, … this week:
246 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 April 19th, 2026 by hiwayhowie
Stories from the week of February 27 and March 6, 2026
COP: A threat to world peace?: I learned this week that, when a staffer told her boss she was meeting me for a 20-minute, standard presentation, the consequence would be her immediate dismissal from that office. Apparently, the message of end the Drug War and legalize all drugs was a threat to ????
Redemption? I learned this week that sometime after the Jan 6 “incident” the all-Republican ‘Capitol Hill Club’ offers free lunches to all Capitol police officers. Hmmm
Sharing Perspectives: I had a two-hour working lunch with an old friend this week. A year ago, he began working in the Trump Administration as a senior executive. The chat is privileged and was highly interesting
Everyone is listening: At lunch I was having an excellent chat with 3 Hispanics, half in English – half in Spanish. I moaned (my voice does carry) about FBI agents counting 2020 ballots in Atlanta versus catching pedophiles going after my grandkids (who happen to live in ATL).
The gentleman from Alabama at the next table stood up and yelled that the 2020 election was stolen and there was proof on such and such a website. I responded that 62 federal judges and the Supremes said there was no evidence of fraud. He sputtered and left the cafeteria. LOL
Another day at work.
Meetings this week: 2 Grover Norquist right of center meetings
7263 Presentations to Congressional staffers… 12 over 2weeks
COP stats since inception: August 2009
502 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, … this week: mentioned above
403 personal chats with a Member of Congress… 0 this week
246 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
