COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of December 5 & 12, 2014

Stories from the week of December 5 & 12, 2014

Nothing new here: I attended a Heritage event concerning marijuana. I had a solid, five minute chat with a Congressman from Oklahoma who claimed an OK poll showed citizens there want the federal MJ prohibition!   Who knew?! The panel of conservative experts included a former drug czar. I endured two hours of marijuana is a dangerous drug and legalization will be cause the end of life as we know.   And then, they took no questions.

The good news is the panel conceded change thru a decrim approach. Also, they used the same tired, ¾ lies they always use. And the citizens are increasingly ignoring them & voting for change.

Ear of the White House: After another meeting a member of the White House staff gave me three minutes. I asked him to direct SAMHSA to conduct a new study to determine how many teens are employed selling drugs & carrying guns. See old, 2005 report below.

Being wined and dined: My friend at the German embassy invited me and his French embassy counterpart to lunch. He again thanked me for the Denver tour. He said his report is now being discussed in Berlin. Pierre said Paris also has his report on their desk.

Looking ahead to 2015 there might be some new projects where COP help might be needed. That is all I can say at the moment. It was my first 30 dollar lunch, since my arrival in 2005, which my host picked up. Pretty cool.

Hell froze over: Shortly after my arrival in DC nine years ago, the Washington Post published my first letter-to-the-editor I sent them….9 years and dozens of tries later – my second published LTE is at the very bottom.

This week’s raw data:

105 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.     02 this week

11 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress..  01  this week

07 meetings these two weeks

80 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $79,000).. 01 this week

·         COP stats since inception: August 2009

• 20 major conferences attended..   (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review,  etc)    0 this week

54 brief chats with Members of Congress..   00 this week

1686 Presentations to Congressional staffers..  this week

38  Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC)…0 this week (BBC)

52 Radio Interviews..  00 this week

• 28 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine…this week
• 81 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc..    this week

      *   2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position

• Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders.   Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
• Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year.   All contributions are tax-deductible.  30 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 prohibition.  COP provides that voice.    …  Go to: ·       www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
• Citizens Opposing Prohibition

POB 543

• Buckeystown, MD 21717

Why do more than 900,000 teenagers sell drugs¹ but not alcohol or cigarettes?

Because alcohol and tobacco are regulated and sold through stores

Notes:
1) “Alcohol Use and Delinquent Behaviors among Youths,” April 2005, SAMHSA Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (www.SAMHSA.gov), USDHHS. (www.hhs.gov)

In 2003, nearly 9 million (36.1 percent) youths aged 12 to 17 had engaged in at least one delinquent behavior during the past year. Almost 6 million (23.8 percent) youths took part in a serious fight at school or work, 4.5 million (18.1 percent) youths took part in a group-against-group fight, 2.1 million (8.3 percent) youths attacked someone with the intent to seriously hurt them, 1.1 million (4.5 percent) youths stole or tried to steal anything worth more than $50, more than 900,000 (3.6 percent) youths sold illegal drugs, and more than 900,000 (3.6 percent) youths carried a handgun during the past year.

The WP edited it a bit but still made my essential point

December 11 at 5:26 PM

Regarding Samuel T. Wilkinson’s Dec. 7 op-ed, “Big Pot?”:

As a retired detective and co-founder of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, I understand Dr. Wilkinson’s concerns about marijuana.

It should be given the same respect, laws and regulations as beer. What are the advantages of the current policy, in which drug cartels produce and distribute marijuana and thousands of teens are selling it off sidewalks and in schools? Is Dr. Wilkinson worried about replacing bloodthirsty cartels with government rules? That deserves more explanation.

Howard Wooldridge, Adamstown, Md.

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of November 21 & 28, 2014

Stories from the week of November 21 & 28, 2014

The fact-finding delegation from the embassy spent three days in Denver learning all about how marijuana legalization is working. The report has been written and is now in Berlin. The other nation involved was France which sent one of their embassy staff to accompany the four Germans.

In so many words the Germans were impressed with the lack of major problems. Their primary concerns lie in how to produce, package and sell the product at a retail level, NOT necessarily legalization itself.

IMHO this was a medium-sized step forward. If this report persuades the Germans to support a change in the 1961 treaty (world-wide prohibition of some drugs), a major hurdle will be eliminated, allowing all the nations to find their own paths. Vienna, Austria and the United Nations yearly meeting on drugs is only a few months away. I am thrilled.

COPs has received a very nice letter from the Germans, thanking me for my efforts in making their Denver mission efficient and successful. All members of COPs should give themselves a pat on the back. You – all y’all – made this possible.

Denver Rocks: A small team in Denver put all the nuts and bolts of the trip together. See my letter to them at the bottom.

How I spent my vacation: I jumped off one ship, kissed Karen and we boarded another one. Karen often wore her shirt, generating many contacts, including a former member of the Canadian Parliament ( he and I have established a relationship). She is truly a tour de force.

This week’s raw data:

One week’s vacation + misc. paper work

·         COP stats since inception: August 2009

• 20 major conferences attended..   (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review,  etc)    0 this week

103 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.     0 this week

54 brief chats with Members of Congress..   00 this week

10 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress..  0  this week

1686 Presentations to Congressional staffers..  this week

meetings this week

38  Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC)…0 this week (BBC)

52 Radio Interviews..  00 this week

• 28 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine…this week
• 81 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc..    this week

79 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $78,000).. 00 this week

      *   2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position

• Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders.   Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
• Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year.   All contributions are tax-deductible.  30 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 prohibition.  COP provides that voice.    …  Go to: ·       www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
• Citizens Opposing Prohibition

POB 543

• Buckeystown, MD 21717

December 1, 2014

TO: Vicente Sederberg LLC: Denver Relief Consulting

FROM: Howard Wooldridge, LEAP

RE: German/French Fact-Finding Delegation visit to Denver

Ladies & Gentlemen:

I would like to bring to your attention the outstanding efforts of Steve Fox and Chloe Grossman who last month organized meetings for a delegation of staffers from the German and French embassies.   Christian Simon, police liaison for the German embassy, who initiated this project was effusive in his praise for the tours and personnel that Steve and Chloe put together. The delegation came away from Denver with a clear and solid understanding of how Colorado has moved from a prohibition model to a legal/regulated/taxed system to handle marijuana.

As I make my rounds in the halls of Congress, it is a great comfort to know my ‘back-up’ in Colorado is Top Shelf. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Howard Wooldridge

Co-Founder – LEAP

CC: Neill Franklin, LEAP

Steve Fox

Chloe Grossman

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of November 14, 2014

Stories from the week of November 14, 2014

This week I spent an average of 8 hours a day with 500 serious conservatives, political junkies all. It was like a floating CPAC without the college students. Several former Congressmen, Senators & governors spoke to us. The cruise was organized by the National Review magazine.

Small Steps: At a breakout session attended by 200, including a former governor and Congressman I asked the presenter;   is the War on Drugs indeed the New Jim Crow?   He agreed it was a horrible policy and needed to end. When he ended, 30-40 people applauded…not too shabby for hard core conservatives. After the briefing ended, another 5-6 people came and engaged me in a chat.

The Anti-prohibition Message is Everywhere: I averaged being asked about my shirt 12-15 times a day. On day one a gentleman in our NR group really liked the answer. He proudly announced on the morning of the 4th day. with excitement in his voice, how he was retelling my words at all the meal tables, break out groups etc he sat at. He thanked me for the solid talking points, promising to continue to spread The Word.

Saliva on my cheeks/where is my life jacket?: At the NR dinner on the 4th night a guy my age to my right was passionate about his position. After about an hour of back and forth, he stated that MJ use was hedonistic and must be stopped. I went silent, turned my head to the other end of the table (for 8),bringing an end to our chat. Sadly, he launched into how hedonistic thoughts have led to Roe vs. Wade and 56 million dead babies.   I remained silent. He kept going, to the point of screaming; our table and several surrounding tables stopped talking and I felt two drops of spit hit my cheek. I prepared for the guy’s fist to connect with my jaw. After about a 45 second tirade he shouted he was done talking to me…..and he never hit me…yeah!! In 17 years he has been the most verbally violent person I have ever encountered….I hope it will be another 17 before it happens again.

This week’s raw data:

• 20 major conferences attended..   (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions., National Review,  etc)    01this week

103 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.     02 this week

·         COP stats since inception: August 2009

54 brief chats with Members of Congress..   00 this week

10 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress..  0  this week

1686 Presentations to Congressional staffers..  this week

6 meetings this week

38  Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC)…0 this week (BBC)

52 Radio Interviews..  00 this week

• 28 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine…this week
• 81 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc..    this week

79 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $78,000).. 00 this week

      *   2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position

• Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders.   Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
• Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year.   All contributions are tax-deductible.  30 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 prohibition.  COP provides that voice.    …  Go to: ·       www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
• Citizens Opposing Prohibition

POB 543

• Buckeystown, MD 21717

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of October 24 & 31, 2014

Stories from the week of October 24 & 31, 2014

Overview:   The two weeks in Florida were designed principally for me to be the Spanish speaker in the media.  I ended up speaking once in Spanish + eight other times in English…I did strengthen my relationship with the producer of ‘Openheimer Presenta’ and I now have two solid references in the Spanish media.  I had hoped/expected to speak at least 20 times.  I came home four days early, as there was nothing to do.  We can’t always hit a home run.  Sometimes the stars just don’t line up.

Caramba:  As I met the hostess for the Spanish radio, she said I would be on for 30 minutes or 45, depending on how it went.  90 minutes later she thanked me for my time and the good chat I had with her and her audience.  I think I passed the audition.  I was pleased she only had to translate two questions into English…otherwise it was non-stop Spanish.

Back in the saddle: I spoke to five Kiwanis or Rotary groups.  I have always enjoyed those engagements ( I met Karen at her Kiwanis Club).

BBC Persia film report on legalize:  It is all in Persian.  I have about 30 seconds, starting at 5:08  ….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53bYmUGliq4

This week’s raw data:

51 Radio Interviews..  01 this week     (Spanish station in Orlando…for MMJ)

·         COP stats since inception: August 2009

101 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.     00 this week

54 brief chats with Members of Congress..   00 this week

10 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress..  0  this week

1686 Presentations to Congressional staffers..  this week

6 meetings this week

38  Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC)…0 this week (BBC)

• 19 major conferences attended..  this week (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions.  etc)   this week
• 28 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine…this week
• 81 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc..    this week

79 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $78,000).. 00 this week

      *   2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position

• Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders.   Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
• Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year.   All contributions are tax-deductible.  30 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 prohibition.  COP provides that voice.    …  Go to: ·       www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
• Citizens Opposing Prohibition

POB 543

• Buckeystown, MD 21717

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of October 10 & 17, 2014

Stories from the week of October 10 & 17, 2014

Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics: A rep from the conservative Heritage Foundation made a presentation about the disaster, ‘calamity’ of Colorado, urging the group to stop legalization efforts in other states. His ‘fact’ sheet used a report from the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area i.e. the folks whose very paycheck depends on the policy of prohibition.

Let’s just say that at the end of the meeting a VIP asked me to prepare a rebuttal to the stats Heritage used. The following week I presented oral & written rebuttal to the Heritage. (see below).

Back in the saddle again: As a LEAP event, I spoke to a total of 50 students at George Washington and American Universities. Always grand to see/feel the energy of where I was 40 years ago.

Bunch of VIPs here: On Wednesday the 15^th I was part of a 30 person gathering of who’s who of Drug Reform. The organizer would be known to most of you. Can’t say much about it, except there could be some solid coordination for legislation in 2015.

Feel like a student again, as I study my Spanish constantly/several hours per day. It paid off on Wednesday, when I was in a debate with a police colleague on the radio in Miami. I promoted Amendment Two (florida medical cannabis) and was able to inject all the key points.

As a LEAP project (because I do speak Spanish), I will spend the next two weeks in the Sunshine State, leaving on election day.

My one hour radio interview with the law professor last week (in English)

is here:

http://ywc.podomatic.com/entry/2014-10-11T07_01_14-07_00.

This week’s raw data:

1686 Presentations to Congressional staffers..  01 this week

6 meetings this week

50 Radio Interviews..  01 this week     (Spanish station in Miami…for MMJ)

38 Appearances on major TV networks..this week (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision, BBC)…01 this week (BBC)

·         COP stats since inception: August 2009

101 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.     00 this week

54 brief chats with Members of Congress..   00 this week

10 Conversations (five minutes or longer) with Member of Congress..  0  this week

• 19 major conferences attended..  this week (United Nations drug conf, CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions.  etc)   this week
• 28 published interviews in major (daily) newspapers or magazine…this week

• 81 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc..    this week

79 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $78,000).. 00 this week

      *   2 editorials in daily papers mentioning Howard’s efforts & in support of COP position

• Weekly attendance at Grover Norquist’s Wednesday brunch attended by 150 conservative leaders.   Named the “Grand Central Station of the Conservative Movement.”
• Consider being a member of COP at $30.00 or more per year.   All contributions are tax-deductible.  30 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 prohibition.  COP provides that voice.    …  Go to: ·       www.CitizensOpposingProhibition.org and click on Donate/Join – by credit card or send a check to:
• Citizens Opposing Prohibition

POB 543

• Buckeystown, MD 21717

Lies, Damned Lies & Statistics* attributed to Mark Twain

Overview:   Marijuana is a mind-altering, intoxicating, addictive drug which is much stronger than 30 years ago. The Lancet determined it was the 8^th most dangerous drug in the world. It is certainly too dangerous to leave its production in the hands of cartel and criminals and its retail sale mostly in the hands of teenagers.

He said: Last week you heard from Heritage that the # of drivers of fatal accidents high on marijuana rose from 39 in 2009 to 78 last year. Almost True.

Analysis: Study did not know if the driver was at fault or level of intoxication..drivers were tested for mere presence of MJ metabolites…even weeks after consumption they can show up on a test.

What is important?: Chicken Littles like Kevin Sabet and orgs like Heritage predicted a major increase in fatal accidents. That has proven false.

INDISPUTABLE: the number of fatal accidents in Colorado has dropped slightly since legalization in December 2012

Prohibition crowd: young people are using more marijuana than the rest of the country. Could be true.

Prohibition crowd predicted that with legalization, young people would smoke a lot more than before (wrong message to kids, etc)

INDISPUTABLE: youth use of marijuana has dropped in Colorado since legalization per the CDC YRBS (Center for Disease Control: Youth Risky Behavior Survey)

Experts predicted with legalization there would be drug substitution. The numbers reported by Heritage & others do not examine this aspect. Certainly per medical studies anyone who switches from alcohol or heroin to marijuana reduces risky behavior.

Prohibition crowd: Crime of all types will increase with legalization was the mantra of cops in Colorado.

INDISPUTABLE:   Both violent, felony and misdemeanor crimes have dropped since the stores opened in January.

BEST INFO: per the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division the total marijuana market is about 130 tons. Regulated and taxed stores now are selling 77 (59%) of those tons.

Unprovable: The Colorado police have hundreds of thousands of ‘new’ hours to pursue other crimes, now that marijuana is treated like beer. They may arrest more pedophiles, intoxicated drivers, or whatever the problem exists. Or they may spend more time in the coffee shops. There are now fewer teens employed in selling marijuana.

Between enactment of its medical marijuana law in 1996 and 2010, California saw a 31% drop in traffic fatalities. And one can buy medical MJ for having foot pain caused by high heels (or cowboy boots).