COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of February 14, 2014

 Good week to be sick:  Snow did shut down the government for a day and a half.  My cold turned into bronchitis…

Karen shaking her head:  I did go in on Wednesday for Grover’s meeting and I really wanted to meet with John Conyers’ chief legal counsel.  Karen could not stop me.  And of course I came home and spent the next two days flat on my back.

Police abuse:  I was headed into the House Office Bldg, when the Capitol Police officer motioned me over.  He had many questions about marijuana policy around the country and locally.  As he inspected the cars for bombs & bad guys, we chatted…And chatted in the sharp wind and 20 degree temperature.

I made eye contact with two aides I knew and at least one Congressman, as they drove by in their cars.  Always good to be seen talking to a Good Guy with a gun.

Elevator chat:  Congressman Pierluisi of Puerto Rico was chatting with his aide before we entered the elevator.  In the elevator I asked her in Spanish to help with a translation. In English I said, “How does one best translate: 5-6-7 teens are shot everyday because of their employment as drug dealers?”  She gave me the translation and the crowded elevator knew my politics.  BTW, Puerto Rico has been experiencing massive, new violence in drug prohibition cases.

Oh and I did catch Conyer’s staffer and he promised to talk to the Congressman.  As this goes out, I am back to almost healthy.  Karen is still shaking her head.

• 1487 Presentations to Congressional staffers..    01 this week

COP stats since inception: August 2009

55 brief chats with Members of Congress..   this week

 76 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $75,000).. this week

 40 Radio Interviews..    this week

• 48 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.  0
• 65 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc..  this week
• 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
• 17 major conferences attended..  this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions.  etc)  this week
• 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
• 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.   If you agree that Modern Prohibition/War on Drugs is the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral policy since slavery & Jim Crow and want to be a part of the solution…  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 February 7, 2014

Stories from the week of February 7, 2014
Wish I could do this more often: Tuesday evening the Texas State Society had their annual soirée – reception in the Rayburn Bldg. Maybe I was able to have one minute chats with four (4) Congressmen and one Senator (Cornyn) because I was the only person in the room of 200 with a cowboy hat. Picture this. Shake hands with the Senator and…
‘Senator. A pleasure. Our governor Perry last week announced his support for employing the 10th Amendment to marijuana policy. Are you ready to let TEXAS RUN TEXAS?’
His answer was about the same as the other three Republican House Members…’mumble, not time, must take a look, mumble, mumble.’ The one Democratic Member and I had an excellent three minute chat.
A star one day?: I spent half of Thursday and all day Friday helping two guys from Denmark who are making a documentary of lobbying/advocating for a change in drug laws.

• 1486 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 09 this week
55 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 05 this week

COP stats since inception: August 2009
• 76 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $75,000).. this week
• 40 Radio Interviews.. this week
• 48 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0
• 65 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
• 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
• 17 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
• 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
• 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. If you agree that Modern Prohibition/War on Drugs is the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral policy since slavery & Jim Crow and want to be a part of the solution… 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 January 31, 2014

Stories from the week of January 31, 2014

Hell Froze over twice: This week two, long time supporters of drug prohibition reversed their positions on at least marijuana. Governor Perry (R-TX) declared his support for the 10th Amendment (states’ rights) for marijuana policy, as did Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY). These new positions add fuel to the fire to achieve COP’s goal to repeal federal, marijuana prohibition.

Some aides ‘get it:’ I was especially encouraged by two presentations this week with Republican, Senate staffers. I laid out the problems of the 2016 primary for president, if marijuana is an issue. The two aides thoroughly understood how young people (under 40) will take a negative view of the party, if their candidates say they would roll-back the system in Colorado and Washington. They both became animated and promised to run the concept of a companion bill to HR 1523 up the chain of command to their respective Senators. Note: I believe strongly that at least two D Senators will write the bill, as soon as they can stand next to an R who co-sponsors.

• 1483 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 06 this week
• 76 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $75,000)..03 this week

COP stats since inception: August 2009

• 55 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 0 this week
• 40 Radio Interviews.. this week
• 48 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0
• 65 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
• 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
• 17 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
• 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
• 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. If you agree that Modern Prohibition/War on Drugs is the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral policy since slavery & Jim Crow and want to be a part of the solution… 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

PUBLISHED LTE: Savannah Morning News – January 30, 2014

LAW ENFORCEMENT FACES SOME DIFFICULT CHOICES

Speaking as a retired detective, I know that every teen in Georgia has a job option to sell marijuana.

Nationwide, nearly a million teens are employed in selling drugs and they carry guns. Every day kids are shot and shot dead because of their “employment.”

Moreover, pedophiles are not caught as often as possible, since detectives and narcotics officers spend tens of thousands of hours searching and arresting over a green plant.

I agree with Bernard K. Logan ( letter to the editor, Jan. 26 ) that marijuana is no play toy. It should be given the same rules and respect as beer.

We are a thin blue line, Mr. Logan. Do we protect our teens from pedophiles or go after adults using marijuana?

HOWARD J. WOOLDRIDGE

Albany

Published in the Baltimore Sun – January 25, 2014
DECRIMINALIZE MARIJUANA

As a retired detective, I support moving simple possession of marijuana down to a parking ticket-level offense ( “Zirkin, Kittleman propose decriminalizing marijuana Jan. 21 ).

My active-duty colleagues will have more time for pedophiles, the deadly drunk driver and other public safety threats. Most police officers did not sign on for the job to chase a green plant.

Howard J. Wooldridge, Adamstown

•

COP on the Hill: Stories from the week of January 24, 2014

Stories from the week of January 24, 2014

Job Option: I had my third meeting with John at a Senate office. It had been two years and we spent a minute catching up. His wife had their first child 2 months ago and he looked like a man with no sleep. I bragged on our 4 month old granddaughter and 4 y/o grandson.

Near the end of our 15 minute chat I mentioned my desire to terminate the job option to sell drugs for my grand kids and by extension John’s and everyone’s. I said having grand kids certainly focuses the mind and energy to do all one can to protect them. He agreed. He said he appreciated my passion.

I had never before mentioned my own grand kids in a presentation. I will in the future. I choked up during the chat, thinking of Hudson & Charlie whom I had just seen the prior weekend.

Slowing Down: I am making a major change in my day to day work on the Hill. I will be attempting a presentation with each of the 535 offices only once each session, instead of the previous once per year. The mental and physical requirements for completing that level of contact has become too much for this cowboy.

Late last year I had coffee with my mentor and COP Board Member Eric Sterling. I was on the verge of making COP an organization which would primarily connect speakers to Rotaries and radio. Luckily, Eric guided me to this compromise approach. I will still make contact via email and handouts to all offices in order to keep our issue and solution front and center with the Members. I love the work and always will. However, boarding a train at 0740 for a 10-12 hour day is a tough first step.

• 1477 Presentations to Congressional staffers.. 07 this week
• 40 Radio Interviews.. 01 this week

COP stats since inception: August 2009

• 55 brief chats with Members of Congress.. 0 this week
• 48 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 0
• 65 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
• 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
• 17 major conferences attended.. this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions. etc) this week
• 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
• 72 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000)
• 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. If you agree that Modern Prohibition/War on Drugs is the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral policy since slavery & Jim Crow and want to be a part of the solution… 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 January 17, 2014

COP on the Hill

Stories from the week of January 17, 2014

 Just show up…with The Hat:  After a morning at Grover’s meeting I came out of the Longworth House Office Bldg. elevator to hand-deliver a note to Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke (thanking him for signing onto HR 1523).  Georgia R Congressman Woodall was walking towards the elevator, when he pointed to me and said, “You were on the front row at Grover’s this morning.”

“Guilty.”  I replied.  We shook hands and I was able to have a 90 second chat on the 10th Amendment and HR 1523.  He promised to give it a look.  After we parted, I went directly to his office and dropped off a copy of the one sentence bill.

At Congressman O’Rourke’s office I asked to see his Chief of Staff for a minute (we have met before).  I spied the Congressman whom I had met before.  We shook hands, I thanked him for endorsing the bill and I asked him who else might sign.  He recommended talking to Congressman Cardenas which I will.

Ask the right question:  At a packed (170 person) seminar on Mexican security at the Wilson Center I used my hat to attract attention and sure enough, I was the first called up during Q and A.  I stated that Guatemalan President Perez-Molina was in favor of legalizing all drugs in order to diminish the power of the Cartels in Central America… The five on the panel all jumped in to answer this question and it ended up taking up half of the Q and A time.

It IS who you know:  When a Spanish-speaking Florida-based radio station wanted me to be a guest in 45 minutes…to discuss Senator Reid’s statement regarding his changing views on marijuana, I knew how to spend those minutes.  I called Reid’s office and asked to speak with his chief legal counsel, Gavin Parke…I have had 3 meetings with him over the past 5 years.  I asked about his two young kids, etc. &   I was able to obtain a bit more info on what the Senator was doing.  I spread that positive news during the subsequent 20 minute radio interview in español….Building relationships these past eight (8) years is really beginning to pay dividends.  Double shot of Crown this week.

PS>..the Chicago Tribune published my LTE in the Sunday edition (bottom)

• 1470 Presentations to Congressional staffers..  04 this week
• 39 Radio Interviews..   01 this week
• 55 brief chats with Members of Congress..  03 this week

• 48 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc.  01 this week (x Congressman)

• 73 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $72,000) 01this week
•  

COP stats since inception: August 2009

• 65 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc..  this week
• 23 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine… 00 this week
• 17 major conferences attended..  this week (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, CBC, ASA, DPA, Dem & Repub. Presidential conventions.  etc)  this week
• 34 Appearances on major TV networks..this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
• 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.   If you agree that Modern Prohibition/War on Drugs is the most destructive, dysfunctional and immoral policy since slavery & Jim Crow and want to be a part of the solution…  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

MURDER TOLL

Speaking as a retired detective, I was astounded that your lament over the murder rate did not mention the massive role that drug prohibition plays in the carnage ( “Choosing Chicago’s murder toll; Defy the odds; Push the body count lower in 2014 and beyond,” Editorial, Dec.  29 ).  Per experts testifying in the U.S.  House, gang violence would be cut in half if, the gangs had no drugs to sell.  You do your readers a disservice not mentioning the biggest driver of felony crime in Chicago.

– – Howard Wooldridge, Washington