Posted January 27th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week January 11, 2013
The Perfect Speed? –Being There—: On Tuesday morning I attended a panel discussion held at the Brookings Institute. The topic was who would/should control marijuana policy; the federal government or the States? I was able to have a small chat with the ambassador from Holland and a longer chat with a board member (Francisco Thoumi) of the International Narcotics Control Board based in Vienna, Austria.
That afternoon I met with the aide to Congressman Polis (D-CO) who will be the prime sponsor of this session’s bill to repeal federal prohibition of marijuana.
Spending all day Friday on the Hill, I ended up with 12 presentations this week.
It IS who you know: later in the week I received this from Mr. Thoumi (in response to my standard meet & greet letter)
…..In ten days I will go to Vienna to attend an International Drug Control Board session. That is going to be very interesting because the Board will have to face the recent developments in Colorado, Washington State, Guatemala and Uruguay and the global support to Bolivia’s rejoining the conventions with reserves.
Please keep me abreast of developments in your organization.
Best..
Such letters keep me going.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 1013 Presentations to Congressional staffers..12 this week
- 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 21 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers
- 43 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, etc
- 69 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $68,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 22 Radio Interviews
- 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 30 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, etc.
- 11 major conferences attended (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, etc)
- Permanent invitation to 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. 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:
- Marijuana Prohibition by the Numbers – January 2013
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- Legalizing Marijuana in Washington and Colorado – A Shot Heard ‘Round the World’
- The United Nations will NOT invade nor attack Colorado & Washington. This per a 2007 declaration by then United Nations Drug Czar Antonio Costa.
- George Mason University School of Law professor Greve stated that state sales would not put USA in violation of the 1961 Single Convention Treaty which established world-wide prohibition of marijuana.
- Washington: Republican candidate for US Senate Michael Baumgartner of Washington on October 4, 2012 endorsed legalization. He became first Senatorial candidate from a major party in modern times to call for legalization. Legalization polled nearly half million more votes than Romney.
- Colorado: legalization polled 68,000 more than Romney, helped by former Congressman Tom Tancredo who worked the conservative crowd to vote yes on legalization.
- On November 6, Washington & Colorado, via ballot initiative made one ounce legal to possess and use for adults 21 and over. Both essentially will handle marijuana (including sales) like alcohol, selling it from single product stores (like an ABC store) regulated by the state. Colorado allows adults to possess 6 plants for grow your own, while WA does not allow personal grows. WA implemented a DUIM law with a blood level maximum of five (5) nanograms. Colorado continues to rely on officer’s professional judgment on impaired driving + subsequent blood test to show presence of marijuana. WA passed by 56% v 44% and CO passed by 55% v 45%
- Revenue Projections:
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- Colorado: State sales tax on med pot was 5 million in 2011. Projection for general use is $42M in taxes + a savings of 12 million in law enforcement costs.
- Washington: Bureaucrats in Olympia estimate taxes on sales will amount to about 500 million per year. This author’s opinion is less than half that.
- 20 states have decriminalized MJ in some form; WSJ oped 1-5-13 (decrim = no possible jail time)
- 18 states have legal, medicinal use = one American in three has state-level, legal access to God’s medicine. In November, Massachusetts voted for medical use by 63 v 37.
- White House Reaction: has been a ‘thundering silence’ to date.
- Reaction S/O the Border:
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- Mexico – new President Peña Nieto has called for review of entire drug policy because of WA, CO legalization. Questions why MX should continue arresting its citizens for growing for export.
- Guatemala – new President Perez Molina has called for legalization of all drugs to stop violence there.
- Colombia – new President Santos has publically questioned why marijuana should be illegal there.
- The vote this fall has been heard “around the world.” The voters of Colorado and Washington cracked a big hole in the world-wide ‘Berlin Wall’ of marijuana prohibition. Even Holland, with their system of coffeehouses, does not measure up to full legalization in these two states.
- And there is no going back. Even if federal agents crack down hard in CO & WA, try finding a jury to convict..of anything. While in Colorado I had a meeting with Boulder County district attorney Stan Garnett. He reiterated what he said on ’60 Minutes, ’that seating a jury of 12 on a marijuana case would be impossible. Jury nullification will be a fact in these two states.
- Michigan also had five city-wide important votes that demonstrate the will of the voters. The City of Detroit voted 3 to 1 to legalize marijuana. Even extremely conservative Grand Rapids (more churches per square mile than any city in the USA) made simple possession a civil infraction, like a parking ticket. All five votes ended in victory for the anti-prohibition side. Politicians have been put on notice of the will of the people. They ignore these votes at their peril.
- LOSERS:
- Oregon’s initiative to legalize for personal use was defeated 48 v 52 (over reach by OR activists)
- Arkansas medical marijuana initiative was defeated 47 v 53 (first try in southern state)
Posted January 10th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Back in the saddle again: The ‘fiscal cliff’ crisis being in the rearview mirror, I returned to the House buildings to make presentations and update my records. I managed 5 presentations in a day and a half. Felt great.
Friday I had a case of the ‘feel me no goods’ and took a sick day….my first in 6 years (not counting the 3 weeks I was out with my stroke).
I made this 8 minute tape a year ago. My camera guy Jeff Newman did some editing and put this up on YouTube. Quelle Surprise….over 13,000 views. Next time I will try to rent a tela-prompter. I also did this in Spanish which will be ready later this year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tykf4437YTg
Howard, would you mind? Grover Norquist came over to me just before the start of his brunch and asked me to give the group a 3 minute report (speakers are limited to 3 minutes) on the marijuana votes across America in 2012. After the meeting he asked me to prepare a written handout for the assembled for next week. I was thrilled.
New Friends: Late last year I met the man who wrote this Christmas note. He is the chief TV reporter for a major Mexican network. Short translation was warm greetings to me and his best wishes for success with our issue in 2013. This is an example of why I spend 7-8 hours per week keeping my Spanish fluent. Mexican people are 70/30 against legalize/regulate. I will do my part to improve that picture.
Howard:
Perdon por no responder, pero estaba de viaje y sin ver mensajes electronicos … Me parece estupenda la eleccion de Hispanos al Congreso y le envio un fuerte abrazo con mis mejores deseos de que 2013 sea un Ano Nuevo lleno de triunfos para su causa …
Saludos,
1001 Presentations to Congressional staffers..5 this week
- 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 21 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers
- 43 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, etc
- 69 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $68,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 22 Radio Interviews
- 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 30 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, etc.
- 11 major conferences attended (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, etc)
- Permanent invitation to 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. 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:
Posted December 28th, 2012 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the weeks of December 21 & December 28, 2012
Busted!: Today I scratched my itch for Mexican food at Chipotles. As usual I parked at the nearby McDonald’s, positioning my car so the drive-thru crowd would read the signs on the rear of my car (COPS SAY LEGALIZE POT). Upon my return the assistant manager called me over to the window. Expecting to be told not park there again, instead, reading my shirt – she asked why cops want to legalize pot. She and the cashier had a few more questions before they thanked me for my time. Whew!~! As you know, I am a 24/7 kind of guy and my car too.
End of the year cleaning & catch up: My desk is nearly clean, expense reports done and all Christmas cards and emails sent (400). Though the Senate offices are mostly intact, all the oxygen in this town is being consumed by the ‘Fiscal Cliff.’ I will hit the ground running next Wednesday.
I want to thank all of you who are Members and support my work. Below are the stats, since COP was incorporated on August 1, 2009. I hope and trust you believe my time and your money are well spent. What else can I do? Your suggestions are welcomed.
- 996 Presentations to Congressional staffers
- 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 21 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers
- 43 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, etc
- 69 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $68,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 22 Radio Interviews
- 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 30 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, etc.
- 11 major conferences attended (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, etc)
- Permanent invitation to 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. 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:
“Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth, for being correct, for being you. Never apologize for being correct, or for being years ahead of your time. If you’re right and you know it, speak your mind. Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is still the truth.”
~ Gandhi
Posted December 18th, 2012 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the weeks of December 7 and 14, 2012
Call United Van Lines: The hallways of the House Office Buildings are a mess. Furniture is stacked up in the hallways of over half the offices. This in preparation to deep clean the offices of those defeated or retired and Members who want a nicer office now have more seniority. Name plates are stripped from their mounts, as if the Congressman were already gone. Thus, making presentations is impossible.
The Senate affords their Members a bit more dignity. The Senators leaving are allowed in their offices until the last day of the session. Then the hallways become the same mess as the House. Since all energy is focused on the ‘Fiscal Cliff’ not much else can be done.
Mundane work for COP: This whole month is primarily devoted to cleaning up my spread sheets, dropping the Members no longer here and adding the 70 or so that are coming to town for the first time. I have also sent out some 200 email Christmas greetings to journalists and VIPs I have met over the years.
CATO has put on two excellent programs regarding drug prohibition. On the 5th I arrived early and was rewarded. The DC correspondent for the largest Mexican television network: Televisa: and I started chatting upon his arrival. He then asked for a 5 minute in camera interview on the topic. ?You want to be on Mexican TV? Be ready at the drop of a hat to be fluent in Spanish! NOTE: Unless there is an important event or hearing in DC, every Tuesday morning you will find me in a two hour ‘charla’ group at a local coffee shop. That is how I maintain and improve my Spanish. My T-shirt allows me to speak to dozens per week. With TV the same message reaches sometimes into the low millions.
I also attended a film opening in DC, “Colombia Unwrapped.” I had an excellent chat with the director and producer. Neill Franklin of LEAP was one of the several stars. He is a natural for a documentary.
I attended a strategy session on marijuana on the 11th. We in reform are confident that our Member/Champion will introduce a bill in the House almost identical to the first one: HR 2306….apply the 10th Amendment – States’ Rights. I am relieved.
Throw in a one hour radio program for attorneys and that describes the two weeks.
A moderate wind is blowing on my back. It feels wonderful. It feels strange. I remember well the gale winds in my face in Texas, when I started this journey 15 years ago.
Merry Christmas to you and your family and or Season’s Greetings. Hug the kids a little tighter. We have a 3 y/o grandson in Connecticut who just started pre-school. For 2-3 seconds my brain whirled at the thought he could he be a victim, before I realized he could not. Still.
Carpé Diem.
Fourth year stats for COP- August 1, 2012 thru July 31, 2013:
52 Presentations to Congressional staffers: 1 this week
4 TV (major networks = Fox, ABC, Televisa etc) interviews: 1 this week
7 Radio interviews: 1 this week
15 Blog, cable TV, minor media events: 1 this week
7 Newspaper articles: this week
2 seminar, hearing or briefing attended: this week
1 chat with Congressman: this week
11 Presentations to lesser VIPs: this week
Total stats for COP in first 3 years (not including Fourth Year stats):
- 944 Presentations to Congressional staffers
- 26 Appearances on major TV networks
- 14 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers
- 27 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, etc
- 66 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $65,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 33 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 19 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, etc.
- 10 major conferences attended (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, etc)
- Permanent invitation to 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. 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:
Posted December 11th, 2012 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the weeks of November 16, 23 and 30– 2012
Cruise = 7 Rotaries?: Upon our (Misty and me) return to Maryland, we were barely unpacked, when it was time to take our first ever cruise ( our here = Karen and I). We flew to Fort Lauderdale. We broke bread with Irvin Rosenfeld (one of 4 federal patients who receives 300 MJ cigarettes each month) & Irvin’s significant other. The ship carried us to four ports-of-call in the Caribbean.
Besides resting and resting some more, I ended up being asked “Why?” about 70 times with a total audience of about 250 (15% of all the passengers) during the seven day cruise. Know that just answering the question is not work, just enjoyable. Karen was a great prop, as her hair was just starting to grow back i.e. less than a centimeter long.
Impure thoughts?: We in DC are having a 2013-2014 strategy meeting next week to decide what type of marijuana bill we will recommend to Members of Congress. Recall that in 2011 reformers ‘larded up’ a bill with all kinds of crap that would make it easy for a Member to oppose the bill in general. Luckily, Congressman Frank and Paul cleaned up the bill which eventually became a straight-forward ‘Repeal Federal Prohibition of Marijuana Bill’ = HR 2306.
Good news. I have spoken with two of the major players in reform and both said that we should recommend something simple and clean like 2306. It ain’t over but whew!
It is who you know that counts: On November 28 Grover Norquist invited his brunch attendees to a C-Span event at the Newseum. Arriving early as always, I had 3 good chats with journalists. If you saw it, that bald head that was always in the camera was mine & you saw me for two seconds at the very end putting on the Stetson. Time well spent. I took the Metro to Grover’s brunch, chatting the whole time with one of the 3 journalists.
Fourth year stats for COP- August 1, 2012 thru July 31, 2013:
51 Presentations to Congressional staffers: this week
3 TV (major networks = Fox, ABC, etc) interviews
6 Radio interviews: this week
14 Blog, cable TV, minor media events: this week
7 Newspaper articles: this week
2 seminar, hearing or briefing attended: this week
1 chat with Congressman: this week
11 Presentations to lesser VIPs: this week
Total stats for COP in first 3 years ( not including Fourth Year stats):
- 944 Presentations to Congressional staffers
- 26 Appearances on major TV networks
- 14 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers
- 27 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, etc
- 66 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $65,000)
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 33 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 19 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, etc.
- 10 major conferences attended (CPAC, LULAC, NRA, etc)
- Permanent invitation to 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. 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:
