Posted March 24th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of March 15, 2013
My wife. I think I will keep her: It took Karen several efforts and she finally convinced me to buy the big ticket to CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference = 12,000 rabid conservatives). Note – it kills me to spend money, especially yours. My sister also nudged me to invest in the VIP ticket. It paid off. Chats with two (2) US Senators was just the beginning.
I did stay at the Motel 6 located about 6 miles from the conference and Subway was my lunch spot. It was a trio of 16 hour days = my voice was mostly gone as the conference ended + my energy level hovered at zero. Too many birthdays. Grrr. The purpose of going was to promote this issue by being visible amongst 12,000. Between the ‘cowboy’ persona and COP shirt, Mission Accomplished.
Sadly, no other drug reform organization sent a representative. I can only shake my head.
Shhhh: As Senator Marco Rubio was speaking, a cell phone went off 8 rows back. The older gentleman was speaking Spanish quite loudly. Finally after 45 seconds I went back to him and informed him in Spanish that he was bothering the others around him. He immediately began whispering and soon hung up.
Later that afternoon that gentleman was introduced at a VIP reception I attended. He was the father of Texas US Senator Ted Cruz. The host of the event insisted I meet Cruz Sr. and we had a nice chat. No hard feelings.
Two days later his son the Senator Cruz gave the closing speech at CPAC. I came early enough to claim the chair closest to the speaker – about 10 meters. After the speech he shook hands with some in the VIP section. As he shook my hand he commented, ”Thank you for wearing that shirt.” I floated out of the hall, thanking Karen and my sister all the way.
I attended several other receptions/soirées, including Grover Norquist’s. All productive. Wearing dress pants & the shirt over my dress shirt and tie, I was able to combine the message and still be relatively well-dressed. Several said I was the most photographed person at the 12,000 person event. I passed out some 150 business cards and had my picture taken at least that much. Okay, whatever moves the needle. I had nine (9) in camera interviews of which only one – CBS – was a major one. Another 10 interviewed me for their paper/blog/not sure. One was The Times of London. Another was from Germany.
How to be quoted in Germany’s largest, daily paper?: The reporter from the Süddeutsche Zeitung (South German newspaper) was mostly interested on my take of the Iraq war. My quotes below are about the war. On the positive side he mentioned I was a former police officer who wants to legalize marijuana. Note: I spend an hour every Saturday morning with a group that speaks German.
Auf der CPAC-Konferenz bekennt immerhin ein Mann, dass die Invasion vor zehn Jahren schlicht ein Fehler war. Howard Wooldridge, ein früherer Polizeibeamter, sagt: “Wir hatten keinen Grund, im Irak einzumarschieren.” Wooldridge kämpft eigentlich dafür, Cannabis zu legalisieren, und trägt, um Aufmerksamkeit zu erregen, einen Cowboy-Hut. Es wundert ihn nicht, dass Irak hier eher verdrängt wird. “Wir sehen uns selbst als die guten Kerle”, sagt er, “und wir geben nicht gern zu, dass wir Fehler gemacht haben.”
Aber wer ist “wir”? Die Rechten? “Ach”, sagt er, “alle Amerikaner.”
At the very bottom of this newsletter is me on the front page of the Chicago Tribune. No, the foto does not move our issue but I have developed a relationship with the photographer who sold the foto. Building relationships is, as you know, a large key to the overall effectiveness of COPs.
On the last day I went totally casual in shirt and jeans.
Buzz feed URL below is where the above foto came from. For a glimpse of what CPAC is, the fotos tell the story.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/bennyjohnson/fab-or-drab-cpac-edition
http://media.talkingpointsmemo.com/slideshow/cpac-2013/1-296517 you go here, you’ll see the COP guy at the end of the second day…already tired. COP members tell me that BuzzFeed and TalkingPointsMemo are a big deal on the Internet.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 1130 Presentations to Congressional staffers..05 this week
- 31 Appearances on major TV networks..01 this week(Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
- 54 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. 09 this week
- 71 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000) = this week
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 27 Radio Interviews..01 this week
- 34 brief chats with Members of Congress..02 this week
- 34 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 01 this week
- 12 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 March 22nd, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of March 8, 2013
Exposure at highest level: The new Defense Secretary, former Senator Chuck Hagel, was exposed to the COP message a few years back. He had spoken at the CATO Institute. I positioned myself near the door. Just before leaving, I was able to shake his hand. He backed up a step to read the COP shirt, remarked it was interesting (with a grin) and disappeared.
Glad I was not shot: Walking in front of the Capitol on my way to the House Office Buildings, the 30 MPH wind caught my hat and it went sailing. I began running and it ended up next to the main bldg 100 yards from the starting point. As I bent down to retrieve it, I noticed the Capitol Police officer who had been running after me. Oops, I had entered a security zone. Luckily, he knew me from the hat, was very friendly, and escorted me back to the sidewalk. First loss of hat in six years.
Like a box of chocolates: After a super chat with an assistant, two minutes later the next one challenged my statement, “14 year olds should not have a job option which gets them shot. I would trade a thousand dead Charlie Sheens to save one 14 y/o selling drugs.” Pushing back, the assistant replied that the 14 y/o had a choice. I responded there is a reason we don’t let 14 y/o neither drive nor vote…lack of maturity.
I moved on from there but the assistant was obviously a fan of drug prohibition, as is his Republican boss from Texas.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 1125 Presentations to Congressional staffers..10 this week
- 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
- 45 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
- 71 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000) = this week
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 26 Radio Interviews.. this week
- 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 34 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. this week
- 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 March 3rd, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week of March 1, 2013
Sign of the Times: An email exchange with a Legislative Director I have known for years ended like this. “You’re on the right side of history my friend.” These types of little notes are instructive as to the ‘feel’ of DC on this issue.
Cowboy hat as business expense?: On Monday evening I attended a Texas delegation soirée in the Rayburn Bldg. Senator Cornyn was there along with a number of Congressmen. Amazingly, I was the only one in the 150 attending wearing a cowboy hat. Thus, a member of the Republican National Committee grabbed me and asked for my story. Later, two legislative aides from the Senator’s office asked about my mission on the hill. One LA rides horses so she received a copy of a 3,000 word story Misty wrote back in 2003 “How to Cross Really Tall Bridges” by Smooth Georgia Mist. Later that aide wrote and wants to have coffee and talk about the COP mission and The Long Ride. All good stuff. BTW, Karen said NO to expensing the next Stetson. Having a tax CPA for a wife means ‘no coloring outside the lines.’ Grrrr.
New MO – Modus Operandi: Previously I would walk into an office and simply ask who the Legislative Assistant is who handles the COP issues. Starting this January, I made the stop more informative. “Hi, my name is Howard Wooldridge. I am a retired police detective who represents an organization which believes all drug issues should be handled by doctors and clinics, not cops and prisons. Who is you LA who handles judiciary, war on drugs, etc.?”
Because of this change I end up having excellent 2-3 minute chats with the front office people who are intrigued by COP ideas. Since the first of the year I have had about 20 of these mini-presentations.
Late this week a cold knocked me on my butt and I only managed the above, 5 presentations and 1 radio interview. I am fine enough now and back full-time on Monday.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 1115 Presentations to Congressional staffers..05 this week
- 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
- 45 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
- 71 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000) = this week
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 26 Radio Interviews..1 this week
- 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 34 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 1 this week
- 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 February 26th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week February 22, 2013
VIP Meetings: I earned several helpings of Crown Royal whiskey and Swiss chocolate this week
*30 minute chat with the Chief of Staff of a leader of the CBC-Congressional Black Caucus. The Member has always supported the Drug War but his C of S and Legislative Director will both try to convince him to adopt the COP position because of the horrific civil rights violations committed in the name of drug policy. I have known these staffers for four (4) years. The feeling I had when I walked out of their office was a combo of elation and satisfaction, knowing all the hard work of 7 years is coming to fruition.
*20 minute private meeting with Grover Norquist and his Chief of Staff. I asked for his support for HR 499 – (Federal MJ Repeal bill). I can report a good meeting that was productive.
*2 minute chat with Texas Governor Perry. I attended a Texas Society breakfast where everyone introduced themselves. After saying my name and being from Fort Worth, I held up my “LONG RIDER” buckle and said, “And you earn this buckle when you ride your TEXAS horse across America, coast to coast.” I was later able to ask a question, stating I was a retired detective who believed that chasing Willie Nelson and a green plant were nonsense and a waste of good police time. I then asked a question about the 20,000 rape kits in Texas that had never been opened.
A few minutes later in the receiving line, the Governor said he knew of 3 young men riding from the Rio Grande to Canada. He thought my experience might help them and thus he asked for my business card. We spoke on my issue for a moment. This may or may not develop into something more but it does show the power of just showing up is half of any win.
Not bad for a 30 dollar breakfast or one year’s dues to COP.
Too busy week in the House, as they were in recess. 23 meetings with staff plus a newspaper interview. Whew!
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 1110 Presentations to Congressional staffers..23 this week
- 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
- 45 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. 1 this week
- 71 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000) = this week
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 25 Radio Interviews.. this week
- 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 33 chats with other elected officials, state reps, senators, VIPs, etc. 1 this week
- 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 February 24th, 2013 by hiwayhowie
COP on the Hill
Stories from the week February 15, 2013
Just like Ron Paul: This week I was able to ask two offices if their co-sponsorship of the Federal Repeal of Marijuana Act of 2011 had been a campaign issue last fall and had their support hurt them. Both said no & no. Both Members won by large margins.
Ron Paul would win his elections by numbers like 75/25. Now other parts of the country are also treating a federal repeal position as a low political risk, no-brainer.
Working conditions: Leaving the Longworth bldg close to 5:00 this week, one of the Capitol Police called out, “Good night sheriff.” As I walked the ¾ mile (1.1KM) to the train station, I reflected on the officer’s greeting. When I first started in the fall of 2005, the atmosphere of my working day was tense on a regular basis. Republican aides were often hostile, demeaning outright rude.
Now I encounter hostility maybe once a month and the vast majority of aides from both parties are openly friendly and want to help me succeed. I have had chats with many of the officers, they read my jacket and they whisper their support. From my house and back to my front door averages an 11 hour day and is no picnic. The wind at my back and the change in staff attitude sure makes the day go faster though.
COP stats since inception: August 2009
- 1087 Presentations to Congressional staffers..9 this week
- 30 Appearances on major TV networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Univision)
- 22 published interviews in major (daily)newspapers or magazine this week
- 44 interviews and reports in minor media = blogs, cable TV, weekly papers, etc.. this week
- 71 published letters to the editor (value per MAPINC in free publicity: $70,000) = this week
- 2 editorials in daily papers mentioning my efforts & in support of COP position
- 25 Radio Interviews.. this week
- 34 brief chats with Members of Congress
- 31 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:
