Am I ever off-duty? Tom (an LT in the Frederick PD) and I ride horses out of the same ranch. I did not need to convert him, as we rode together last fall. He simply agreed with all I said. This week while throwing saddles over our horses, I asked if he would be willing to testify in Annapolis for a couple of crime bills. Recently retired, he readily agreed. BTW, the question was rhetorical. I am never off duty. How to frame the question?: Once a month I rise at 5:15 to have breakfast with 40-60 very conservative folks at the Leadership Institute. I arrive before any other guests to ensure a seat next to the cameraman. He also holds the microphone which is passed around as invitees ask questions. Thus I always get to ask a question. This week President Bush’s legal counsel and senior advisor Ed Gillespie spoke to us. When you only have one chance, what part of prohibition does one bring up? How to make a statement in the disguise of a question? ‘Mr. Gillespie, as a police officer I know that every hour my federal colleagues, especially the FBI, chase after drug dealers, means they have less time to investigate terrorists like al Qaeda. Why in the century of 9/11 are FBI agents still chasing drug issues, like medical marijuana gardens? He gave the standard answer; i.e. fighting the war on drugs does not diminish our nation’s ability to effectively fight the war on terror. However afterwards, I had 4 persons come up to me and state they believed I was correct and the President’s senior advisor was wrong. Small steps. I do my best work.. in the bathroom? (or please pass the paper towels Mr. Will) Three days this week I attended my third CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference). 6,000 of the most dedicated, conservative citizens in America gather each year at a fancy hotel in DC. On Thursday I came face to face with George Will (columnist, TV show guest, extremely knowledgeable and influential person) in the bathroom. We both reached for paper towels. The container was empty. “Mr. Will.” I said I realized who he was. Pausing for only a second, I continued, “I write you every three months, asking you to take a position either in favor or against the war on drugs.” I waited a few seconds. No reply. As we left, I told him I enjoyed all his opeds. Later that evening, I came face to face with Tom DeLay. He was the House Majority Leader for many years. I maneuvered my way to open the exit door just before he did. I paused for a couple of seconds to make sure he could read the “COPS SAY LEGALIZE DRUGS” on my t-shirt. If I can not persuade, I settle for irritate. Think of me as poison ivy. LOL And the winner is: My colleague Bill Piper of Drug Policy Alliance gave me the scoop on why/how the Congress cut big money to the local drug task force groups. It was President Bush who pushed hard and won major cuts in the Byrne Program. Thank you Mr. Bush.