LEAP: Stories from the week of January 25, 2008

[Courtesy of LEAP's Howard Wooldridge] LEAP on the Hill Stories from the week of January 25, 2008 It’s not what you know: Howard walking down the hall in the Cannon House Building…’Afternoon Congresswoman Schmidt. How are things in Ohio?’ She replied, ‘Things are great, thanks.’ And the two ships passed in the night. Not that I recognize every MOC (Member of Congress) by a long shot, however, it is a project. Asking for some help: When you read an article in 2008 which touches upon your legislature, city or county needing to make tough decisions about what programs to cut or they are increasing taxes to pay for current polices, please send me a copy of it. This can take the form of a URL on the paper’s webpage, US mail or fax. The fed politicians are sensitive to what is happening in their districts. I will put the article in their hands. Thanks. Git r dun:* This week I was able to drop off nine letters you wrote to your MOCs. Thank you. Asking for the aide I had already met, I was able to have three good, follow-up conversations. This is exactly what I was hoping for…a 3-5 minute conversation with staffers. I asked for this at a bad time last year…between Thanksgiving & Christmas. If you have a minute, please email a copy of what I wrote below (feel free to add or subtract, as long the message does not go over one page), inserting the correct MOC’s name and I will print if off and hand deliver.. Thanks. Use ‘Script’ or ‘Script MT Bold’ on your signature and just email it. Several already have and it looks fine. Your name Address Email address Phone number Dear Senator XXX, I am a member of LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) and believe that our War on Drugs has been a disaster for both the country and its citizens. Recently, one of your aides met Howard Wooldridge, a retired police detective who represents LEAP on Capitol Hill. In the century of 9/11 and limited resources it is irresponsible to waste precious police resources on people who would be best served by the medical community. After 37 years of effort and the police spending a trillion tax dollars, the situation is worse! Drugs are cheaper, stronger and much easier to buy. Moreover, drug prohibition has been the most dysfunctional, immoral policy since slavery. I hope we can agree that it past time to become SMART on drugs. I also hope you could meet for a few minutes with Howard Wooldridge who can articulate my position. Sincerely, Your name here Howard can be reached at: [email protected]