LEAP on the Hill: Stories from the week of March 27, 2009

Can you spell progress? Due to the Mess in Mexico, the Congress has held nearly a dozen hearings, several of which I attended. Two Members -- Tierney (D-MA) and Rohrabacher (CA-R) -- both openly asked if legalizing drugs would reduce or eliminate the violence and mayhem in Mexico. For the first time in my nearly 3 years the L word has been used as a means to reduce crime and violence. This is work? Twenty-six years ago I visited a buddy in Los Alamos, New Mexico – Bob Hammonds. After receiving his PHD in nuclear physics and some time in the Air Force, he began working at the National Labs. He told me he went to work 6-7 days every week because he enjoyed it. I just shook my head. I loved police work but not THAT much. Today I work all week and then put in 4-5 hours on Saturday and Sunday. Now I understand Bob and his idea of fun/satisfaction. While he enjoyed maniupulating protons and neutrons, I am part of a team moving the nation to change its drug policy. For me, in this time, the tasks I perform generate so much satisfaction, I don’t think of the time as being at ‘work.’ Having Karen’s understanding and support to put in the hours is a crucial blessing. I am a lucky boy in so many ways. Howard Officer Howard 'Cowboy' Wooldridge (retired) Education Specialist, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition www.CopsSayLegalizeDrugs.com Washington, DC Hablo espanol, je parle francais, Deutsch auch Howard J. Wooldridge 4619 Araby Church Road Frederick, MD 21704 817-975-1110 Cell [email protected]