A group called Law Enforcement Against Prohibition argues America has lost the War on Drugs and favors decriminalizing street narcotics. These former police officers, judges and lawyers have been on the frontlines of this war and say U.S. taxpayers have spent more than a trillion dollars since 1969 with very little evidence of success. They point to more than 500,000 drug-related offenders behind bars with cheap and more potent drugs readily available on our neighborhood streets.
It's a controversial proposition and many current members of law enforcement agencies strenuously disagree with narcotic legalization. We'll delve into the debate on Smart Talk Friday night at 8:30. Our guests are Howard Wooldridge, a retired police officer and education specialist with LEAP, and Chief Detective John Goshert of the Dauphin County Criminal Investigation Division.
We'll also share highlights of WITF's groundbreaking forum this week, Blueprint for Prosperity: The Role of Anchor Institutions. The forum gathered national and community leaders, clergy and citizen activists to analyze the problems of, and formulate a plan for, the revitalization of our cities. WITF undertook the project in partnership with the Martin Luther King (MLK) Leadership Development Institute and will broadcast the entire forum on June 21 at 6 p.m. Panelists included Harrisburg University President Dr. Mel Schiavelli, Jacksonville Florida's Blueprint for Prosperity original manager Dr. Jarik Conrad, and CEOs for Cities President Carol Coletta. WITF Sr. VP for Content Joyce Davis served as moderator of the forum.
And finally, you won't want to miss our segment on staycations ... sticking closer to home for a getaway this recession but still packing lots of fun and new adventures on your trip. Mickey Rowley, who directs tourism for Pennsylvania, Chris Barrett, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Genny Volgstadt with the state parks have terrific tips for affordable and easily accessible vacations right here in Central PA. Join us Friday at 8:30 p.m. for Smart Talk on WITF-TV!
