To the Point
Prison Reform: The War on Drugs and Public Safety
The US has more people in prison than China, a country that’s 4 times larger. Now, there’s bipartisan support for cutting the sentences of almost half of all current federal prisoners. But some hardliners still maintain that tough sentencing is the reason that crime is on the decline. We’ll hear conflicting opinions.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenThe US has more people in prison than China, a country that’s 4 times larger. Even many conservatives say it’s not worth the cost. Pennsylvania and Texas are among 35 States enacting reforms by declaring a partial truce in the nationwide War on Drugs. Now, there’s bipartisan support for cutting the sentences of almost half of all current federal prisoners. But some hardliners still maintain that tough sentencing is the reason that crime is on the decline. We’ll hear conflicting opinions.
Also, Congress seeks common ground on improving health care at the Veterans Administration, and will the trial of a former Governor change politics in Virginia?
Banner Image Credit: Bob Jagendorf
In this episode
3 storiesCongress Seeks Common Ground on VA Bill… If Not Others
This is the last week until the Senate and Congress take their August recess, and a lot of the nation’s business will remain undone. But there just might be an agreement on improving health care at the Veterans Administration. Susan Ferrechio is Chief Congressional Correspondent for the Washington Examiner.
Read the story6 minMass Incarceration: Is a Solution in Sight?
The US has so many inmates in prison it’s been called “the incarceration nation.” It has more inmates than any other country, including China, which has 4 times the population.
Read the story37 minVA. Ex-Governor’s Trial Begins
The Washington Post points out that, until January, Robert McDonnell held the same office once occupied by Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. But McDonnell’s the first Governor of Virginia to be charged with a crime. He and his wife Maureen face 14 charges of public corruption and lying on financial documents.
Read the story7 min
