Violence and Public Health Issues

The surgeon general talked about violence in the U.S., particularly in urban areas, and its toll in the large numbers of young black males killed or permanently disabled. She advocates reframing the violence debate from a crime issue to a public health issue, emphasizing the prevention of firearm injuries. Following her prepared remarks, the surgeon general took questions from the audience. In answer to a question about legalization of drugs, she stated, "...I do feel that we would markedly reduce our crime rate if drugs were legalized, but I don't know all the ramifications of this. I do feel that we need to do some studies." This statement caused great controversy, and even President Clinton responded, saying he was not in favor of the legalization of drugs.