Date: Tue, 7 Dec 93 21:31:34 MST
From: [t j p] at [as.arizona.edu] (Ted Parvu)
To: [net tank] at [cica.cica.indiana.edu]
Subject: Here's that Elders story

Well blow me down.  Someone in politics said something intelligent instead
of being politically correct.  And it was one of Clinton's people.  I am
amazed.  Of course Clinton has suddenly decided she is out on a limb on this
one. :)

Ted
*************************
AP Online

AP 12/07 18:17 EST V0332


Copyright 1993. The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

   WASHINGTON (AP) -- Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders said Tuesday she believes
the United States would "markedly reduce our crime rate" by legalizing drug use.
The White House immediately distanced itself from her remarks.
   Some Republicans and conservatives accused her of undermining the war on
drugs and said she should be fired.
   Elders, fielding questions at the National Press Club, said legalization has
worked for one or two other countries where crime went down without drug use
going up.
   Elders told the press club that "60 percent of most of our violent crimes are
associated with alcohol or drug use.
   "Many times they're robbing, stealing and all of these things to get money to
buy drugs. I do feel that we would markedly reduce our crime rate if drugs were
legalized," she said.
   Elders, a former Arkansas health commissioner, said she does not know all
"the ramifications" of such a move but believes it warrants further study.
   The White House responded quickly.
   "The president is against legalizing drugs and he's not interested in
studying the issue," responded White House Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers.
   "She expressed a personal opinion. ... It's been made clear to her that the
president doesn't share that view," added Myers.
   Elders "has made similar radical statements about legalizing drugs in the
past," said Sen. Don Nickles, R-Okla. "I think President Clinton made a serious
mistake when he appointed Dr. Elders as surgeon general. She should be
replaced."
   Nickles added, "To have a top administration official talk about legalizing
drugs is a signal that the White House is raising the white flag of surrender
and giving up the war on drugs."
   "Americans must be wondering if the surgeon general is hazardous to our
health," said Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole, R-Kan., in a written statement.
"I am relieved that the president has disassociated himself from Dr. Elders'
remarks, but remain concerned with this administration's commitment to fighting
drugs."
   "This is just the opposite of what she should be doing as America's top
doctor," said Sen. Dan Coats, R-Ind.
   Coats, a longtime Elders' critic, said, "Her positions on a variety of issues
-- condom distribution, early sex education and now drug legalization -- are so
far outside the mainstream they are simply radical," said Coats. Legalizing
drugs would have "tragic consequences" for the nation's youth.
   The political right bitterly opposed Elders' nomination because of her strong
support for sex education and abortion rights.
   A conservative group, the Family Research Council, said Elders should either
apologize or be fired.
   Elders' office subsequently issued a statement saying the remarks were her
"personal observations based on the experiences of other countries." It
stressed, "there are no similar initiatives under consideration by the
administration or the Public Health Service at this time."