Excerpt: "The nation's chief doctor said he doesn't regret saying gun violence is a public health issue, calling his difficult confirmation process a consequence of speaking out."
Vivek Murthy, the new Surgeon General of the U.S. (photo: AP/Charles Dharapak)
Surgeon General: I Have No Regrets About Calling Gun Violence Public Health Issue
16 August 15
Vivek Murthy stands by comments, saying his rocky confirmation process resulted from a gun control stance that prompted NRA opposition
he nation’s chief doctor said he doesn’t regret saying gun violence is a public health issue, calling his difficult confirmation process a consequence of speaking out.
Surgeon general Vivek Murthy said Saturday that the backlash from his gun control statement was disappointing but not a surprise.
He was confirmed in December in the face of opposition from the National Rifle Association, in a rare defeat for the powerful gun lobby.
Murthy said the challenging process showed him the importance of community, including those from the medical, public health, tech and Asian American communities who rallied in support of him. He also credited his fiancee Alice Chen for helping him cope.
The doctor said he still believes gun violence is a preventable health problem, comparing it to seatbelts and swimming pool safety.
He spoke at the Asian American Journalists Association convention gala in San Francisco.
|
THE NEW STREAMLINED RSN LOGIN PROCESS: Register once, then login and you are ready to comment. All you need is a Username and a Password of your choosing and you are free to comment whenever you like! Welcome to the Reader Supported News community. |
