Sen. Richard Burr addresses abortion, ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

At a reception for pro-life supporters at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., addressed controversial issues with a crowd that included UNC students.

Burr answered questions related to health care reform, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and abortion. He explained his position on the issues and promoted conservative ideals.

Abortion

Burr criticized pro-choice President Barack Obama and said it is important to vote for a presidential candidate who believes life is precious.

“Government and elected representatives are here to protect life, not to construct a way to destroy it,” Burr said.

When asked what could be done to soften Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan’s heart, the audience laughed.

“There’s nothing more powerful than prayer,” Burr said in response.

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

A disappointed supporter, who said she was an army wife, asked Burr why he voted to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

“I felt it was important to support what I believe is an inevitable change,” Burr said.

“I was vehemently opposed to the timing.”

Burr said he supported it to avoid it going to the U.S. Supreme Court.

He also said he was concerned about the impact repealing the policy would have on military chaplains.

“Those people who truly believe in Jesus Christ won’t want to be chaplains in the military,” Burr said to the crowd. “That’s my biggest fear.”

Health care reform

Burr said he supported moving health care to the private sector and incorporating “the aspect of personal responsibility.”

He criticized Obama’s health care legislation.

“I have read it five times,” he said. “It can’t be changed; it’s fundamentally flawed.”

Burr defended Republicans’ intent to repeal the legislation without much optimism.

“We are going to give them an opportunity to change it,” Burr said.

“Eventually this bill will have to die.”

Burr ended the conference with words of encouragement for the marchers.

“What you are doing today is you are making sure the future of this country is ready for the impact that you are going to make,” he said.

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