Gun-bill debate is needed, Coburn says
By CHRIS CASTEEL NewsOK.com on Apr 13, 2013, at 2:29 AM Updated on 4/13/13 at 6:02 AM
Sen. Tom Coburn drew harsh criticism after voting Thursday to allow debate on a bill that proposes expanded background checks on gun buyers. JAMES GIBBARD/ Tulsa World file
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A former Australian government leader has blamed the gun culture in the United States for the shooting death of an Australian baseball player in Oklahoma and condemned America's lax firearm controls as a corruptive influence around the world.
WASHINGTON - Responding to outrage over his vote to advance gun legislation past a procedural hurdle, Sen. Tom Coburn said Friday that debate on the bill was necessary to address gaps that allow "dangerous people" to acquire firearms.
"Every act of gun violence not only takes away the rights - and sometimes lives - of victims but also chips away at the rights of law-abiding citizens," Coburn said in a lengthy statement.
"Responsible gun owners should be leading the effort to make sure firearms are used for the purpose our founders' intended - self-defense and freedom, not mayhem and murder."
Coburn, R-Okla., received a barrage of negative comments on his Facebook page and at his offices in Washington and Oklahoma for his vote Thursday to allow debate on a bill proposing to expand background checks and crack down on gun trafficking.
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Original Print Headline: Coburn: Debate on gun bill needed
Follow the gun debate
Read complete coverage of the issue.
Gun Debate
A former Australian government leader has blamed the gun culture in the United States for the shooting death of an Australian baseball player in Oklahoma and condemned America's lax firearm controls as a corruptive influence around the world.
