Last night I had the opportunity to attend a gun debate between 4 student groups on the UW campus.
It was quite interesting, but if you follow the gun control debate, it was much of the same talking points, just done in a much less professional manner. Here's how I would sum up the talking points of the debate:
College Republicans: Guns are good. They help save lives. Here's some statistics.
Socialist Alternative: THE WHITE MAN AND CAPITALISM ARE CAUSING ALL THIS GUN VIOLENCE! Here's some statistics.
Young Americans for Liberty: We have a right to have guns, all guns. Here's some statistics.
Young Democrats at UW: People are dying right now because of those evil black assault rifles that are only designed for mass killing as well as those evil magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. Here's some statistics
The debate in itself was poorly done. It was only one hour long and the first 30 minutes was taken up by opening statements. There was only one planned question, then time for two audience questions before closing statements. I may only be a little bitter because they didn't ask my question.
Before closing statements, the word "constitution" was used only once, and it was used within the word "unCONSTITUTIONal." If there was any reference to the the constitution, or "rights," it was spoken of briefly and the argument ended at "it's our rights, so there." If you can believe this, my question was on the purpose of the 2nd amendment. I was assuming that the answers would sound something like this:
College Republicans: The 2nd amendment was designed so that citizens could protect themselves from bad guys.
Socialist Alternative: THE 2ND AMENDMENT WAS DESIGNED FOR THE WHITE MAN TO OPPRESS THE SLAVES AND IT SHOULD BE ABOLISHED! CAPITALISM IS BAD!!
Young Americans for Liberty: The 2nd amendment was designed so that citizens could fight off a tyrannical government.
Young Democrats at UW: The 2nd amendment was designed so that Americans could keep single shot, muzzle-loading muskets locked in a safe with a trigger lock. There's no real purpose behind it.
Alas, I was never able to affirm my predictions. Maybe next time.
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