This debate is very tricky because of the amount of personal weight it carries; unfortunately there are many sad stories about the death of innocent victims and the mercy given to the guilty. However, this debate clearly went to the side that opposes gun laws that give free reign to the "self-defense" cop out.
One effective example given by this side was that story of the unarmed neighbor that was shot because his neighbor felt threatened by him. There is not a lot of context surrounding this story, but that is exactly the point. If there is a lack of information or witnesses, it should not be made easier to obtain dangerous weapons. The constitution says it is our right to bear arms, not our privilege to bear arms because we want to. Right carries the idea of responsibility of looking out for ourselves and our neighbors, not killing people because we feel threatened.
Another strong point that was made was the fact that "justifiable" homicides have tripled. I don't remember the exact statistic, nor does it really matter; what matters is that more people are being allowed to walk free under the cover of this "self-defense." Again this goes back to the argument that we as citizens have a responsibility to protect, not to endanger, society.
Lastly, it is a right to bear arms, there is no doubt about that. However, due to the increasing number of deaths that have nothing to do with self-defense, it is clear that these laws do nothing more than put guns in the hands of passionate people with no intentions of defending themselves, or more importantly, those around them.
Vote: Repeal gun laws.
One final note: there was a lack of policy claims in this argument. It is difficult to say how laws should be rewritten, especially in regards to a emotionally charged subject. However, what must be done in reaction to this subject is extremely important.
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