Bruins debate Democratic, Republican stances on gun control, health care

Daily Bruin Bruin Republicans and Bruin Democrats discussed gun control, the Affordable Care Act and Russian sanctions Thursday night.
Three Bruin Democrats and three Bruin Republicans students detailed their parties’ policy stances in front of a crowd of about 30 in Bunche Hall for their annual political debate.
The two groups first discussed gun control, with Bruin Republicans affirming their support for the Second Amendment and disputing some of California’s gun control legislation.
“These laws don’t make any sense, they’re nonsensical,” said Julia Nista, internal vice president of Bruin Republicans and fourth-year political science student.
Nista added she thinks the laws are inconsistent and that the government should set a uniform standard for gun control legislation.
Bruin Democrats held that stricter gun control legislation is better, citing the declining rates of gun violence in Australia, which has strict gun control laws.
“Gun control is found to be extremely effective when implemented on a national level,” said Jack Price, a third-year history student.
Though both parties disagreed about the extent that gun control legislation should be implemented, they agreed strict background checks for people purchasing guns were vital to protect both the rights and safety of American citizens.
On health care, Bruin Democrats said they strongly opposed repealing the Affordable Care Act. They said a study from the Urban Institute, which researches economic and social policy, found about 30 million people would lose their insurance if the Affordable Care Act is repealed.
“Health care is a human right,” said Abbey Chapman, a second-year business economics student. “We have a duty to help the less fortunate.”
Chapman added the United States is the only major industrialized country that does not provide health care to its citizens.
Bruin Republicans argued the Affordable Care Act made individuals lose their health insurance and hurts the economy.
“If you don’t buy health insurance, you get fined,” ...


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