the handicapped should not be eligible to recieve any benefits from the government, and/or society

My opponents argument is extremely shallow. I will build my own case that will show that disabled people need special consideration by analyzing the definitions within the phrase, and demonstrate that it is a "moral duty" of the United States to provide such accommodation. My opponent says that accommodations are good. So we agree on that... but he believes that "The principle to be applied in general is "Provide things to others based on the values it will cause them to provide to you." I would like to provide another principle which this country idealizes. Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of happiness. The principle that my opponent provided is aimed more towards economics, where the principle that I provided is one which idealizes social equality and opportunity. I find (and I hope the voters will) mine to be more relevent to the nature of this debate. We as a country value living life to its fullest extent, which is why we provide disability checks, and handicapped accessible housing. So that people with disabilities can pursue life, liberty and happiness. "I am opposed to the extension of "special" considerations toward anyone, by anyone, be it government or any other actor (Society is not an entity, it cannot take any actions)." My response: Society can't take actions? So the American Colonists who led the revolution weren't a society? What about secret societies... the Mafia? All of these are societies that take action. And all of these societies are functioning entities. 1) Disability checks There is no doubt that a check, given to the disabled just for being disabled is a benefit. It is a benefit for the individual and for the government. In some cases, people with disabilities have no other way to generate income and collecting a monthly check is their only option. My opponent will argue that this is a mutually beneficial relationship between the individual and the government, since the disabled person pays taxes on his or her income; my opponent and I both agree that it is a good thing, where our viewpoints will differ is in deciding whether or not this is, as I outlined in my definition, a "special consideration". I will define both words in the phrase to prove that this is a special consideration. The definition of special: particular: unique or specific to a person or thing or category. The definition of consideration: the process of giving careful thought to something When analyzing both definitions one can come to the conclusion that a disability check is a special consideration, because such a check is exclusively available to the disabled. It is also a consideration because the government considers it justifiable to give a check to the disabled for no other reason than that they are disabled. This principle based on definitions is applied to all of my subsequent arguments. 2) Disabled housing. Disabled housing, as the name suggests, is housing built exclusively for the needs of the disabled. Some of the features in such houses are fixtures and everyday necessities that are adjusted to fit the need (usually lowered) of disabled patrons; such as: sinks, cabinets, light fixtures, and the like. Such houses are free from stairs or equipped with a ramp if an incline is necessary in accordance with the American Disabilities Act of 1990. Such projects take muchlonger to complete and are generally more expensive than the average American home, because all of the extra amenities cost extra money. It is imoeritive that the government provides the disabled sector of society with such accommodations, because without them it is impossible and hypocritical for the American government to promote such ideals as "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," and "liberty and justice for all." 3) Education In accordance with the American Disability Act of 1990, all post-secondary educational institutions must (upon student approval) take into account a student's disability into consideration in the application process. This is an effort to aid disabled citizens, in the betterment and independence of their lives. Provisions within the bill include: the mandatory hiring of a paraprofessional instructional aid (upon request from the student). Paraprofessional aides, assist those with disabilities both inside, and outside of the classroom. The duties of such an aide are dependent on the student's needs and personal preference. A disability should be taken into consideration when applying to a college, because, schools realize that it is much harder (almost impossible) to find a sustainable, rewarding (both monetarily and otherwise) job for those with disabilities. Such mandates are indeed the moral responsibility of a country that promote liberty and justice for all. Without such accommodations, the very basis of our country's moral standards would be in shambles. Conclusion We can all see (including my opponent) that accommodations for the disable are positive not only for the individual, but for the society. I am not advocating hand-outs just fo hand-outs sake, I find (as a disabled person) that some people need aid from the government and societal charities. In an idealistic world, where their where people weren't born with disadvantages beyond their control, there would be no need for this resolution, but in a world marred with scars and sickness, someone must be their to give the those afflicted a hand up, and they must do so with care. It is a moral obligation. We must give "special consideration," because you can't treat a blind citizen's ailment with the same procedure as you would do with someone crippled by polio, cerebral palsy or MS.