"the pursuit of happiness" is more decorative than meaningful

In the introduction to this debate, I invited my opponent to explain the meaning of the phrase "the pursuit of Happiness". To win this debate, Con needs to explain two things:1. What "pursuit of Happiness" contributes to the Declaration that is not already covered by "Life" and "Liberty".2. What meaning "pursuit of Happiness" has for present day America, in particular to what extent it is a central mandate of the national character over and above the concepts of "Life" and "Liberty" etc.debate structureCon has chosen to skip an acceptance round and argue first. Therefore, in order for both sides to have an equal space of argument, he should refrain from arguing in round 4.definitionsBecause this debate is about the meaning of words and phrases, discussion of definitions should remain open. Although I do not disagree with Con's dictionary definitions as such, I accept them only as contributing to the discussion of the words' meaning rather than as absolutely definitive."The pursuit of Happiness" resonatesThe Declaration of Independence is one of the most famous texts in the world. Even people outside the United States, with no interest in history and politics have heard of it. It is concise, moving, and its aims - equality and liberty - are entirely admirable. "The pursuit of Happiness" sounds marvellous. Without it, "life and liberty" would be a bit prosaic. Indeed, it could be the very ambiguity of the phrase that adds such poetry to the Declaration.But what does it mean exactly?Con argues that the phrase probably does have a meaning. He guesses that it "is most likely a purpose in the founders belief system". But he does not attempt to explain what that purpose might be. I invite him to make that attempt in the next round.Why was the phrase used?Con concedes that "there is no conclusive explanation to why the phrase used." However, he suggests that despite this, the phrase has meaning, and puts forward two analogies to support this argument. Firstly, he compares the Declaration to a father endowing his daughter with "the pursuit of good investments". I'm afraid that this makes no sense to me at all. How can you endow someone with the pursuit of good investments? endow (verb): give or bequeath an income or property to (a person or institution) (1)Perhaps he means he endowed her with money, freedom to spend it, and wished good investments upon her. Yes, in that example, his blessing of good fortune is indeed additional to him endowing her with money. I can't see how this sheds any light on the "pursuit of Happiness" in the Declaration, however. The Declaration speaks of the pursuit of Happiness as an unalienable Right. Not as a blessing. In his second example, he compares Life and Liberty to the right to vote and decide on DDO, and the pursuit of Happiness to the right to choose the better debater. Again, this is a false analogy. We have a restricted right to vote on DDO, yes, but we are obliged to choose the better debater in the context of the particular debate. This is part of the rules of voting on this site. So Con is comparing the pursuit of Happiness with a rule (rather than an unalienable Right) and, indeed, a restriction on Liberty. OppositesThe opposite of Life is death; the opposite of Liberty is slavery. The opposite of the pursuit of Happiness is a disinclination to do so.Con argues that "most humans have the "pursuit of happiness" as a purpose to resume living".I will assume that "resume" is a typo. But even so, his meaning escapes me. Perhaps he means that pursuing happiness is a natural human behavior, like seeking shelter in a storm. In which case, it is redundant in the Declaration, because people will want or pursue happiness whether or not they are formally given such rights. SummaryThis debate was set up to examine the meaning of "the pursuit of Happiness" in the Declaration of Independence. Con's refusal to do so has been disappointing.(1) http://www.oxforddictionaries.com...