>which is the greater motivator: avoiding pain or seeking pleasure?
Actually, as one example of how this discussion can illuminate, that can vary with previous experience, and amygdala development (as well as the related dopmaine receptor density in the brain). One example might be addiction. Eliminate pain completely, crush dopamine receptor density, and suddenly one might do anything to avoid returning to reality.
The argument I am trying to make, in the hopes it will spread, is that the GOP’s avoidance of conflict is counter productive, as all it does is foster converting the moderates into conflict-avoiding pansies.
If the GOP gets out there, and starts kicking in Liberal teeth, they might be surprised at how quickly the populace becomes more Conservative, and repulsed by the Liberal brand. By highlighting the amygdala mechanism, I am trying to create an arugument for this which bypasses the emotional reasoning that Republican Liberals tend to use, and focuses instead on a simple logical mechanism to explain why this would work.
I just can’t believe these guys could have Reagan show the way forward, clearly see how successful he was, and then turn their back upon it, and go with this pathetic appeasement strategy they are going for now.
It doesn't really matter beyond that, which is why your thought process examples have practical value. You've created a need/want/desire and then offer the solution.
Your examples use the avoid pain side of the equation to create the need/want/desire to avoid that pain by making that pain real and then you answer with the gaining pleasure side by showing how freedom and liberty (built in universal human traits) enable someone to satisfy that need/want/desire for themselves (another built in human trait).
How does the competition stack up? Contrast that sales approach's answer against the short term socialist answer which, like any other unrealistic, potentially harmful but addicting substance or activity, provides short term pleasure but at a long term cost.
It shocks me that people can figure out how to sell almost anything to almost anyone, including Pet rocks to otherwise savvy consumers, but not freedom and liberty to an alarmed population???
Whether products, ideology or your self, it always comes down to sales. Over complicate all you feel you need to, but once the biochemistry has been worked out inside each individual, it's usually simple selling know how that made it happen and gets it done.
The real problem? The GOPe doesn't know how to sell. It/They doesn't/don't believe in the product, understand the consumer or the market.
You go out of business with a team like that. And here we are, having been sold even more poorly made crap and stuck with lousy customer service.
Time for real competition from people who know how to sell!!!