Strange New Respect

Yesterday, appropos of Sunstein's "Libertarian Paternalism," selfishgene commented:

It is interesting that a 'libertarian' label has become sufficiently important, that even socialists wish to use it for propaganda. Maybe it's a small sign of progress.

I think he may be right.

Clarence Page wrote a column this week in which he envisioned a 3rd party run for the presidency - with a ticket of Ron Paul, "the government-shrinking libertarian," and Dennis Kucinich, a liberal Democrat who has called for the impeachment of Vice President Cheney.

To me they seem an unlikely twosome, who don't have much in common besides opposition to the war in Iraq. But Page thinks their outspoken passion will unite them and inspire their supporters:

The Internet crowd loves their red meat, whether it comes from cows or from tofu. That gives a X-tremers like Paul and Kucinich a chance to win Unity '08, if they work out who will be at the top of the ticket.

I don't see it, but I do see support for selfishgene 's theory, since Page thinks the "Unity" Party would gain key support by tapping into libertarian sentiment.

After years of studied neglect,
Along comes a strange new respect.
As the powers-that-be try to cash-in
On this vibrant political passion.