Hmmm, what could it be? A wonderful essay on how the Reaganites have taken over but the Thatcherites have fallen by the wayside is presented by the Economist. How, the author asks, did the Tories slip so fast, while the U.S. Republicans, despite 8 years of successful (politically-speaking) rule by Clinton are now flourishing? Part of the answer has to be that the U.S. economy, despite the hiccup of the past two years, is still exciting, while the Brits have a more moribund scenario. This, coupled with the new face of conservatism ("compassionate") helps sell the concept of smaller government and more privatization because the fear that the people will be "abandoned" is lessened. Anyway, great article.