What’s in a Name?
Here’s an interesting news story an alert reader sent my way today. It appears the Provincial Liberal Party are considering a name change. And, no, “Washington Generals” does not appear to be in the running.
Jokes aside, I have mixed opinions on this. I’ve long been in favour of a Liberal/NDP merger to create a new Party. I think such a party might have a legitimate shot at challenging the Conservatives. You’d eliminate the vote splitting and erase the stigma surrounding both parties. Let’s face it, “Liberal” is a bad word in Alberta. People who weren’t born when the NEP was brought in and don’t even know what it was still bring it up…and this is during provincial elections. A new name might get us a few votes from Albertans who hate the Conservatives but just can’t bring themselves to vote for the Liberal Party.
On the flip side, a lot of life-long Liberals wouldn’t like this. I can just hear the voices of party members shouting “I’ve been a Liberal since Sifton was Premier and have always been proud to be a Liberal and…blah blah blah”. So, with this in mind, it’s likely not worth the flack it would cause.
Anyone else have any thoughts on this? I’d be curious to hear what Liberals and non-Liberals alike think about this.