NDP to change name?

[a_majoor]

A somewhat bizzare and counterintuative idea. "New Democracy" actually has a political meaning: absolute majority rule (with no intervening checks and balances, much like the classical eklassia, whipped up by socialist demagogues)

http://rightoncourse.blogspot.com/2008/07/democratic-party-of-canada.html

The Democratic Party of Canada?

Michael Byers, the NDP's star candidate in Vancouver Centre, has recently come out in favour of changing the party's name. A name which the party has held since its inception in 1961 when the CCF and the CLC decided to become a single socialist party.

Here are some excerpts from the Globe and Mail where Byers advocates for the change.

It's time for the NDP to take on more maturity, he says, and drop the "New." He wants it to be called simply the Democratic Party, which would link it to the U.S. Democrats. "It's something that I'm personally proposing and will pursue," says Mr. Byers. "I've been talking to people. It resonates."

(interpolation: an interesting idea for an anti American party)

...

Just calling them the Democrats would also widen the party's reach, make it sound more accessible. "It will be an indicator of the maturity of the party," Mr. Byers says. He likes the U.S. connection. "In many ways, Barack Obama's platform is close to Jack Layton's platform."
Byers is correct, the 'New' in New Democrats is somewhat paradoxical for a party which celebrated its 47th birthday just last month.

However, one of the justifications that Byers gives for his proposed name change is very interesting. He wants the New Democrats to become associated with the US Democratic Party, and by default Democrat US Presidential candidate Barack Obama. Trying to link a socialist anti-American party from Canada with an American liberal political party absolutely smacks of political opportunism. The only reason why Byers wants to the NDP to have this kind of superficial connection is because of Obama's popularity amongst Canadians.

Byers also thinks that his proposed name change would be enough to re-energize the party and propel it to political success:
Without a breakout issue, the party needs an attention-getter, which a new moniker would provide. For years it has toyed with the idea of name changes, but has always backed away.
Give Canadians more credit. They will readily see through such a charade, as they have in the past. Other political parties have tried it, and without success. If this is one of the main reasons for the NDP to change their name, then they're in trouble.

If the New Democrats truly want to become a mainstream party, then they have to completely reinvent themselves. Simply using a band-aid solution such as a name change will not reverse their political fortunes.
Posted by Scott at 12:23 PM

 

[midget-boyd91]

which would link it to the U.S. Democrats

What's this? An attempt to dig up some votes from Canadians that don't like Bush/Republican party, and think Obama and his 'change' are 'King sh!t?'

Midget

 

[Fishbone Jones]

"In many ways, Barack Obama's platform is close to Jack Layton's platform."

This is the part that made me giggle, before I threw up in my mouth a little.

 

[GAP]

And this is one of the parties that criticize the Conservatives for being too close to the US?


Ahhh....hypocrisy knows no bounds.... :

 

[Armymedic]

Tommy Douglas would roll over in his grave....

 

[GAP]

Tommy Douglas would roll over in his grave....

I bet Tommy is lonely....he needs company.....

 

[H9711]

They'll still be socialists no whatever they want to call themselves.

Socialism = communism without testosterone.

 

[Matty Lowe]

I'm not surprised, the Democratic Party was once very similar to Canada's Liberal Party, but it's been hijack by the Left and has more in common with the NDP. I was waiting for the American to rename their party the New Democratic Party.

 

[Zell_Dietrich]

Just to point out,  Ralph Klein (a really right wing guy by our standards) would be to lefty-pinko to make it as even a Democrat.  He allowed Socialist Healthcare,  the largest leaps in gay rights Alberta has ever seen and actively gave to the homeless.  (okay the last one is a joke ;-))

The most left leaning Democrat would be to right wing to be allowed to be even in the Reform party. 

Now as for dropping the "New"... Maybe they should change their name entirely.  Mayby they should change their name to "iPhone" or "Fuzzy bunny party"

 

[sober_ruski]

Just to point out,  Ralph Klein (a really right wing guy by our standards) would be to lefty-pinko to make it as even a Democrat.  He allowed Socialist Healthcare,  the largest leaps in gay rights Alberta has ever seen and actively gave to the homeless.  (okay the last one is a joke ;-))

The most left leaning Democrat would be to right wing to be allowed to be even in the Reform party. 

Now as for dropping the "New"... Maybe they should change their name entirely.  Mayby they should change their name to "iPhone" or "Fuzzy bunny party"

sad thing is, if they did change it to iPhone, they would probably get a majority  ;D

 

[geo]

Hmmm ???
If the US democrats are represented by a donkey
does that mean that the Cdn democrats would be lead by a "JACKass"  ???  8)

 

[GAP]

For a nothing candidate in a nothing riding Michael Byers is sure pushing his agenda.....how come we haven't heard from Jack-O?

 

[retiredgrunt45]

Hmmm
If the US democrats are represented by a donkey
does that mean that the Cdn democrats would be lead by a "JACKass"   

Good one Geo, I laughed so hard I almost wet myself!!
I could just vision the poster of a jackass with its tail up and its behind facing out with Laytons head popping out of you no where ;D.

HEE HAWWW ;D