Watch out! It looks like the federal Liberals are trying to be democratic again. Today, in their electronic newsletter, the party invited members to participate in a "grassroots consultation exercise" to come up with the "top ten reasons it's great to be a Liberal." A random sample of contributions so far included submissions like "Liberals are about hope not fear" and "Bono thinks we're cool" But we're pretty sure Public Eye's resident cynics can do better than that. So have at it boys and girls. We'll be sure to forward your creative suggestions onto Liberal headquarters. The following is the relevant portion of the newsletter.

The Top Ten Reasons It's Great to Be a Liberal

The Liberal Party of Canada would like to invite the participation of you, our members, in a grassroots consultation exercise, with the goal of answering the oh-so-simple question of "what it means to be a Liberal in the 21st century" and/or "why you should feel confident about the future of the Liberal Party, and of Canada."

We invite your personal submissions to these questions, top ten lists, and famous Liberal quotations that inspire you, whether said by one of our great Leaders, or by a role model who participate as a Liberal everyday, on campaigns, a riding association, and in his or her own communities.

Nothing is too serious, too partisan, or even too silly and ridiculous, because Liberals have a sense of humour, too. We ask only that contributors avoid cursing, libel, and slander, and ask that nobody write any encyclopedia entries. Good natured digs at opposing parties may receive bonus points!

A mini-version of this contest produced a few gems already, some serious, some not so serious. Here’s a random sample of contributions so far:

"Liberals are about hope and not fear."

"Official bilingualism, health care, our own repatriated Constitution, multiculturalism, surplus budgets, peacekeeping, and defending Canada's role in the world...need we say more?"

"It's been said before, but we'll say it again, it's a VERY big tent!"

"It does not get more Canadian that a former Stanley Cup winning Goalie as a Cabinet minister."

"All the free t-shirts you can handle!"

"Bono thinks we're cool."

"Because justice and equality are both principles to live by and ideals to strive for."

"A venue to apply your vast knowledge of Riding names and election victory margins."

The Liberal Party of Canada is confident that the vast knowledge of its membership will make this a memorable contest and we look forward to hearing what people across the country can come up with! The winner will receive a free t-shirt...or a free Frisbee...or a free umbrella...and you don't have to submit a Top 10 if you only want to submit a Top 1.

Please click here to submit your ideas: top10@liberal.ca