[Mpls] Minneapolis: What is in a name? A powerful brand?

[Ray Marshall]

I see by the morning Strib that American Express Financial Advisors is now
doing business independently under the name of Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

Kinda rolls right off the tongue, doesn't it, as you savor free enterprise's
latest contribution to obfuscation.

It also makes one wonder if at the root of Minneapolis' problem is that it
has a 150 year old name.  Not at all in keeping with the times.  Just think
how much growth and income might result if we could change that goofy old
name, made up from Ojibway and Greek words during a night of festivities and
reverie in the John Stevens home.

Maybe, in this confusing election campaign season, with a plethora of
candidates, the voters might want to elect someone who can get us a name
that will be more fitting for a 21st century metropolis, especially one with
light rail transit.

By the way, I do believe that this year might indeed be the 150th birthday
of the city of Minneapolis.  Why is it that the city fathers and mothers and
undecideds haven't come up with a celebration for us.  Or did I miss it?  I
guess it might have happened in 2002, but let's not let that be an excuse
not to have a party.

Ray Marshall
Hiawatha