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RIP Jack Layton
Aug. 22nd, 2011 02:19 pmThe most recent (and most successful) leader of the federal NDP, MP Jack Layton, died at his home following a struggle with cancer. Layton, a highly successful local politician for years in Toronto and part of a famous Montreal political legacy, was responsible for the resurgence of the NDP, Canada's left-wing establishment party, leading it to seizing the role as Official Opposition for the first time in Canadian history.
I've met Jack a number of times, and while our personal politics have great differences, I was always struck by his passion and his commitment. We are used to cynicism from our politicians, and while Layton was certainly very cynical about the political process, he never seemed to be about the politics themselves. Layton's final message to Canadians underlined that belief.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
I've met Jack a number of times, and while our personal politics have great differences, I was always struck by his passion and his commitment. We are used to cynicism from our politicians, and while Layton was certainly very cynical about the political process, he never seemed to be about the politics themselves. Layton's final message to Canadians underlined that belief.
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
