RIP, Jack...

[Kootenanny]

Just heard this morning that Jack Layton, leader of the NDP party and the official opposition, died this morning of cancer.  

RIP, Jack.

[Kootenanny]

For us folks south of the Border (at least the ignorant folks, like me), what are the essential differences between his NDP and the Liberals?  Thanks.

Think:  right, left, and center.  The Conservatives lean, well, right.  The New Democratic Party leans left.  The Liberals sit in the center and lean whichever way the wind blows...

[northernrider]

Left right or center does not matter right now. Canada has lost the leader of the official opposition. A man that gave years of his life to try and make Canada a better place. God speed Mr Layton

[tigertim955]

He was a good man. Not my political choice, but a good Canadian. RIP

[Mesachie]

Not really surprised, after seeing him in July at his last news conference. It's a shame. He was sincere in
his "fight for the common man". RIP.

Over the next few days when everyone is lamenting his passing and heaping deserved accolades on his life's
work, I wonder if Harper starts to consider his legacy...

[mugwump58]

Eulogised well on the CBC tonight.

[bubba zanetti]

Once upon a time, we had a vision for who our leaders might be. Amongst that list were attributes such as personable, energetic, dedicated, optimistic, hard working, visionary, communicative, open, approachable.  You will note, I left out honest. Because it seems that was the most difficult expectation of all.

I agree, we have lost a great Canadian. One for whom which the country was showing an odd resonance for ... if only for his style. His effort and clear eyed belief in what he believed in.
Regardless of your affiliation, you knew and felt his considerable impact. And you could tell he was the kind of person you could trust. He was likable and patient and if you met, Even so briefly... He was one of those people you will always remember.

Timing is everything. I think we just lost a great opportunity in Canada for a civil debate in Ottawa, an open door for compromise and behaviour becoming Canadians in our Parliament.

If I wanted to model the notion of statesman, over Politician.  One could do far worse in following the career of Jack Layton.

Brave man he was.

I hope his legacy has a suucessor    I truly do

[Kootenanny]

I think we just lost a great opportunity in Canada for a civil debate in Ottawa, an open door for compromise and behaviour becoming Canadians in our Parliament.

Well said.  That sentiment seems quite common, actually...I certainly agree...

[The Shepherd]

Once upon a time, we had a vision for who our leaders might be. Amongst that list were attributes such as personable, energetic, dedicated, optimistic, hard working, visionary, communicative, open, approachable.  You will note, I left out honest. Because it seems that was the most difficult expectation of all.

I agree, we have lost a great Canadian. One for whom which the country was showing an odd resonance for ... if only for his style. His effort and clear eyed belief in what he believed in.
Regardless of your affiliation, you knew and felt his considerable impact. And you could tell he was the kind of person you could trust. He was likable and patient and if you met, Even so briefly... He was one of those people you will always remember.

Timing is everything. I think we just lost a great opportunity in Canada for a civil debate in Ottawa, an open door for compromise and behaviour becoming Canadians in our Parliament.

If I wanted to model the notion of statesman, over Politician.  One could do far worse in following the career of Jack Layton.

Brave man he was.

I hope his legacy has a suucessor    I truly do

Very well put, I have nothing to add but I concur with your sentiments. I would have liked to see how far he could have lead the NDP eventhough they are not my party of choice. I admired his tenacity, feistness and candor.

[Huron52]

 Jack will be very missed. In the last election he was the one who convinced me to change what I normally vote and vote NDP.  
 
   And no it wasn't a protest vote like Ontario did that got  Bob Rae in. That time I believe that was a mistake.

[birdrunner]

He was a good man. Not my political choice, but a good Canadian. RIP

For some reason, I LIKED "Smilin Jack".  (Didn't agree with solutions to our problems)

Canada is a poorer place without him.

[alphabet man]

For some reason, I LIKED "Smilin Jack".  (Didn't agree with solutions to our problems)

Canada is a poorer place without him.

+1
He was a courageous man, and I suspect was in a lot mare pain than he revealed over the last several months. He gained my respect something not easily given to politicians

[birdrunner]

Parts of Jack's last official letter, the last paragraph to Canadians tells a lot about his character. (Written just a few days ago)

August 20, 2011

Toronto, Ontario

Dear Friends,

Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.

Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue....


......To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don’t be discouraged that my own journey hasn’t gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.


.....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.

All my very best,

Jack Layton

[PatM]

Once upon a time, we had a vision for who our leaders might be. Amongst that list were attributes such as personable, energetic, dedicated, optimistic, hard working, visionary, communicative, open, approachable.  You will note, I left out honest. Because it seems that was the most difficult expectation of all.

I agree, we have lost a great Canadian. One for whom which the country was showing an odd resonance for ... if only for his style. His effort and clear eyed belief in what he believed in.
Regardless of your affiliation, you knew and felt his considerable impact. And you could tell he was the kind of person you could trust. He was likable and patient and if you met, Even so briefly... He was one of those people you will always remember.

Timing is everything. I think we just lost a great opportunity in Canada for a civil debate in Ottawa, an open door for compromise and behaviour becoming Canadians in our Parliament.

If I wanted to model the notion of statesman, over Politician.  One could do far worse in following the career of Jack Layton.

Brave man he was.

I hope his legacy has a suucessor    I truly do

+1

I think Canada will miss that friendly, passionate man.