Monday, August 22, 2011

The Passing of Jack Layton



I am deeply saddened by the news of Jack Layton's passing. When he came to Surrey he walked with a cane but he spoke with a revised strength. He had a vision. I share many of his values. I support public medical. That doesn't make me a socialist. It was absurd listening to the attack adds of Stephen Harper's Storm Troopers that kept repeating socialist over and over again like a deranged parrot. Alberta has free medical. According to Stephen Harper even Alberta are socialists.

Jack Layton will be remembered fondly as is Chuck Cadman. Jack won't go down in the annals of tyranny like Alfonso Gagliano and Brian Mulroney. I really don't think Jack was the kind of guy that would invade another country for their oil. I really don't think Jack was the kind of guy that would repeatedly fire and harass whistle blowers for telling the truth. I really don't think Jack was the kind of guy that would have endorsed torture. His passing is a deep loss for the country.

I found it profoundly ironic to hear a "left wing" politician speak out in support of small business and against sales taxes that hurt small business. Alberta has no sales tax and is fiscally responsible. That's why they were able to offer free medical insurance. It was somewhat shocking to see a Prime Minister from Alberta raise sale taxes and try and do away with public medical insurance. Somehow I don't think Stephen Harper will be remembered as fondly as Jack Layton or Chuck Cadman when he passes on.

My father used to say, follow the fellow who follows a dream. Jack Layton shared his dream with all of us. There is no reason we have to abandon that dream for cruel intolerance that gives up our sovereignty and our civil liberties. The new interim leader of the NDP, the one nominated by Jack Layton himself, used to be a member of the Bloc Quebecois. Now she is a federalist. Welcome. We all should be inspired by Quebec's vision for the future.

Jack Layton's parting words. "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."

3 comments:

  1. Jack was a good man, politician,and friend to all Canadians. He fought his battle and lost but he had the vision and strength to leave a wonderful message to all saying what was typical "Jack"
    R.I.P Brother,I may have not agreed with all your issues but I do agree with the fact that we are all poorer for losing you,and all blessed by your brief presence here.

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  2. Hear, hear. Layton was an inspiration and will be remembered as a hard-working optimist.

    Rest in Peace, Jack, and have a beer with Tommy Douglas once you get settled in heaven.

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  3. have to wonder if Jack was not a bit TOO good for his own good, if you know what I mean.
    Remember what happened to Lucien Bouchard, when he got too big for his britches, and 'suddenly' got the necrotizing fasciitis that cost him a leg and the family jewels? Well, isn't this a familiar little story? Layton has unprecedented success in Quebec, much like Lucien did, and lo and behold, fast-acting cancer takes him out just in the nick of time. Funny that.

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