"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." - Jack Layton (1950- 2011)
It was a sad day for many when news broke of NDP leader Jack Layton's death. He conquered a bout with cancer, only to announce in July it had returned and he would need a temporary leave of absence. Sadly he lost his fight. But before he left he took the time to pen a letter, to both his colleagues and to Canadians as a whole. It ended with the words quoted above.
He may not have gotten everything right as a politician but he was dedicated and Canadian through and through. He fought for what he believed in and he brought his party to height it has never seen in the past.
The world will be a smaller place without him. "You couldn't help but admire Jack Layton's spirit. To find the physical and emotional strength to lead a successful national election campaign while fighting cancer - that will be remembered as one of the truly remarkable accomplishments in Canadian politics," said Saskatchewan's Premier Brad Wall recently as he offered condolences on behalf of the government and people of Saskatchewan.
"And his spirit did not waver. Even at his final public appearance last month, he remained optimistic, hopeful and dedicated to public service."
"Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one - a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. "We can do our part to save the world's environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where workig for change can actually bring about change." - Jack Layton (August 20, 2011)
Smart words from a smart man. Canada would do well to remember them.
