Friday, August 26, 2011

Jack Layton 1950-2011











I seldom think of the words "respect' and "politician" at the same time. In a dumb-downed gang of a**-lickers and barking seals that pass for our government, Jack Layton stood out as a principled passionate true leader and champion of social justice in Canada. He stood for integrity instead of corruption, persuasion instead of bullying, and optimism instead of fear-mongering. In fact, in the last sentence of his last message to Canadians Jack said:
"My friends --- Love is better than anger and
Hope is better than fear..."
And combined with his love of music and bicycles, he lived just that . Over 20 years as a Toronto councillor and then leader of the New Democratic Party until his greatest triumph in May ---- Official Leader of the Opposition. Unprecedented, historic, joyful. He gave new hope in a time of cynicism and despair. Even Quebec loved Bon Jack!
So this morning as a fiery dawn lit the way, we came to Toronto to pay respects at his office. Thanks and praise in many languages, flowers in his iconic colour orange, and most poignantly a bicycle seat of affection.

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