(The orange bit is a poster by these guys. More on that in a minute.)
I’ve mentioned in the past that I consider Canadian politics a spectator sport. The parlimentary system is… fascinating to behold. In the past 10 years, thanks to geography and easy access to the CBC, I’ve had a front row seat at the 3-ring circus that is Canadian government. Now, I mean no disrespect here… All governments are a circus, but the differences between the way we do things here in the US and the way they do things in Canada is always an interesting study.
Regardless, in these last ten years, there has been a lot of change in Canada, and lot of individuals rising rapidly and fading just as quickly… but all of this time there was Jack Layton, as well. Comical, commanding, ludicrous and sincere. He fought for what he believed in, and he fought hard. Finally, this past May, he carried his party from near obscurity at the start of the decade to the position of Opposition Leader, and it was clear that more change was coming.
He passed away yesterday morning after losing his battle with cancer. I’m not a Canadian (clearly), but the news hit hard. I think it’s because there are so few political leaders out there these days that seem able to command genuine respect as Mr. Layton did. Sure, he was goofy at times, but he fought for what he believed in… again and again. When we heard the news, and as we watched the report, Laurie sat on the couch with me, and she cried. I think that sums up the kind of leader he was. Reading the news and commentary on the web, it’s pretty clear that most of Canada feels the loss whether an individual agreed with his politics or not, they know that the country has lost a rare gem.
A few days before he died, Jack penned a final letter to the Canadians he loved so dearly. Those words have struck a chord with many, and within hours of the letters release, it started spawning derivative works such as the poster I cite above. I can’t say anything better than Jack said himself, so I hope they don’t mind my passing that poster on to you in my own tribute. A leader to the end. A class act. Jack, you will be missed.
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