It was announced that Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton succumbed to cancer this morning
It is not the intention of yours truly to eulogize this man. That task will be done by those better suited to the task, and far more worthy of the responsibility.
We can recount his achievement of taking Canada’s social democratic party and giving it two historical distinctions – a rout of the Bloc Quebecois on its home turf, and the mantle of becoming the Official Opposition in the House of Commons. What may be all the more remarkable is that these victories were – arguably – secured largely on his personal charisma and energy, despite being wracked with the illness that has now claimed his life.
The temptation of modern politics is often to be either cantankerous or Machiavellian, but Layton strongly - and stubbornly - held to the persona of the “happy warrior.” That he succeeded to the extent he did with this approach says just as much as his stoicism.
For some flawed reason, those of us who do not support a politician or their politics are not allowed to respect them for their basic humanity. In the end, all of the ill that I can say of Jack Layton is that he promoted misguided policies for reasons that were undoubtably noble and well-intentioned.
I never cast a vote toward Layton or his party, but his love of Canada was as genuine as mine and that of my ilk.
One can only hope that his family find strength and peace at this time, that his friends and colleagues are comforted by his legacy and achievements, and that we all learn that despite our partisan allegiances, we are all proud citizens of this great nation, struggling to do what is right and just to the best of our abilities.
