This is slightly over due, but I guess, better late than never?
Last Saturday, on August 27, 2011 a state funeral was held for NDP Leader Jack Layton. I was watching the funeral on CTV.com while my uncle and father chatted on the couch. My father asked my what I was watching and I told him “Jack Layton’s funeral.” My uncle replied with “Oh, I was wondering why you were listening to gospel music on a Saturday. ” In my mind I just thought, ‘Really? You’re wondering why I’m listening to gospel music on a Saturday? But not why I’m listening to it when our family was brought up Buddhist?’ For such a sad affair, it was, at least, a humourous start.
It was a beautiful tribute to the life of Jack Layton; his children and friends (especially Stephen Lewis), gave incredibly touching speeches and Reverend Dr. Brent Hawkes was amazing. It was a beautiful and touching tribute. Many people have asked why Jack was so celebrated by people who’ve never even met him. I can’t answer for everyone, but for me, Jack Layton was charismatic, friendly, outgoing man that you definitely wanted to have a beer with. The first time I saw him up close was at the Gay Pride Parade in 2006. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world that he was not only at the parade, but participating in it! Before I even found this picture, I remember him being in a green t-shirt.
I think Canada has lost not only a great leader, but a great man. Now I leave you with his final 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.
Tags: Jack Layton, NDP, New Democratic Party
Little Loo Expedition 
September 2, 2011 at 10:11 pm |
Layton’s greatest gift to Canada may be getting folks previously uninterested in politics to seek to participate more in how their country is run. I hope it’s sustainable. And that his last penned line proves true.
September 4, 2011 at 11:37 pm |
I agree, I think Jack’s amazing charisma that drove previously uninterested people was a great gift. I am curious to see how the NDP will cope now and if they will still remain the Opposition.