That bright light was Canada’s Opposition Leader, Jack Layton who died on Monday, August 22nd.
Canadian citizens of ALL political persuasions have been mourning his loss AND celebrating his life over the past week.
Jack's legacy included action against homelessness, protecting the environment, social equality, gay and lesbian rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, the White Ribbon campaign to end violence against women…and so much more.
Committed to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified (LGBT) issues, Jack appeared in Gay Pride parades long before it was fashionable for politicians to do so…
Jack played an instrumental role in legalizing same-sex marriage in Canada in 2005. A brief timeline of Layton’s contributions to the fight for gay and lesbian rights can be found here.
Jack wrote the following words as part of a farewell letter to Canadians…
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.
Hope is better than fear.
Optimism is better than despair.
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.
And we’ll change the world.
amen to that.
ReplyDeleteGod speed.
Beautiful tribute MJ!
ReplyDeleteI feel a little bit like an orphan this week!
Hugs
Jon
the world needs more people who felt and acted the way he did! RIP xoxox
ReplyDeleteDEEP BLUE: Beautiful tribute MJ!
ReplyDeleteI feel a little bit like an orphan this week!
Hugs
Jon
I was inspired by YOUR tribute to him!
Jack was "un bon gars."
It’s up to us now to make good on his final words.
"May we rise to the occasion. The torch has now been passed. The job of making the world a better place is now up to us." – Rev. Brent Hawkes, ending his eulogy.
SAVANNAH: the world needs more people who felt and acted the way he did! RIP
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time and I can say, “You’re one of them, sugar!”
A life well-lived; he's someone who made a difference.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the significance of the orange?
LX: A life well-lived; he's someone who made a difference.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the significance of the orange?
Apologies…I should have addressed that in the post.
Orange is the official colour of Jack’s political party: The NDP (New Democratic Party.)
Although Jack didn’t win the 2011 federal election to become Prime Minister, his party DID have a hugely successful campaign (especially in Quebec) leading to an unprecedented number of seats in Parliament in what came to be known as the “Orange crush.”
Here’s a photo of Jack smiling and holding a bottle of Orange Crush during the election.
Along with the usual candles and flowers, mourners have been leaving Orange Crush soda cans in tribute to Jack.
I really think that Jack could have been the next PM.
ReplyDeleteI learned so much about the NDP during this last election, but not more than what I learned about Jack Layton as we all remembered him and his passion for politics.
I think there's "Socialism" and then there's "New Democrat." Damn if they aren't fighting (for real!) for the common man.
I'm certain that he will be missed but what a legacy to leave behind. So unlike what we currently have in the US today. After 25 yrs. of voting I rarely vote for anyone; it's usually just the less objectionable candidate.
ReplyDeleteKEVIN: He would have made a great PM.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt about it.
TB: It’s really not much better here.
Jack was the exception to the rule.
He really was a remarkable human being.
As you say, sometimes one comes along and makes a difference. Looking at the political personnel here I want the stone pits back, it's unbelievable.
ReplyDeleteI hope there is someone coming along to fill his shoes.
MAGO: Jack is one of the few politicians I liked and respected.
ReplyDeleteMy first response to your comment is to say that I don’t see anyone coming along to fill his shoes.
But I must keep in mind Jack’s words… “So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.”