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Indeed, and as I said, I understand and agree with Caissa's sentiment. It isn't my intent to downplay the sadness of this day.
But one of the first things I thought of this morning was how Layton left his work, and the last things he said in public, and how he never stopped fighting. Not everyone who knew he or she was facing death would have been selfless enough to use his last words to encourage others to keep fighting for a better world.
I am quite sure those who think people voted for social justice only because of Layton's personality, and not the real things he worked for and believed in, will not be resting. We can't rest either.
Of course I know his passing is a great loss. I also think that his dedication was such that he would want people who share his goals to go forward.
I am thinking about the loss of his family today, but I am also, like you , thinking about what he would have wanted us to do now.
So sorry to hear this sad news. Like everyone else, I was really hoping he would beat this. Condolences to Jack's family and to his larger political family.
Stay classy CTV:
and you too, Toronto Star:
He will sadly be missed by me, as the guy who tried to carry on the tradition of dragging Canada out of the dark ages ...and fighter for the most modern and innovative governments in the history of the world ..To be struck down as his predecessor Tommy D by a MYSTERY cancer…in a time of right wing extremism isn’t surprising to me….I hope people support the NDP and keep the memory of Jack Layton alive for decades to come. Miss you Jack..
And we remember the Tommy Douglas quote Jack included in every email he sent: "Courage my friends, ‘tis never too late to build a better world."
My condolences to his family and friends.
"Courage my friends, ‘tis never too late to build a better world."
In the words of a different Montreal Layton:
They dance best who dance with desire,
Who lifting feet of fire from fire
Weave before they lie down
a red carpet for the sun.
Today is a very sad day. My condolences to Jack's family. He has left a legacy that others can only aspire to.
Had no idea Jack's cancer was this severe.
When I saw his weakened condition last month on the news I was pretty sure he was being overly optimistic about returning as early as September, but I certainly wasn't expecting this.
I'm watching Radio Canada right now and the panelists on "Le Club Des X" are almost in tears.
Jack's letter
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/08/22/pol-layton-last-letter....
You can read his "goodbye letter" here.
http://www.nowtoronto.com/_assets/daily/Jack_Layton_letter.pdf
So sad.. I'm not usually very emotional, but I cried a little when I read this!
The Habs have a line or two on the wall of their dressing room put there at the suggestion of Dick Irvin Sr. The lines are from In Flanders Fields and might have been uttered by Jack Layton.
"To you from failing hands I throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high."
Rest in Peace, Jack Layton.
Statement from Nycole Turmel
Jack's letter to Canadians is truly moving and amazingly pragmatic. It shows a great deal of courage.
Wow what a letter.
Beautiful, courageous, inspiring.
CBC archives: Jack Layton in 1982 after a municipal political victory.
Bob Rae being interviewed now on CPAC about his early memories of Jack from the 1980's when Rae ran for the leadership of the NDP.
Stephen Harper apparently is going to speak live in a few minutes according to CBC.
I will return, briefly, to add my voice to chorus. There is anguish - deep anguish - but also fierce pride in Jack and the life he lived, the leadership he displayed, the future he has marked out for the NDP.
Aside from all politics, we have lost a really decent person who tried to make a difference. We should all be so lucky to be remembered in this way.
I saw Carolyn Bennett interviewed on Newsworld. She was tearing up and quite emotional. I found it very touching that a political opponent would feel this way.
Romanow is on the shows this morning talking about how he couldn't understand Jack's principle before pragmatism...and the importance of the market
Many interesting memories being shared today of a provocative figure
I just received a facebook "invite" to:
Jack Layton commemmoration at Toronto City Hall
Today, August 22 at 4:00pm
Location: Toronto City Hall
This is a total shock to me. I did not expect to wake up to this. Mine and Mrs Bacchus's thoughts and prayers go to his family.
What a loss
sad, sad day
That letter, Jack's letter, is a testament to his unwavering optimism and dedication to improving our future. I haven't heard anyone yet who has not been emotional.
Harper's statement was ridiculous the jam session that never happened yikes what an idiot
I feel the loss from an ocean away. Have to take his words to heart, to honour the life he lived and what he gave.
Love, hope, optimism.
I'm not surprised that the Conservative leader would try to appropriate the death of a rival for his own ends. It's in character, after all. But I'm not interested, on this day, in hearing any of those remarks. I just hope that some NDP supporter is carefully documenting all this crap for a later time when the moral bankrupcy of the Conservatives needs to be exposed to the light of day. Today's a day to honour Layton and I would just remind people to focus on that.
..jack's passing came as a surprise. condolences to his family and friends.
Jack you gave me hope and it lives on. Canada shifted left due to your leadership and for that, and a lot else, you will allways be remembered.