From Twitter:
GillesDuceppe
Cher Jack, ton dynamisme et ta détermination viendront à bout de cette épreuve. Bon courage.
Breaking Jack Layton News
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:19
#52
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:20
#53
I have not seen anythign from the other leaders-- I should check and see if I am following them...
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:21
#54
I was actually kind of choked up watching Jack's news conference - but its great to see him have such a good attitude about it etc... and it's also good that he will stay on as leader etc... and that he pitched this as an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease etc...I'm not a urologist and I don't know that much about about prostate cancer and i know that it can vary a lot in terms of treatability and agressiveness - my father had it seven years ago and after a few weeks of being zapped with radiation and some relatively minor side effects - he was a-ok! I just remembered that when Floyd Laughren was Ontario Treasurer in the Rae government - he was treated for prostate cancer and bounced back pretty fast and is still very much alive and kicking 15 years later.
There will probably be an outpouring of sympathy and not to be too strategic about this - but older men are a demographic where the NDP really needs to do a lot better - so maybe this can open some doors.
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:23
#55
Jeez- Stockholm
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:24
#56
He is now announcing he has the same variety as heis father had. Being treated and feels good. Will carry on as MP and as leader.
Got a call from my daughter to say that Jack was doing big news, so came right to rabble (always in the know).
I do wish him all the best and that I am glad in made this announcement. I am so glad he is staying on as MP and as Leader. It explains why Thomas has been doing lots of public NDP announcements.
Get better Jack - for yourself, your family, for the NDP, and Canada
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:30
#57
The man is sick, now is not the time to try and score cheap political points.
It happens everywhere, including this thread.
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:31
#58
I have not seen anythign from the other leaders-- I should check and see if I am following them...
Conservative james Moore and Liberal Denis Coderre both wished him well, said he's a fighter and that he'll beat this.
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:36
#59
My grandfather died of prostate cancer at a ripe old age. I feel a bit numb at the moment.
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:42
#60
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:45
#61
I wish Jack a speedy recovery.
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:48
#62
Jeez- Stockholm
Yes, that's awful, but in politics someone has to be thinking like this all the time. And, we can hold multiple sentiments at any given time.
I read sometime ago that sometimes Jack Layton looks in here.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Mr. Layton.
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:54
#63
One byproduct of fearing the worst is the relief when it's not the worst. As soon as I heard about the back pain, I thought of a friend - about 10 years ago - who complained about back pain, finally (reluctantly) went to see a doctor, and was found to have metastatic lung cancer. He was dead within 6 months.
Full and speedy recovery, Jack - from all of us who respect and admire you!
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:54
#64
Some media reports are saying that he's stepping down temporarily - but that's not what he said in the news conference at all. Sounds like he will just be keeping a lighter schedule.
Here is my "guess" since i know nothing about his treatment plan - but having had experience with prostate cancer in my family I know that he was probably told that he could either have surgery or have radiation treatments (some people opt for the third option of doing nothing but that doesn't seem to apply here). Since there was no mention of surgery and since an operation would mean several weeks of ebing totally out of commission - it sounds like he's not having an operation. If he is having the radiation, it usually means going to a hospital every weekday for about seven weeks to get zapped for about 5 minutes. The side effects tend to be just getting quite tired by the end of it - plus the fact that you can't travel much because you have to go to the same hospital every day. I suspect that he'll be spending the next few weeks in Toronto and not in parliament (which is less of a big deal anyways what with the proorgation) and that he'll be a bit fatigued...but if all goes according to plan he'll be back to normal by April.
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:55
#65
iggy issued a statement http://www.liberal.ca/en/newsroom/media-releases/17453_statement-by-libe...
still nothing from harper yet?
Fri, 2010-02-05 14:58
#66
iggy issued a statement http://www.liberal.ca/en/newsroom/media-releases/17453_statement-by-libe...
still nothing from harper yet?
They just have to change the batteries
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:02
#67
They just have to change the batteries
i figured he was practicing his slap shot... or maybe CAPP is distracting him in saskatoon today?
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:07
#68
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:10
#69
For all the usual unfortunate talk about "fighting" and "beating", no figuring about likeliest causal agents, so assimilating as usual to the regnant paradigms that drive some rather thoughtful people away from the NDP, it is to be doubted that NDP-ers would do the sensible thing and go after the senseless mass wireless mania, among the most vulnerable body parts to that kind of radiation the very ones that Chow & Layton suffered in...Gevalt! If they could see the world from a different angle, in their public positions their unfortunate personal episodes could be turned to gigantic public good, way beyond saving their capable selves for the respectable public service they do.
None among you have clued in? Enormous increase in prostate & thyroid conditions since the mass wireless deployments. Medical people focus on treatments, much of it destructive or misplaced, overwhelmed by wrongful public expectations and not a little due to self-protective retrenchment. This in the midst of an enormous wealth in Canada of TCM people to boot.
Would that politicians who particularly have been prone to overuse of cell telephony, in the pocket or near the neck, on top of the ambient microwave mania, when will a politician in backward Canada take notice & action, as has been done in Europe?
And no, it is not wrong to exploit this moment for a directly related cause! May the couple mentioned live to 120. May they further clue in and drop greying paradigms and politically with a personal touch open this dossier much belated in Canada.
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:11
#70
Boom Boom
I watched the press conference, and was really impressed with Jack's courage and determination. He's a great guy, and I wish him only the best.
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:13
#71
Jeez- Stockholm
Yes, that's awful, but in politics someone has to be thinking like this all the time. And, we can hold multiple sentiments at any given time.
I know. I just couldn't beleive the speed was all.
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:23
#72
Scott Piatkowski
[url=http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=292743687759&ref=mf]Facebook group: Wishing you a speedy recovery Jack Layton![/url]
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:27
#73
I was reading some of the comments on CTV and CBC. I cannot fathom what complete assholes some people can be. The man is sick, now is not the time to try and score cheap political points. And not surprisingly they are almost all coming from the angry right. Jackasses. Complete and utter jackasses.
I agree that at a time like this people should express support and good wishes for a political opponent when they have cancer.
But you also have to admit that there are some people who try to take advantage of an illness. I read a comment above (by Stockholm) suggesting that hopefully this will turn into a political gain and a sympathy vote.
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:34
#74
PM Harper: "I look forward to doing political battle with Jack for many years to come."
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:37
#75
There's a whole bunch of Liberals on Twitter.who are on my shitlist for unbelievably classless remarks too, along with Rick Mercer and Susan Delacourt, both of whom I also include in the Liberal camp, needless to say.
I can't blame Stockholm for thinking ahead in the way he does ... and I'm sure Layton did no less. Here's Ian Capstick's take, about how even now Jack is leading:
http://www.mediastyle.ca/2010/02/layton-leads-while-fighting-cancer/
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:39
#76
The press reports I've seen are unclear. Is he taking a leave from his duties as leader or just reducing his activity?
Obviously sad news but one of the morer treatable cancers fortunately.
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:41
#77
There's a whole bunch of Liberals on Twitter.who are on my shitlist for unbelievably classless remarks too, along with Rick Mercer and Susan Delacourt, both of whom I also include in the Liberal camp, needless to say. I can't blame Stockholm for thinking ahead in the way he does ... and I'm sure Layton did no less. Here's Ian Capstick's take, about how even now Jack is leading: http://www.mediastyle.ca/2010/02/layton-leads-while-fighting-cancer/
If you are admitting that people are going to try and use Jack Latyon's illness for a sympathy vote, don't be surprised if that makes some voters suspicious about his motives.
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:52
#78
don't be surprised if that makes some voters suspicious about his motives.I read some of those comments on CBC and they are despicable. Some of them came even before the announcement so please don't try to spin this around. If Layton can raise awareness around the issue then let's take that at face value and avoid assigning political motives.
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:52
#79
The press reports I've seen are unclear. Is he taking a leave from his duties as leader or just reducing his activity? Obviously sad news but one of the morer treatable cancers fortunately.
He unambiguously stated he was staying on as Leader and MP. Even I am a bit surprised much of the MSM can't even report a straight forward health issue without getting it wrong.
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:53
#80
thomas mulcair is going to be on power and politics (on the cbc) tonight, to talk about the political fallout from the announcement
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:57
#81
There's a whole bunch of Liberals on Twitter.who are on my shitlist for unbelievably classless remarks too, along with Rick Mercer and Susan Delacourt, both of whom I also include in the Liberal camp, needless to say. I can't blame Stockholm for thinking ahead in the way he does ... and I'm sure Layton did no less. Here's Ian Capstick's take, about how even now Jack is leading: http://www.mediastyle.ca/2010/02/layton-leads-while-fighting-cancer/If you are admitting that people are going to try and use Jack Latyon's illness for a sympathy vote, don't be surprised if that makes some voters suspicious about his motives.
Conservative talking points on Babble yet again. You are tiresome.
Fri, 2010-02-05 15:57
#82
Augustus, you exemplify why people are going to kick your party to the curb the very next chance they get.
Fri, 2010-02-05 16:02
#83
If you are admitting that people are going to try and use Jack Latyon's illness for a sympathy vote, don't be surprised if that makes some voters suspicious about his motives.
Yes, Augustus, that Jack, just full of ulterior motives - that's why he got cancer all right - for the sympathy vote!
Beg, borrow, or steal a clue.
Fri, 2010-02-05 16:03
#84
This just in (my email box) - Message from Jack Layton
=========
My Fellow New Democrats,
This year, more than 25,000 Canadian men will be diagnosed with treatable prostrate cancer and I have recently learned that I’m one of them. I wanted to ensure you heard it from me directly.
My treatment plan is now underway and everything is on track. Like my father, who was diagnosed with the same kind of cancer, I am a fighter, and I will beat this.
I want to assure you that I remain committed to our work together to build a more caring, greener Canada. This won’t slow me down and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working with all of you to make our dreams for this country a reality.
Thank you.
Jack
Fri, 2010-02-05 16:03
#85
If Layton can raise awareness around the issue then let's take that at face value and avoid assigning political motives.
Agreed. And, hopefully, some good will come from this in that it may encourage people in the prostate cancer risk group to go in and get checked out. if it is detected early, the odds of a quick and full recovery are very good.
Fri, 2010-02-05 16:06
#86
Somone much smarter and wittier than me obviously got fed up with all these classless comments. Even when people thought they were being nice the comments basically boiled down to "Jack Layton is evil incarnate, but the poor guy has cancer, so I'll finish with something nice"
Here is what one poster wrote on CTVs website
I don't care much for his cancer, but I hope his political views flourish.
Fri, 2010-02-05 16:14
#87
Frito Minion members, as usual, win the bad taste award but I dare not link to their scuzzy website.
Fri, 2010-02-05 16:15
#88
For all the usual unfortunate talk about "fighting" and "beating", no figuring about likeliest causal agents, so assimilating as usual to the regnant paradigms that drive some rather thoughtful people away from the NDP, it is to be doubted that NDP-ers would do the sensible thing and go after the senseless mass wireless mania, among the most vulnerable body parts to that kind of radiation the very ones that Chow & Layton suffered in...Gevalt! If they could see the world from a different angle, in their public positions their unfortunate personal episodes could be turned to gigantic public good, way beyond saving their capable selves for the respectable public service they do.
None among you have clued in? Enormous increase in prostate & thyroid conditions since the mass wireless deployments.
Thank goodness Jack didn't do that. No cause to give the other parties any more reason to call the NDP looney-tunes. Any relationship between wireless use and cancer has been a tough one to demonstrate. Most studies indicate there isn't one, some do - so it's still pretty far from established.
Fri, 2010-02-05 16:51
#89
Looney-tune? Doug, if you need to be fed by a mainstream media piece, see a surprising breakthrough one in Feb. 2010 GQ mag by capable author, Christopher Ketcham, maybe some lefties know of his work. As for politics, an Irish Senator whose family was touched in a deadly way by the madness was invoved in a U K conference, the EU Parliament has spoken after reading the Bioinititaive Report, the French Senate prepared a report of their own with administrative effect already, the Green-type group did surprisingly well in past EU elections mostly due to SE Freance activism anti-cell masts led by Rivasi, even brain surgery survivor Senator in US led Senate hearings (some of you must know Devra Davis, whois now at the centre of this in the US?)...who is clueless or looney-tuney? Canadian mainstream media tightly connected to wireless propagaters, so Canadians go right along to the operating table & beyond...The BQ will present petitions of 1000s of Quebecers anti-cell masts soon, & will call for a microwave subcommittee to the health committee.
GPC should have been out front but the are hapless and addicted, even if they have spoke somewhat to this. NDP can't even clue in. If Jack & Olivia would clue in & personalize it in public, it would have a great effect. But I rather doubt they will, or would dare. Go ahead, think of all the jobs that would be lost minus mass irradiation of the populace.
Fri, 2010-02-05 16:58
#90
I suppose the wireless theory might have more credibility if it wasn't already established that the disease was HEREDITARY in this case. From someone who was already diagnosed 17 years ago.
For heaven's sake, man, don't you read before you write?
Fri, 2010-02-05 17:00
#91
This just in (my email box) - Message from Jack Layton
=========
My Fellow New Democrats,
This year, more than 25,000 Canadian men will be diagnosed with treatable prostrate cancer and I have recently learned that I’m one of them. I wanted to ensure you heard it from me directly.
My treatment plan is now underway and everything is on track. Like my father, who was diagnosed with the same kind of cancer, I am a fighter, and I will beat this.
I want to assure you that I remain committed to our work together to build a more caring, greener Canada. This won’t slow me down and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working with all of you to make our dreams for this country a reality.
Thank you.
Jack
I hope he does slow down. You can't fight cancer tired. This maybe his biggest challenge is creating the conditions for recovery. I don't want to be dramatic here but while treatable, if you don't slow down and heal you can make things worse. I trust those closest to him are telling him the party and all the strategies can wait. Working people need to place their health as a top priority and here may be a chance to be a role model there as well.
During the conference I was watching Olivia especially when he was talking about Monday morning and I imagine she is concerned about this. He has his health and he has his family and he is part of a party that will wait for him -- nobody is going to shove him out the door if he takes the tiem he needs.
Fri, 2010-02-05 17:38
#92
I wish him well on this journey.
Fri, 2010-02-05 17:48
#93
Catchfire
What the hell is this from the Ignatieff statement?
We all know how combative Jack is...
Did that strike anyone as hostile? FTR, combative means "disposed or given to combat, or fond of fighting" not "resilient" or "good at fighting."
Obviously, I wish him a speedy recovery.
Fri, 2010-02-05 18:18
#94
I've been with loved ones when they perished from this cursed affliction. I wish Mr. Layton all the best in his struggle. Regardless of policy critiques and commentary that I've let from time to time in various NDP related threads, the truth of the matter is that comparatively speaking, in terms of resolve and dedication towards social progress, his vision towers far above the other party leaders.
Fri, 2010-02-05 18:40
#95
Catchfire, I didn't see that before. How thoroughly classless. It's still Parliament High in Ignatieff's office, I see.
Fri, 2010-02-05 19:08
#96
Well if there's any good news in this, it's that it's prostate cancer. If one is going to be diagnosed with cancer, that's the one to have because the success rate for treatment is the highest given they detect it soon enough. I really hope Jack recovers, because the country needs his democratic voice and leadership in Ottawa.
Fri, 2010-02-05 20:12
#97
[url=http://www.greenparty.ca/statement/2010-02-05/greens-wish-jack-layton-sp... May wishes Layton speedy recovery[/url]
Sat, 2010-02-06 01:57
#98
remind
Jack take the time you need to heal, Canada needs you....
Strength and goodnes to you and Olivia and your children.
Sat, 2010-02-06 02:09
#99
This is news to me. I hope he takes care of himself and can put aside petty politics for awhile. Fighting cancer does require a lot of energy and time to work things out with your family and friends, but it can be beaten.
Sat, 2010-02-06 09:47
#100
Lou Arab
I find it depressing that someone as healthy as Jack can get prostate cancer. What hope do we pudgy couch potatos have?
On the other hand, I have no doubt that Jack's health will serve him well in recovery.
Sat, 2010-02-06 11:02
#101
One thing has nothing to do with the other. Sometimes we lapse into thinking of cancer as some sort of a morality play where people get it as punishment for having an unhealthy lifestyle. The reality is that in many (if not most cases) its just a matter of genetics anbd/or bad luck.