RIP Jack Layton

MrClutch · 08-22-2011, 09:26 AM

Just found out he died from his battle with cancer. I always thought he would beat it like he did the first time. May he RIP

**Benzo** · 08-22-2011, 09:31 AM

Yep for sure.

I disagreed with the man politics but had a respect for the man. RIP Jack.

js12 · 08-22-2011, 09:32 AM

RIP Mr. Layton.

LX · 08-22-2011, 09:34 AM

A sad day. I admired his ability to evolve over the years, even though he teetered on being opportunist.

jeffb · 08-22-2011, 09:37 AM

Seeing him last month when he announced a temporary replacement, it's not surprising.

very sad

RIP

Shadowfax · 08-22-2011, 09:38 AM

wow...actually shocked to hear this
last time i saw him on tv he looked like he had lost a substantial amount of weight but still looked relatively healthy

Canada lost a good man today

RIP

Barracuda · 08-22-2011, 09:40 AM

Very, very sad.

And amazing to see all the messages everywhere from the public, expressing how upset they are. Most politicians' passing would never receive such reactions.

**'trane** · 08-22-2011, 09:54 AM

jack will be dearly missed. to echo what barracuda wrote, it's remarkable that a canadian politician who led but never won, and who's party was so often the butt of the canadian political joke, would engender so many expressions of sorrow and thanks. it goes to show that canadians support that kind of effort and that dedication to principles, even if they don't always come out to say it at the ballot box. i hope that this will be a galvanizing moment for the canadian left.

as much as i would like to pay tribute to the man without politics getting in the way, jack never really gave us that opportunity. he simply was his politics, and he was, in a good measure, part of the canadian conscience. that's a massive hole to fill.

thanks for everything jack.

b55bgc · 08-22-2011, 11:30 AM

As a fellow NDP voter, He will be sadly missed.
He was a great Canadian.
His party will miss him dearly.

Bill Haverchuck · 08-22-2011, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LX

... even though he teetered on being opportunist.

*cough* Olympic hockey *cough* photo-op *cough* bar *cough* look at me *cough*

I spoke with him in person a few times. He seemed like a good dude. RIP, whacky Jack.

**'trane** · 08-22-2011, 12:53 PM

i encourage everyone to read layton's outgoing letter. there's a link to download it from this page: Jack Layton, dead at 61, never lost focus on NDP’s future - The Globe and Mail

here is the text:

Quote:

August 20, 2011

Toronto, Ontario

Dear Friends,

Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.

Unfortunately my treatment has not worked out as I hoped. So I am giving this letter to my partner Olivia to share with you in the circumstance in which I cannot continue.

I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected.

I recommend the party hold a leadership vote as early as possible in the New Year, on approximately the same timelines as in 2003, so that our new leader has ample time to reconsolidate our team, renew our party and our program, and move forward towards the next election.

A few additional thoughts:

To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don’t be discouraged that my own journey hasn’t gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.

To the members of my party: we’ve done remarkable things together in the past eight years. It has been a privilege to lead the New Democratic Party and I am most grateful for your confidence, your support, and the endless hours of volunteer commitment you have devoted to our cause. There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let’s continue to move forward. Let’s demonstrate in everything we do in the four years before us that we are ready to serve our beloved Canada as its next government.

To the members of our parliamentary caucus: I have been privileged to work with each and every one of you. Our caucus meetings were always the highlight of my week. It has been my role to ask a great deal from you. And now I am going to do so again. Canadians will be closely watching you in the months to come. Colleagues, I know you will make the tens of thousands of members of our party proud of you by demonstrating the same seamless teamwork and solidarity that has earned us the confidence of millions of Canadians in the recent election.

To my fellow Quebecers: On May 2nd, you made an historic decision. You decided that the way to replace Canada’s Conservative federal government with something better was by working together in partnership with progressive-minded Canadians across the country. You made the right decision then; it is still the right decision today; and it will be the right decision right through to the next election, when we will succeed, together. You have elected a superb team of New Democrats to Parliament. They are going to be doing remarkable things in the years to come to make this country better for us all.

To young Canadians: All my life I have worked to make things better. Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me. I have met and talked with so many of you about your dreams, your frustrations, and your ideas for change. More and more, you are engaging in politics because you want to change things for the better. Many of you have placed your trust in our party. As my time in political life draws to a close I want to share with you my belief in your power to change this country and this world. There are great challenges before you, from the overwhelming nature of climate change to the unfairness of an economy that excludes so many from our collective wealth, and the changes necessary to build a more inclusive and generous Canada. I believe in you. Your energy, your vision, your passion for justice are exactly what this country needs today. You need to be at the heart of our economy, our political life, and our plans for the present and the future.

And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.

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.
All my very best,

Jack Layton

Dark Knight · 08-22-2011, 01:43 PM

Canada lost a great mustache today. RIP Jack.

Barracuda · 08-22-2011, 04:52 PM

I read the letter while on a streetcar this morning. By the time I got back home, people are already quoting it all over Facebook and Twitter. I'm glad to see it.

LX · 08-22-2011, 04:59 PM

In this letter, and in his earlier press conference, there was an emphasis on love that you just don't see. Not a love of country or a love of God or a love of freedom. Just love. It was striking, and felt so much more authentic than those other expressions of love. I'd really like to see more of that, sappiness be damned.

js12 · 08-22-2011, 06:26 PM

That letter brought tears to my eyes. Hopefully Canadians won't forget his message not only for a better Canada, but for a better world.

Aar_Canada · 08-22-2011, 10:19 PM

Jack Layton didn’t lose a fight: He died of cancer - The Globe and Mail

J-Bo · 08-22-2011, 10:21 PM

rip jack layton...man with amazing ideals.

Superjudge · 08-22-2011, 10:28 PM

It isn't something i can say anyone would have seen coming, but if this, if this man, a respected leader of a reputable political party in a G8 country can somehow help create a movement that embodies a more humane approach to politics in general I would be really happy.

His letter was nice.
His word is simple.

He wasn't perfect, none of us are, but I can honestly say I was a little moved by what I read.

Hope it isn't yesterdays news by Friday.

Aar_Canada · 08-23-2011, 12:19 AM

Blatchford chimes in...

Christie Blatchford: Layton’s death turns into a thoroughly public spectacle | Full Comment | National Post

**'trane** · 08-23-2011, 12:30 AM

talk about canny, relentless and thoroughly ambitious with a gimlet eye on all the campaigns to come...

08-22-2011, 09:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
MrClutch is ........ Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 2,332 Representing:	RIP Jack Layton Just found out he died from his battle with cancer. I always thought he would beat it like he did the first time. May he RIP

08-22-2011, 09:54 AM	#8 (permalink)
'trane is farting around giant steps Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 15,281 Representing:	jack will be dearly missed. to echo what barracuda wrote, it's remarkable that a canadian politician who led but never won, and who's party was so often the butt of the canadian political joke, would engender so many expressions of sorrow and thanks. it goes to show that canadians support that kind of effort and that dedication to principles, even if they don't always come out to say it at the ballot box. i hope that this will be a galvanizing moment for the canadian left. as much as i would like to pay tribute to the man without politics getting in the way, jack never really gave us that opportunity. he simply was his politics, and he was, in a good measure, part of the canadian conscience. that's a massive hole to fill. thanks for everything jack. Last edited by 'trane; 08-22-2011 at 11:32 AM.

08-22-2011, 04:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
Barracuda is the fighter of the Nightman Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Cherry Bomb Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,960 Representing:	I read the letter while on a streetcar this morning. By the time I got back home, people are already quoting it all over Facebook and Twitter. I'm glad to see it. Last edited by Barracuda; 08-22-2011 at 05:09 PM.

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08-22-2011, 09:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
Benzo is hibernating Retired Administrator Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 7,275 Representing:	Yep for sure. I disagreed with the man politics but had a respect for the man. RIP Jack.

08-22-2011, 09:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
js12 is (insert intelligent comment) Pound the Rock Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: T.O. Posts: 4,769 Representing:	RIP Mr. Layton.

08-22-2011, 09:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
LX is a belly putter in a world of crotch shots In the Paint Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 23,411 Representing:	A sad day. I admired his ability to evolve over the years, even though he teetered on being opportunist.

08-22-2011, 09:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
jeffb is EL PRESIDENTE Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: YO MAMMA Posts: 57,437 Representing:	Seeing him last month when he announced a temporary replacement, it's not surprising. very sad RIP

08-22-2011, 09:38 AM	#6 (permalink)
Shadowfax is playing the dude disguised as another dude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: 5th Dimension Posts: 7,365 Representing:	wow...actually shocked to hear this last time i saw him on tv he looked like he had lost a substantial amount of weight but still looked relatively healthy Canada lost a good man today RIP

08-22-2011, 09:40 AM	#7 (permalink)
Barracuda is the fighter of the Nightman Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Cherry Bomb Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,960 Representing:	Very, very sad. And amazing to see all the messages everywhere from the public, expressing how upset they are. Most politicians' passing would never receive such reactions.

08-22-2011, 11:30 AM	#9 (permalink)
b55bgc is Mean Muggin with his son Swollen Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: The Rock AKA Newfoundland Posts: 1,400 Representing:	As a fellow NDP voter, He will be sadly missed. He was a great Canadian. His party will miss him dearly.

08-22-2011, 01:43 PM	#12 (permalink)
Dark Knight is waiting for the sun to come out so he can let his guns out. Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Electric Avenue Posts: 15,049 Representing:	Canada lost a great mustache today. RIP Jack.

08-22-2011, 04:59 PM	#14 (permalink)
LX is a belly putter in a world of crotch shots In the Paint Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 23,411 Representing:	In this letter, and in his earlier press conference, there was an emphasis on love that you just don't see. Not a love of country or a love of God or a love of freedom. Just love. It was striking, and felt so much more authentic than those other expressions of love. I'd really like to see more of that, sappiness be damned.

08-22-2011, 06:26 PM	#15 (permalink)
js12 is (insert intelligent comment) Pound the Rock Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: T.O. Posts: 4,769 Representing:	That letter brought tears to my eyes. Hopefully Canadians won't forget his message not only for a better Canada, but for a better world.

08-22-2011, 10:19 PM	#16 (permalink)
Aar_Canada is pounding the rock! Captain Ding Dong Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St.Catharines Posts: 4,924 Representing:	Jack Layton didn’t lose a fight: He died of cancer - The Globe and Mail

08-22-2011, 10:21 PM	#17 (permalink)
J-Bo is . Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1,919 Representing:	rip jack layton...man with amazing ideals.

08-22-2011, 10:28 PM	#18 (permalink)
Superjudge is pounding the rock! Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 17,392 Representing:	It isn't something i can say anyone would have seen coming, but if this, if this man, a respected leader of a reputable political party in a G8 country can somehow help create a movement that embodies a more humane approach to politics in general I would be really happy. His letter was nice. His word is simple. He wasn't perfect, none of us are, but I can honestly say I was a little moved by what I read. Hope it isn't yesterdays news by Friday.

08-23-2011, 12:19 AM	#19 (permalink)
Aar_Canada is pounding the rock! Captain Ding Dong Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St.Catharines Posts: 4,924 Representing:	Blatchford chimes in... Christie Blatchford: Layton’s death turns into a thoroughly public spectacle \| Full Comment \| National Post

08-23-2011, 12:30 AM	#20 (permalink)
'trane is farting around giant steps Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 15,281 Representing:	talk about canny, relentless and thoroughly ambitious with a gimlet eye on all the campaigns to come...