I like to watch the news in the morning when I am getting ready for work. Today I was really surprised when I heard that Jack Layton had passed away. We all knew he was sick, but I didn't realize just how near the end of his life he was. I think it was extremely impressive how he rallied in the election and changed the landscape, especially in Quebec. It's no easy feat making in-roads in political blocks of concrete, but he did and with a smile. Underdog took the day!
So to think that he did all that with such a serious illness! Going to rallies, traveling around the country, public speaking events...hell I get tired just on a flight from a restful vacation in Mexico.
It always startles me when people are taken by cancer. It is such a universally ugly word. No one wants to hear it, especially in connection with a loved one. More and more there are treatments and hope but its a long road for all cancer patients.
It's really a shame that smiling Jack didn't get a chance to do a bit more as the official opposition, but he really showed people that hard work, perseverance and conviction can pay off.
He was a great leader who I think lived what he spoke. He honestly wanted Canada to be a better place and worked hard to help make it so. Whether one agrees with his position or voted for him, I think all Canadians will agree that he made an impact. He has left his mark in the history of Canada.
ReplyDeleteYup. A very sad day indeed. Even Harper had nice things to say about him. I hope the NDP pick someone else who is as charasmatic as he was to lead them.
ReplyDeleteI love the phrase "political blocks of concrete." Sums up what we had in Quebec until Jack changed the game.
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