RIP Jack Layton

[Technomancer]

Those of you who are Canadian, will know who this is. Those of you who aren't, well suffice it to say that active in the United Church of Canada, a former professor of political science, and all too briefly, the leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. More than that though, Layton epitomized pretty much everything a politician should be: standing firmly on principles and believing strongly in justice, compassion, and changing the world for the better.

He left the following letter with his wife in the event of his death:
http://www.thespec.com/news/canada/article/582189--text-of-jack-layton-s-letter-to-canadians

Canada is a poorer country today.

*edit: Correction, Layton was active in the church, but not a minister. I had that part confused with another NDP'er Bill Blakie.

[Crossfire]

My condolences to anyone that was close to him. Although I am not fond of the NDP's agenda, it is always sad to see someone pass away when you least expect it.

[blkmage]

Very sad and an unfortunately abrupt end to a long career of public service, so soon after what's likely his biggest accomplishment from just a few months ago. It's pretty remarkable how, while still battling cancer, he made it to Stornoway. He's a great Torontonian and Canadian who'll be missed.

[Furen]

I wasn't a fan of him, but I do know he had character, and that's a very important trait for leaders, we need people like him, just maybe for all the parties.

He will be missed.

[Technomancer]

Just a couple of videos with Layton and Rick Mercer:

(Beerz?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xEBa_ba6RA&feature=relmfu


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok_hTUyP1sQ

[blkmage]

Nathan Phillips Square, outside Toronto City Hall, became an impromptu memorial. The messages started on the wall of the ramp up to City Hall's green roof and spread out to the rest of the square from there. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to swing down there before the rain came today and washed all the chalk away.

[Technomancer]

Wow. Very impressive memorial. Also,

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/layton-and-chow-a-love-story-and-political-alliance-come-to-an-end/article2141026/

[Crossfire]

Every time I look at comments on the Globe and Mail, I lose all faith in humanity.

[TheMewster]

Sad to see him go, even though I never heard of him until now.

[A_Yellow_Dress]

My great-grandmother, a huge supporter of NDP, was not very happy with the news. It's sad, even if I am unsure of which political party I support.
His battle with cancer is depressing and shows that it can happen to anyone.

[Furen]

My great-grandmother, a huge supporter of NDP, was not very happy with the news. It's sad, even if I am unsure of which political party I support.
His battle with cancer is depressing and shows that it can happen to anyone.

I agree his death was sad, though I didn't like his campaign as much as it was more spending and more activities, and that's good for people, but bad for the economy, so a good and a bad.
Then again, I'm still unsure of which party I like best as well.

Either way, a great loss for Canada.

[Lynna]

I've never been into politics. But regardless or not weather I agreed with him, it seems he certainly believed he had our best interests at heart. It's a sad thing, especially for his family.