Jack Layton, Canadian NDP leader has died

[Callimom]

I'm so so sad for his family, the NDP and for Canada.

Whether we agree with his politics or not I think it's incredibly sad that he won't be in the house of commons this year to fight that fight. We've lost a committed, hard working, idealistic and positive politician.

Karen

[Aubergine68]

Yes, such sad news to wake up to.  I voted Green, not NDP, in the last election, but I see Layton's death as a tragic loss for our country.  If more people had Jack Layton's passion for Canada, our country - our world - would be a much better place.

My heart goes out to his family and his fellow party members.  What a devastating loss for them :-(

 RIP Jack.  May your incredible legacy inspire your party and all Canadians in the years to come.

[purslaine]

It is so sad - the NDP rose to unprecedented heights under him - and now this.  

He looked so healthy during the recent election - cancer can move so quickly.

[HeatherAtHome]

So shocked to see this! Off to google for details. So very sad. 

ETA: http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1042988

[starling&diesel]

He took the NDP from 13 seats to 103 seats ... and had the charisma and chops to be our next Prime Minister.

We'll miss you, Jack.

Taken much too soon.

[HeatherAtHome]

His letter has me in tears! Very good, worth a read. Especially love the part to young Canadians and to Canadians in general. And he included a message to others fighting cancer.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-notebook/laytons-last-words-love-is-better-than-anger-hope-is-better-than-fear/article2137381/

(Scroll down for letter, also continues on second page)

Ends with:

Quote:

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.

 

[Deepfeet]

So sad,

We've lost a great fighter.

[elsa_elsa]

I don't even know how to think about Canadian politics right now without Jack Layton.   So sad to hear of his passing.

[Shantimama]

I am so sad. It isn't often that a leader comes along who leads with such compassion and passion as well as conviction. What a huge loss for our country and especially for his family.

[AngelKissedKids]

I'm incredibly sad to know that Jack Layton has passed.  He looked so unwell at his July press conference and I hope he didn't suffer in the end.  Cancer is so awful.  We have truly lost a great Canadian.

[sebandg'smama]

[Irishmommy]

[Bena]

so, so true....

Originally Posted by Aubergine68 

Yes, such sad news to wake up to.  I voted Green, not NDP, in the last election, but I see Layton's death as a tragic loss for our country.  If more people had Jack Layton's passion for Canada, our country - our world - would be a much better place.

My heart goes out to his family and his fellow party members.  What a devastating loss for them :-(

 RIP Jack.  May your incredible legacy inspire your party and all Canadians in the years to come.

I think these pictures speak alot for what he meant....

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Photos+Jack+Layton+tribute+Parliament+Hill/5290643/story.html

Edited by Bena - 8/24/11 at 6:37pm

[ghannit]

I was shocked and sad to read of his cancer in late July... I still can't believe how quickly he passed away. So sad. I hope the party can take his energy and dedication onward. I'm glad that he got to see his party go so far in the last election.

I really enjoyed this tribute to him:   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGu682FUDsQ

[Shantimama]

Did anyone here watch his funeral? It was amazing. I was so proud to be Canadian seeing what a state funeral can look like.