It’s very strange that so much has been happening in the world of late that I seem to be post more about serious subjects than my usual Jibber-Jabber. That said, I guess it’s a sign of the times that we live in, and we all have to mark these moments as we see fit.
Today, we mark the passing of Jack Layton.
In a country where our politics often lacks leadership and passion, Jack Layton brought both to our political landscape, and he brought both with a gusto and dedication that made even his most steadfast opponents respect him. Many of his ideas and policies were easy to disagree with, but no matter what you thought about them, Jack’s optimism and enthusiasm made you listen to what he had to say. It is very easy to feel jaded and cynical about politics (and politicians) but Jack never made you feel that way.
I met a lot of politicians at all levels of Government in my time in radio. Prime Ministers, Premieres, Mayors, Councilpersons, MP’s, and so on and the best of them had the ability to make you feel like you were the only person in the room while you were speaking to them. Jack also had this charisma, but the difference was that even after he left the room, you still believed it. He was also by far the best at connecting with young voters, a block of people that often feel marginalized and ignored by politicians.
I, like a lot of people was surprised to see the massive upswing for the NDP, under Jack’s leadership, in the last election, but in no way felt that it was undeserved. I was looking forward to seeing Jack sit as the official opposition leader and directly challenge the government in matters of change, like he had done so well from the minority over the years. Again, even if you disagreed with his policies, the way he was never afraid to stand and defend them was so very admirable.
I feel saddened for Jack’s family a friends that this disease took him so quickly, but I also feel saddened for Canada. I really believe that this could have been a great era for our country, the Layton Vs. Harper years. With two very opposing views in power, the middle grounds they could have reached really would have benefited the majority of Canadians I feel. It still may, but to see Jack be taken before he could really live the dream he’d had for so long is heartbreaking.
So, in the end, I just want to say thanks, Jack. Thanks for being there, Thanks for caring and thanks hopefully inspiring the next generation of people who will feel as passionate as you did about our great country.
