Jack Layton dies at 61

[nik-]

Originally Posted by Bunk

It is sad he passed just after reaching the pinnacle of his success politically, and didn't have the chance to act on that success in the commons.

He will be missed.

He had less power with 100 seats in a majority government than he did with 40 as a vote swinging block.

This is sad news, my condolences to his family. I don't support his party, and I wasn't a big fan of him personally, but you can't argue with his effectiveness and getting people to listen. It's sad to see someone go from healthy and vibrant to death in the space of just over a year.

[J pold]

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.

No matter which political party you identify, I think that we can all agree with the above statement. I was never a fan of his policies, but seemed like a great man with an undeniable passion for his country, rest in peace Mr. Layton.

[peter12]

Jeezus, the death of any public figure always results in the bursting of the flood-gates of insincerity.

[Yeah_Baby]

Originally Posted by peter12

Jeezus, the death of any public figure always results in the bursting of the flood-gates of insincerity.

Don't worry, you'll be the only one mourning Ezra Levant.

[OBCT]

Originally Posted by J pold

No matter which political party you identify, I think that we can all agree with the above statement. I was never a fan of his policies, but seemed like a great man with an undeniable passion for his country, rest in peace Mr. Layton.

Well said. Thoughts and prayers for his family.

[Cheerio]

I was never a fan of the NDP or their policies, but Jack Layton was a great leader for that party. RIP Jack Layton, my thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by peter12

Jeezus, the death of any public figure always results in the bursting of the flood-gates of insincerity.

Maybe we arent as jaded?

[peter12]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

Maybe we arent as jaded?

No, I'm just sincere.

One week ago, we would have all said that he was an excellent campaigner, an attention hog, someone who would say or anything for a slight bump in the polls, and someone who happily played class-based politics with our tax dollars.

In short, a typical politician. It's sad that he died, but honestly, I feel no connection with him or his family, or any loss or sadness on behalf of our country. Things will go on, his family will grieve (as they should), and hopefully, the crocodile tear-filled tributes will dry up.

[peter12]

Originally Posted by nik-

He had less power with 100 seats in a majority government than he did with 40 as a vote swinging block.

This is sad news, my condolences to his family. I don't support his party, and I wasn't a big fan of him personally, but you can't argue with his effectiveness and getting people to listen. It's sad to see someone go from healthy and vibrant to death in the space of just over a year.

This is actually quite proper. There is no doubt, Layton was an excellent rhetorician, and his rise to influence is quite remarkable given the NDPs constant position at the margins of Canadian political society. Not to mention that, thanks to the news media, we were treated to the horrifying spectacle of his decay. In one way, I am glad that that Layton's ordeal of dealing with his illness while in the public spotlight is over with his death.

[kirant]

Originally Posted by peter12

One week ago, we would have all said that he was an excellent campaigner, an attention hog, someone who would say or anything for a slight bump in the polls, and someone who happily played class-based politics with our tax dollars.

I don't think any of us disagree with that. But I believe we all (or at least myself) also openly admit he's charismatic, loves Canada, is a good person, and that nobody should die of a disease such as cancer. It's just that the latter (like the former, mostly coming out during federal elections) takes a little probing to force admission of. The death of the person simply acts as a catalyst for that event.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by peter12

In short, a typical politician.

He was not a typical politician. He had the charismatic wit a politician needs, but also the "Neighbour-next-door" personality that won him huge popularity gains. That combination is not common. Not to mention people felt a kinship with him and they could trust him.

He was not typical by any means.

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by peter12

No, I'm just sincere.

One week ago, we would have all said that he was an excellent campaigner, an attention hog, someone who would say or anything for a slight bump in the polls, and someone who happily played class-based politics with our tax dollars.

In short, a typical politician. It's sad that he died, but honestly, I feel no connection with him or his family, or any loss or sadness on behalf of our country. Things will go on, his family will grieve (as they should), and hopefully, the crocodile tear-filled tributes will dry up.

Well said. When I saw this thread, I thought "well, that's too bad", but I don't have any more positive thoughts about him than I did 6 months ago. He is not a friend or a relative, just some guy I didn't care for... Honestly, I felt more emotion when Rypien died...

[peter12]

Originally Posted by kirant

I don't think any of us disagree with that. But I believe we all (or at least myself) also openly admit he's charismatic, loves Canada, is a good person, and that nobody should die of a disease such as cancer. It's just that the latter (like the former, mostly coming out during federal elections) takes a little probing to force admission of. The death of the person simply acts as a catalyst for that event.

I think 2/3 people on this forum will probably end up dying of cancer. It's not uncommon.

[Kybosh]

Originally Posted by peter12

I think 2/3 people on this forum will probably end up dying of cancer. It's not uncommon.

It used to be called dying of old age before we knew anything about cancer.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by peter12

I think 2/3 people on this forum will probably end up dying of cancer. It's not uncommon.

Which is why the occasional public display of its results are beneficial as a whole.

[oldschoolcalgary]

a sad day for Canada. Layton was a great Canadian and though most people here on this board probably didn't agree with him politically, I think most people respected what he did and how he did it politically.

I think one of the Kennedys said it best - we can disagree without being disagreeable.

[metallicat]

I can't imagine having to write such a letter knowing you're going to die. Incredible.

[zamler]

Originally Posted by peter12

Jeezus, the death of any public figure always results in the bursting of the flood-gates of insincerity.

Firstly, there is such a thing as showing some class, and realizing there is a time and place to express ones view. Seconds, there are many people who honestly feel sadness that Jack died, me included. No I did not know him personally, but I've seen him many times in debates, in news clips, and read many articles involving him, so I have emotions invested in Jack Layton.

I didn't agree with his politics quite often, but one thing I did respect was his dedication to this country, I truly believed he tried to do everything in his power to try and make Canada a better place for all of us. He deserves respect for that, he will be sincerely missed by many.

[chemgear]

Originally Posted by oilers_fan

I can't imagine having to write such a letter knowing you're going to die. Incredible.

Yeah. Even if you don't know the guy or disagree with his politics, that takes some balls (classy letter too.)

[Blaster86]

Originally Posted by peter12

Jeezus, the death of any public figure always results in the bursting of the flood-gates of insincerity.

Find one poster here that didn't support Layton's policies that is talking about how right he was?

Their opinion hasn't changed. Just the words to express them have. They're just not being completely crass because the political ideals were different. You are. Get bent.