Death of a Leader

The recent death of NDP leader Jack Layton has devastated Canadians. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, Layton deserves recognition for the accomplishments in his career, which spanned 3 decades. Much like Diana, who was known as ‘the people’s princess’, Layton was considered to be ‘the people’s politician’.  A dedicated family man and proud Canadian, Mr. Layton believed in his fellow Canadians and he devoted his efforts to building a better, fairer Canada to benefit all.

Icons, from politicians to princesses, have captured our hearts and brought hope to the world stage by giving voice to the people. When a leader dies, although we may not have ever met them, we experience sadness and sorrow. Much like when a celebrity dies (e.g. Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson), as the years pass, we will remember the day and exactly what we were doing when their death was announced.

The sorrow expressed by the people when a leader dies is normal. As in Mr. Layton’s death, we recognize a life ended far too soon. But some also feel their voice, and perhaps hope for their country has been silenced. The wonderful thing is that leaders, such as Jack Layton and Martin Luther King, inspire others… and others will now take a stand and work towards making a better country for their fellow man, because of what they learned and witnessed from the leader they respected. His work will be carried on.

Mr. Layton made a difference in this country and he will never be forgotten. True to his nature of caring for others, at a very private time when his days with his family were limited, Layton wrote a letter to Canadians. Below is an excerpt to comfort and inspire us all:

“… And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.

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.”