RIP Jack Layton

[oldjones]

Can't imagine such a reaction attending the death of any other Canadian politician of recent times; would Harper evoke such affection and admiration? Bob Rae? Mulroney, Martin or Clark?

Whether you agreed with him or opposed him, it's clear Layton had star-power that went beyond the just doing the job.

 

[Loosely]

Hard to tell whether you are trying to be funny and are just a jerk or you really are that stupid.

Maybe you were dropped on your head as a child?

Don't be a jerk!

What's his health secret? He was a politician and his health condition should had been made public long time ago to support a specific type of cancer were others are dying from the same disease. Isn't that what the NDP party represents, for the people of Canada? Donatable charites for diseases, social programs, affordable prescription drugs, health care system for all....etc. He and his family never made one statement to support any type of cancer research to the public to donate. It's all for a good cause. Jack and his family instead want a state funeral to be televised across the country as non-elected Prime Minister of the past? Gimme a break, he was a losing opposition party leader. I will turn off the t.v. and mourn the young Canadian troops that were placed there by corrupt politicians and are dying meaningless in Afghanistan and not an MP who lived for free in Ontario housing complexes, smoked pot and was caught in a massage parlour. I'm curious on who is going to pick up the tab for this Royal funeral?

 

[Berlin]

While many may not share Jack's political ideology I would hope that most would agree that having active debate in our political arena only helped to bring out the best of ideas and move the country forward. I feel a sadness that Jack has passed, not because we agreed on our politics but because I shared many of the same ideals and values. I want Canada to have the best and brightest future, I want all the people in Canada to have equal opportunities to succeed and I want them to feel as if they have a voice and will be heard by their politicians. That is what I believe Jack did best, he allowed the average person to feel heard, he spoke up for what he believed and he fought for it. He led his team to victory, they surpassed all expectations under his leadership and with the odds against him, there is something to that I believe many people feel a connection to. Politics can be divisive but it doesn't need to be, perhaps what I mourn most and I feel is Canadas greatest loss is that we lost one of the men that believed in our system, that worked within it to fight for his values and for those in the country that shared his beliefs. We need more politicians that can inspire the youth to vote, that take the time to speak to the individual, that have hope for our future and his infectious optimism.

Jack included this Tommy Douglas quote in all of his emails, “Courage my friends, ’tis never too late to build a better world.” and I hope that Canadians pick up the torch and continue working to make our world a better place.

Even though I am not an NDP supporter, and I did not necessarily agree with all of Jack Layton's political views, I have always respected him for his perseverance, fighting spirit, his cheerful optimism, and his dedication to public service, whether as Toronto city councillor, MP or as leader of the NDP. I'm deeply saddened by his sudden passing.

For what it's worth, my condolences to his family, and best wishes to the federal NDP.

No matter what your political view point is ~ no one can deny that Mr. Layton loved our country and worked hard for all of us. I've never known of a politician who I believed to be so sincere.....

I don't share Jack Layton's vision, nor am I particularly enthralled with some things he has done in the past. That being said, this thread is no place for negativity or personal attacks on his character or views. I admire the man for his work ethic, for his principled vision, for making the NDP relevant and for his recent success in the federal election, despite being sick and in pain. It is a sad day for all Canadians and I extend my condolences to his family and close friends and supporters. He will be very tough act to follow for the next leader.

What they said and many others.

R.I.P. Layton.

 

[fmahovalich]

The body arrived on Parliament Hill this morning!!

It was quite a spectacle.

Seemed the RCMP boys carrying the coffin werehaving a little trouble keeping it balanced!

Sorta like this conversation!!!

 

[blackrock13]

What's his health secret? He was a politician and his health condition should had been made public long time ago to support a specific type of cancer were others are dying from the same disease. Isn't that what the NDP party represents, for the people of Canada? Donatable charites for diseases, social programs, affordable prescription drugs, health care system for all....etc. He and his family never made one statement to support any type of cancer research to the public to donate. It's all for a good cause. Jack and his family instead want a state funeral to be televised across the country as non-elected Prime Minister of the past? Gimme a break, he was a losing opposition party leader. I will turn off the t.v. and mourn the young Canadian troops that were placed there by corrupt politicians and are dying meaningless in Afghanistan and not an MP who lived for free in Ontario housing complexes, smoked pot and was caught in a massage parlour. I'm curious on who is going to pick up the tab for this Royal funeral?

We were told it was a second cancer. It would satisfy usually an idiot, and I'm being polite, like you. The state funeral ws offered by the government of Canada and they accepted the invitation. They did not seek it. As for the dead troops, Layton was against them going. Your curios about a whole lot of things, most which were a waste of time.

 

[blackram]

Actually not. Cancer patients are far more apt to get a second cancer than a cancer free individual.

If it was a recurrence of his previous prostrate cancer, then I'd be inclined to agree with you. But since this one seems to be a different cancer, then I'd say this is just twice unlucky.

 

[Jennifer_]

If it was a recurrence of his previous prostrate cancer, then I'd be inclined to agree with you. But since this one seems to be a different cancer, then I'd say this is just twice unlucky.

.... well my grandfather had mouth cancer, went into remission then soon-after died of liver cancer. My grandmother had breast cancer, went into remission then soon-after died of brain cancer.

I don't think it's all that unlikely that Jack's new cancer was new.

 

[fuji]

It SHOULD be a spectacle. He was the Leader of the Official Opposition. It's an important and senior official post in the Canadian Parliamentary system, and so it's highly appropriate to have a full blown state funeral with all the regalia on display.

 

[Loosely]

We were told it was a second cancer. It would satisfy usually an idiot, and I'm being polite, like you. The state funeral ws offered by the government of Canada and they accepted the invitation. They did not seek it. As for the dead troops, Layton was against them going. Your curios about a whole lot of things, most which were a waste of time.

Jack Layton was was too shy to reject any type of invitation including to try and form a coalition with the Bloq. What a really nice and likable person he really is, especially caring so much about the soldiers which he has never stepped foot in Afghanistan. His visits to communist China were immediate and important. Maybe we should ask the Chinese what type of 2nd cancer he died from? Who knows, maybe they loan the Canadian gov't the money for the state funeral.

 

[blackrock13]

Jack Layton was was too shy to reject any type of invitations including to try and form a coalition with the Bloq. What a really nice and likable person he really is, especially caring so much about the soldiers which he has never stepped foot in Afghanistan. His visits to communist China were immediate and important. Maybe we should ask the Chinese what type of cancer he died from? Who knows, maybe they loan the Canadian gov't the money for the state funeral.

There many thing we could call Jack, but 'shy' is about as far away from them as you can get. You're doing a great job Phil.

If you have proof of Chinas involvement, show it, if not STFU, before you start drooling your shit down your chin. Relic might lend you his bib if yo ask nicely. Know ing the type of cancer won't solve ot prove anything, except satisfy you overworked imagination. The problem is you just pick something trivial to bark about.

By the way, Jack was dead when their invitation was extended, so he wasn't the one it was extended. You're true maroon.

 

[Mervyn]

What's his health secret? He was a politician and his health condition should had been made public long time ago to support a specific type of cancer were others are dying from the same disease. Isn't that what the NDP party represents, for the people of Canada? Donatable charites for diseases, social programs, affordable prescription drugs, health care system for all....etc. He and his family never made one statement to support any type of cancer research to the public to donate. It's all for a good cause. Jack and his family instead want a state funeral to be televised across the country as non-elected Prime Minister of the past? Gimme a break, he was a losing opposition party leader. I will turn off the t.v. and mourn the young Canadian troops that were placed there by corrupt politicians and are dying meaningless in Afghanistan and not an MP who lived for free in Ontario housing complexes, smoked pot and was caught in a massage parlour. I'm curious on who is going to pick up the tab for this Royal funeral?

I don't think you understand the Government system at all. Official Opposition is an integral part of government , something which he obtain fair and square.

It is appropriate that such an Honour be offered.

And Loosely, I don't like the man, but one should respect the office.

 

[Loosely]

There is no need to hate anyone but it would be appropriate to drap Jack's coffin with a Quebec flag.

 

[blackrock13]

There is no need to hate anyone but it would be appropriate to drap Jack's coffin with a Quebec flag.

Considering he was born in Quebec that would not out of place, but being a political leader the Maple Leaf is just as proper.

 

[someone]

I would say that whether he should get a state funeral should be a matter of precedent. Has there ever been another leader of the official opposition to die in office who was not otherwise entitled to one? (e.g. because he was a former PM). If so, they should follow that precedent. If not, it would be up to Harper to set the precedent which he has basically done.

 

[Loosely]

Jack knew he was going to die long before the election and should have stepped down but he desperately decided it would be nice to be honoured with a state funeral like the way it would be nice to become Prime Minister by forming a coalition with the Bloq. The best kept secret, Jack's cancer diagnosis. What a great Canadian. Please drap him with an orange Quebec flag.

 

[blackrock13]

Jack knew he was going to die long before the election and should have stepped down but he desperately decided it would be nice to be honoured with a state funeral like the way it would be nice to become Prime Minister by forming a coalition with the Bloq. The best kept secret, Jack's cancer diagnosis. What a great Canadian. Please drap him with an orange Quebec flag.

You really are a child.

Exactly how do you know that he knew. The fact that he was the life blood of the party and worked for it unit he couldn't any more says more about him.

I noticed you supplied no back up for your Chna revelation. I suspect you're just flapping your yap, showing you ignorance on many levels because it impresses people, when actually the opposite is true. Most here think you're a dolt for sure.

 

[Jennifer_]

Jack knew he was going to die long before the election and should have stepped down but he desperately decided it would be nice to be honoured with a state funeral like the way it would be nice to become Prime Minister by forming a coalition with the Bloq. The best kept secret, Jack's cancer diagnosis. What a great Canadian. Please drap him with an orange Quebec flag.

.... this is really really out of line. Not to be combative but grow up.

.
.

On a happier note ~ I'm sad I'm going to be out of town to CN Tower glowing orange in tribute to Jack on Saturday but what a touching tribute.
I'm proud of our city.

 

[Loosely]

Harper's quote, " We knew he was sick long before the elections"

 

[blackrock13]

Harper's quote, " We knew he was sick long before the elections"

Were Harpers move when he said this. Of course he was sick, he has prostate cancer.

You wouldn't mind a reference for this comment. It works better that way.

 

[blackram]

I don't think you understand the Government system at all. Official Opposition is an integral part of government , something which he obtain fair and square.

It is appropriate that such an Honour be offered.

And Loosely, I don't like the man, but one should respect the office.

Actually, there isn't even an official constitutional role given to a prime minister in our constitution. However, we all know that a prime minister exists, and is given a lot of power, and is given a state funeral after death. Cabinet ministers are also given state funerals if they die in office. So a sitting opposition leader should be accorded similar privileges at least as much as any cabinet minister. Opposition leaders are paid the same as cabinet ministers in the government, and given similar staffing privileges.