Goodbye, Jack!

Today, the country said goodbye to a great leader and hero. Thanks to Jack for everything he did for our country, for the issues he championed, for the battles he fought! May we try to move forward truly inspired by your great example.

I'm happy to share the sublime words of Stephen Lewis, who eulogized Jack at today's funeral. I especially loved the moment when he stated: "[Jack's final] letter was, at its heart, a manifesto for social democracy..." In the audience, all stood and applauded, including Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper (minus the applauding).

Yes Jack did unite Canada!

Lightning strikes CN Tower in Toronto on Aug 24th, 2011

Lightning strikes the CN Tower at 00:30.....02:03.....02:45.....04:00.... 04:48...05:56 (shot from my Davenport balcony last night). Enjoy!

Canada mourns 'courageous' Jack Layton

Canada mourns 'courageous' Jack Layton - Politics - CBC News

Let me add my voice to the chorus of sadness and praise for Jack Layton, who lost his battle with cancer today.

Jack was a champion of the little guy who fought his entire adult life for a better Canada for all. He was an unwavering supporter of gays and lesbians, something for which I will always be grateful.

I briefly met Jack once in the 1990s at some municipal conference at a Toronto hotel. (I can't honestly remember the details of the event, only Jack's friendly smile as he said, "Hello," to me, a total stranger, at the coffee table.) He was that kind of guy, as we all know, always willing to positively engage his fellow citizens. He was a leader like Canada had never seen before and he transformed modern politics for the better. His legacy is clear and now I hope the NDP can keep up Jack's momentum. I bet you they will be able to do so.

But in the mean time, this is a very sad day for Canada.

But even in death, Jack is inspiring. Some words from his final letter to Canadians prove it: "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..."