Noble Life and Gracious Exit

Canada lost a favoured son today. It's after midnight so technically it was yesterday. He was the consummate leader - someone people wanted to follow. He was a whirling, swirling vortex of energy, principles and charisma. His was champion of the causes of working men and women; the disenfranchised; the underdog - giving voice to those without one.

He swung to the left in his politics; a socially conscious citizen of the world dedicating his life to service and change, and pursuing his ideals with passion and eternal optimism. And regardless of what political stripes you wore, you couldn't help but admire and respect an individual so genuinely committed to fighting for the causes he believed in.

His name was Jack Layton and just four months ago, he came from behind in the election to become the leader of the official opposition in Canada. He ran his campaign while fighting to hold onto his health, and shortly after his historical victory, he succumbed to cancer. But just two days before he passed, he wrote a letter to Canada; a letter that would bring a tear to a glass eye. I am posting a link to it here that you may also become inspired, as was I: Letter to Canadians from Jack Layton

The world needs people like Jack Layton.

"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."