I had to work today but I watched most of the ceremony live streamed on my computer in the office. This was prob'ly a mistake. I was in floods for most of it and not of much use to anybody.
I have a great deal of respect for Mr. Layton and was heartened to see the outpouring of emotion from all over Canada. We don't usually do this big, noisy collective grief thing as a rule but I understand the urge. You admired him as a public figure, as a courageous battler against cancer that has taken so many that I don't know of anyone who hasn't been touched by it. You admired him, even if you disagreed with him cuz it seemed true. His passion for what he believed never seemed convenient or wishy- washy. I feel the heartbreak of bringing that party, my party really, right up to the table but cruelly being denied the chance to sit down to dinner.
I have believed for a long time that Jack Layton was a scrappy version of Stephen Lewis. I thought Mr.Lewis' eulogy was as close to perfection as you get. It was rousing, and thought provoking and in your face and touching. My heart went out to Mr. Layton's kids cuz I remember standing there thinking : "here's what I want the world to know about my dad". It was the most difficult and at the same time most rewarding bit of speechifying I've ever done. People later asked me how I didn't break down and I just said: " it was for dad and he'd want me to do good". I thought Jack's kids did good.
We'll go back to the politics "business as usual" and this new NDP will make a heap of mistakes, and look foolish and sometimes get it right. The only hope is that a Stephen (or David for you old timers)Lewis or a Jack Layton will emerge to continue to fight the good fight.
Thank you Mr. Layton for your years of public service. It's time to rest now.
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