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Post by clear observer on Aug 22, 2011 9:25:02 GMT -5
Jane Taber
Ottawa— Globe and Mail
Jack Layton lost his biggest battle early Monday morning, succumbing to cancer. He was 61.
Surrounded by his wife, NDP MP Olivia Chow, other family members and friends, Mr. Layton died “peacefully at his home,” according to a statement issued by his wife and children Monday.
Mr. Layton looked gaunt, his voice very weak, when he held a news conference last month in Toronto to announce he was suffering from a second cancer. He vowed, then, that he would be back to work when the House of Commons resumed on Sept. 19.
He did not reveal what that cancer was. It is still not known.
At that time, he asked his caucus to accept a rookie MP, Nycole Turmel, as interim leader. It is not clear now whether she will continue in that role or how a formal leadership transition will work.
A popular politician – nicknamed Smiling Jack, for his charm and enthusiasm with life and politics – Mr. Layton orchestrated his party going from third place to Official Opposition status in the May 2 election.
Although he had been fighting a prostate cancer diagnosis and a fractured hip, he appeared healthy during the campaign. In fact, the cane he used to support himself became a lightning rod as the party’s support grew and grew.
The NDP victory in the election was based primarily on a huge breakthrough in Quebec and the collapse of the Bloc Québécois
In an lengthy interview with The Globe and Mail the day before the government fell last March, Mr. Layton said that he was fine, did not know why his hip had fractured but said the cancer had not spread.
He had led the NDP since 2003, and had just turned 61 on July 18.
In a statement Monday, Governor-General David Johnston said of Mr. Layton: "He dedicated his life to serving his fellow citizens. He did this with so much grace. He will be missed."
Interim Liberal leader Bob Rae also offered condolences, saying he and his wife, Arlene, “are deeply saddened” by Mr. Layton’s death.
“He was a friend of ours for many years, and despite our political differences his decency, good humour and extraordinary resilience earned our deep admiration,” Mr. Rae said. “We remained friends throughout our political lives.”
Mr. Rae was once an NDP MP and served as NDP premier of Ontario.
“On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I express our deep condolences to Olivia and Jack's family, as well as to his colleagues and friends in the New Democratic Party,” he said in his statement.” “He leaves a powerful legacy of a commitment to social justice in his work in Toronto as a city councillor and as a national leader.
Mr. Rae ended his statement with this: “Peace and comfort to all. When David Lewis passed away Stanley Knowles ended his eulogy with the words 'shalom chaver, shalom.' Peace, brother, peace."
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 22, 2011 10:54:59 GMT -5
RIP Jack and thank you.
Dis
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Post by Cranky on Aug 22, 2011 14:20:19 GMT -5
Politics aside....
RIP Jack.
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Post by franko on Aug 22, 2011 15:23:59 GMT -5
indeed. I may disagree with a lot of his politics but he was a great leader for his party.
RIP.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 22, 2011 18:04:38 GMT -5
indeed. I may disagree with a lot of his politics but he was a great leader for his party. RIP. A huge loss, IMHO, Franko. Here's the last paragraph of the last letter Jack wrote. The letter can be viewed in its entirety on various news outlets. I find it typical of the man and his vision: 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.
All my very best,
Jack Layton |
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Post by The New Guy on Aug 22, 2011 19:00:08 GMT -5
I will not laud Jack for his ideals. As beautiful and tempting as they could sound, they were pure fantasy. They were made for a world much better than ours, where all men are truly equal. I will laud him for dreaming of this world and trying to force us to see his vision. Here was a man who wanted to enrich everyone. Who wanted to help everyone. And he gave greatly of himself to see that world - impossible though it might be - come to pass.
I can not help to think that perhaps now he is in that place he has dreamed of - where all are wealthy and happy.
Canadian politics needs more men and women like Jack. Not necessarily the idealist that he was, but the steadfast refusal to accept anything less than what was best (in his opinion) for the country.
RIP Mr. Layton.
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Post by Cranky on Aug 22, 2011 20:23:08 GMT -5
I'll give it a few days and then comment on the politics.
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Post by franko on Aug 23, 2011 5:46:36 GMT -5
the question now is "which direction will the NDP head?".
and yes, the accolades for Jack are not yet over, and publicly this question will not be raised [well, it might be raised but the answer will be "let us finish grieving before you ask] but you'd better believe it's being talked about in the back rooms of the nation.
will the NDP continue on its course to be mainstream [and lead to a merger with the Liberals] or will it revert to its leftist tendencies and become irrelevant once again?
time will tell. there is no rush for a leadership convention. gives time for talks between the two opposition parties, and for Bob Rae to solidify his base.
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Post by CentreHice on Aug 23, 2011 15:29:27 GMT -5
Gave my head a shake at right-wing AM640 radio in Toronto this morning.
1st topic: How insensitive to the victims' families it is to be holding a 9/11 Truth ("Conspiracy Theories") conference at Ryerson University on the 10th anniversary of the incident. Pretty much a "how dare they?" segment.
2nd topic: Taking calls on why Jack Layton is getting a state funeral.....some a little disparaging.
==========================================================
So....10 years after 9/11, it's supposedly "horrendous" to still be looking at other angles (as if that exercise, in any way, is disrespectful to the families. I mean, nobody is saying it didn't happen.)
But...it's okay to take calls not 29 hours after Layton's death, basically asking whether or not he deserves a state funeral.
I would've thought that since it was Harper's decision, it would've been 100% okay with AM640.
24-hour chat, sports, weather.....you're going to get blather.....left and right.
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Post by franko on Aug 24, 2011 5:52:40 GMT -5
once again it's "who am I and what do I know?".
looks like a leadership convention on the way . . . merger talks on the back burner and we'll see how the left does next election.
interesting that some are calling for the end of the "Dianification" of Jack Layton; others are saying that to say anything against him is "beyond contemptuous". political polarization is alive and well.
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Post by Skilly on Aug 24, 2011 7:00:02 GMT -5
Re: the State Funeral
I was unaware that there are unwritten rules/policies with respect to state funerals. I heard on TV last night that usually they are reserved for:
1) sitting/past Governor Generals
2) sitting/past Prime Ministers
3) sitting Members of Cabinet
4) other prominent Canadians at the discretion of the PM
So does Jack Layton deserve a state funeral? IMO, if a GG - a symbolic figurehead, who has litlte to no bearing on our government is FIRST on the list, then there is a problem with the criteria right off the bat.
In any event, the sitting leader of the Opposition is just as important to our government as the Cabinet in shaping legislation. Last night on TV, they went over alot of legislation the Conservatives adopted that began as Layton's idea (tax breaks to small business for one, land claims with aboriginals, and others).
Can anyone really argue that Jack Layton wasn't a prominent Canadian?
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Post by franko on Aug 24, 2011 7:14:10 GMT -5
Can anyone really argue that Jack Layton wasn't a prominent Canadian? no, but I'm not so sure about his quick rise to sainthood. |
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Post by Skilly on Aug 24, 2011 9:45:30 GMT -5
Can anyone really argue that Jack Layton wasn't a prominent Canadian? no, but I'm not so sure about his quick rise to sainthood. That's a little far-fetched. As with any passing, they are focusing on the highlights. Now if you want to complain about a quick rise to sainthod, let's talk JPII ... you got all kinds of cuckoos coming out of the woodwork trying to get him deified. |
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Post by CentreHice on Aug 24, 2011 10:08:33 GMT -5
He beat prostate cancer, had hip surgery, and used his cane as a sign of fighting and courage during his campaign. It may have largely been a Quebec protest vote that swept him to the Opposition, but he was the right guy at the right time, and no doubt elicited sympathy and admiration.
To be stricken with cancer again and succumb just after achieving a huge NDP milestone...well, that just adds to the above, which is fuelling this public reaction. Understandably and deservedly so.
Not to the public scope of Terry Fox, but in the same milieu, IMO.
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Post by Skilly on Aug 24, 2011 10:22:28 GMT -5
Can anyone really argue that Jack Layton wasn't a prominent Canadian? no, but I'm not so sure about his quick rise to sainthood. Not everyone is reacting with praise either ... some comments are downright crass Christie Blatchford’s Jack Layton column sparks backlash on social media
Jack Layton's last words: "Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear . . . have already been turned into posters and Canada is gearing up for an emotionally cathartic state funeral for the popular New Democratic Party leader.
Count Christie Blatchford out.
The Toronto-based columnist for the National Post cast a cold, unsentimental eye on the coverage of Layton's death Monday from cancer, and especially his final public letter to Canadians.
The letter, essentially Layton's final political testament, is "vainglorious," full of "sophistry," and guilty of being crafted with help from the dying leader's closest advisers.
"It's remarkable because it shows what a canny, relentless, thoroughly ambitious fellow Mr. Layton was," Blatchford writes. "Even on Saturday, two days before he died, he managed to keep a gimlet eye on all the campaigns to come."
Blatchford also needles her colleagues for abandoning their journalistic detachment, instead putting a supportive arm around Canada's collective shoulder as it revved up to Princess Di levels of grieving.
" . . . television anchors donned their most funereal faces, producers dug out the heavy organ music, reporters who would never dream of addressing any other politician by first name only were proudly calling him 'Jack,' Blatchford observed. "Even serious journalists like Evan Solomon of the CBC repeatedly spoke of the difficulty "as we all try to cope" with the news of Mr. Layton's death.' "
Needless to say, a lot of people reacted as if "Blatch" had cut a loud fart at a church service.
"Ms. Blatchford, you really are a horrible human being and a very sorry excuse for a Canadian," one anonymous comment says.
"All humanity has the right to mourn as the individual sees fit. How dare she dictate," L.L. writes. "To imply that this display of love, respect and grief negates Jacks (sic) good works is simply a disgrace."
Her colleague at the Post, Jonathan Kay, sprang to Blatchford's defence, comparing her view to those who challenged hyperbolic feeling that reigned after Pierre Trudeau's death in 2000.
"Eleven years later . . . the same climate of enforced sentimentality is in effect: The entire Canadian media has given a free pass to Jack Layton's widely published deathbed political manifesto, which promiscuously mingled laudable paeans to love and optimism with not so laudable snipes at the Harper government . . . "
Great column-writing is about more than intelligence and insight, Kay writes.
"It is the courage to say what is plain and true, even if it cuts against the wall of sentiment that suffuses those around you," he observes.
Blatchford didn't lack for public supporters. GeorgeIII posted a comment praising her for skewering "the maudlin, mawkish behaviour," surrounding Layton's death. Another found her column "balanced and reasoned," acknowledging Layton's political accomplishments and the courage of his fight against cancer.
"Christie Blatchford is bang on," open-line host Dave Rutherford tweeted. "Today I said Layton should be remembered for the coalition threat, and his death bed diatribe against Cons."
Journalists cultivate a hard-edged persona and newsrooms are full of black humour.
Witness Calgary Sun City Editor Dave Naylor's tweet about Layton: "Maybe he's not dead. Maybe he's just stiff and needs a good massage," alluding to the time Layton was found in a Toronto massage parlour during a raid. He quickly apologized.
Anyone who's read Blatchford over the years knows that within her tough-journalist exterior there's a soft, sometimes sentimental core, especially when it comes to Canadian soldiers, people screwed by the courts and Obie, her English bull terrier.
But it doesn't extend to most public figures, whose actions deserve careful scrutiny, even at the very end.
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Post by Cranky on Aug 24, 2011 11:20:41 GMT -5
Saint? SAINT?
She's absolutely right.......but I'm going to hold back until he's buried.
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Post by CentreHice on Aug 24, 2011 11:37:29 GMT -5
His final letter was certainly crafted with help from his writers/advisors.
But it's important for a political leader to leave a message behind. I would expect the same from any of them, if they knew the end was near. With no political stone/message left unaddressed. No doubt the NDP will continue to reference it--maudlin though that usage may be--to continue to evoke that public feeling about their party. Again, as would any of them.
I think the impetus for the outpouring we're seeing begins and ends with his cancer battles. Right now, the media/public have extrapolated that feeling...wrapping his entire career in that sentiment. That will wear off with time, and more balanced analyses will be done on his life's work.
Leaders of third parties usually espouse higher ideals than most, because they know they'll likely never get the power needed to enact them. And if they do achieve real power status, some of those ideals get the back burner. e.g. Bob Rae's u-turn on some NDP tenents once he got into power in Ontario.
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Post by franko on Aug 24, 2011 12:52:02 GMT -5
he's hitting cult-level status.
as far as leaders go, he was a good one. inspired the troops and all that. used the cane as a great prop. led the NDP somewhat to the promised land. state funeral acceptable.
but the whole Eternal Flame thing with cans of Orange Crush and writing on sidewalk an all . . . a bit over the top [mind you, I think that for everyone and not just for him].
CH: if indeed the impetus is for his cancer battle I want to see the same for Chuck Strahl -- but I don't expect it to happen.
and as for those complaining about unkind comments . . . I think if Harper had died we'd hear GOOD -- what took so long? from many on the left . . . and nothing like the accolades Layton got from the press.
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Post by Cranky on Aug 24, 2011 13:07:12 GMT -5
and as for those complaining about unkind comments . . . I think if Harper had died we'd hear GOOD -- what took so long? from many on the left . . . and nothing like the accolades Layton got from the press. If Harper died, you can bet on Toronto Scar and other lefty media headlines.... Canada is saved from Harper Harper Death a New Beginning Harper Polices Must Be Buried With Him Harper Should Be Forgotten While the Country Heals Itself And a million other nasty bs. As for Layton? After he's buried. Then I will speak my mind on this cult crap. |
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Post by CentreHice on Aug 24, 2011 13:13:58 GMT -5
CH: if indeed the impetus is for his cancer battle I want to see the same for Chuck Strahl -- but I don't expect it to happen. Yes, that selective focus has always been there re: celebrities/prominent people. And so it continues. Your last post has me thinking the adulation level is hitting Terry Fox status. Do you think that's happening? Then again, with today's social media, it's not a surprise to me. A movement/sentiment can grow quickly...and the mainstream media rides with it. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 24, 2011 13:16:16 GMT -5
no, but I'm not so sure about his quick rise to sainthood. That's a little far-fetched. As with any passing, they are focusing on the highlights. I think this is what most people would like to hear about a person. Just my opinion, but I've see a gradual change over the years to the traditional send offs. I find there's a growing trend towards celebrations of life rather than the traditional doom and gloom. I've seen it quite a bit over the past few years and I prefer that to the alternative. Having said that, though, I think discussion about his successes/failures and/or his strengths/weaknesses might be unavoidable given his public status and office. And I don't have to tell you that people will want to read more about his mistakes and weaknesses than the opposite. After all, it's more entertaining and, yes, the more entertainment, the more revenues. And Mr Layton would probably understand that anyway. Some might suggest that Canadian federal politics might be a gigantic mess. Well, I believe that it's been a mess for a while now. When compared to the rest, the Tories seem to be the only stable party out there right now. Also, I honestly believe that, like the federal Liberals, the NDP is now leaderless. I'll go out on a limb a say that, other than Stephen Harper, Jack Layton was the only bonafide federal leader out there. Oh, the NDP will ride the Quebec juggernaut for the next four/five years, but unless they can prove they're worthy, the NDP almost certainly not repeat their past success. They just don't have the leadership (that could change, but ...) It's a shame having only one stable alternative. The nation might have to get used to Tory majority governments for quite some time. It's a shame not having alternatives and, when looking at the Canadian federal political map, Jack Layton WAS an alternative to a great many. Chapeau! |
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Post by franko on Aug 24, 2011 13:30:46 GMT -5
Your last post has me thinking the adulation level is hitting Terry Fox status. Do you think that's happening? I don't think it will hit Terry Fox status . . . though if Fox had died today he would have been even more "canonized". yup. people bragging "I was the first to tweet we meet on the Hill" . . . already it isn't about Jack but about how Jack has made a difference to ME. |
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Post by franko on Aug 24, 2011 13:45:57 GMT -5
I think this is what most people would like to hear about a person. Just my opinion, but I've see a gradual change over the years to the traditional send offs. I find there's a growing trend towards celebrations of life rather than the traditional doom and gloom. I've seen it quite a bit over the past few years and I prefer that to the alternative. I have no problem with this . . . I think it is a good thing to focus on the good / on the life lived. as with everyone. I think that Blanchford was right in that the accolades went too far. I think that she was wrong in that she tore into Layton so quickly . . . there'll be lots of time for that later [and it will come, rightly or wrongly] it will get more partisan, with those who like him pointing out all his merits and those who don't pointing out all his faults. which is why I suggest he's being canonized by some -- and demonized by others. heck, he was a normal man -- he wasn't perfect. and he was a normal man, so we should accept his imperfections. but it won't happen. polarization on the way [except on HabsRus, of course, where we have civil discourse and come to the realization that I am always right ;D ] having a leader helps, I guess. gonna be interesting at the leadership convention. Layton brought the NDP close to the mainstream middle. what direction will the next leader take the party? unions are guaranteed 25% of the vote . . . will they take the party back to the left? will there be a Quebec leader who can sound federalist, or will the leader be sovereigntist [at least in appearance -- the Conservatives will have a field day with that in the next election, and it would help the Liberals rebound as well]. again, I may have disagreed with many of his policies, but Layton was indeed a bona fide leader. next election 2015 .
Liberals will have a leader that has tried to rebuild but there hasn't been enough time or money.
NDP will have a leader that will carry a lot of Quebec but not improve in troc or will improve in troc but lose hold in Quecbec.
Conservatives win another majority.
following election 2019.
Liberals and NDP have merged in a unite the left movement. form the government because Harper is gone and the Conservatives have made such a mess of things.
and nothing changes anyway. |
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Post by Skilly on Aug 24, 2011 21:14:09 GMT -5
Also, I honestly believe that, like the federal Liberals, the NDP is now leaderless. I'll go out on a limb a say that, other than Stephen Harper, Jack Layton was the only bonafide federal leader out there. Oh, the NDP will ride the Quebec juggernaut for the next four/five years, but unless they can prove they're worthy, the NDP almost certainly not repeat their past success. They just don't have the leadership (that could change, but ...) It's a shame having only one stable alternative. The nation might have to get used to Tory majority governments for quite some time. It's a shame not having alternatives and, when looking at the Canadian federal political map, Jack Layton WAS an alternative to a great many. Chapeau! Not only that Dis .... if you look at the political landscape of Canada now, there is no Liberal leader, no NDP leader, and even the provinces can not offer any political clout to keep Harper in check. Seven of the 10 provinces are facing fall elections, and two, I believe are in the midst of leadership conventions. Harper should have a grin from ear to ear. |
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Post by Cranky on Aug 25, 2011 3:06:56 GMT -5
I hear that even Harper's butt cheeks are grinning. Do NOT visualize that.......
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 25, 2011 11:12:04 GMT -5
and as for those complaining about unkind comments . . . I think if Harper had died we'd hear GOOD -- what took so long? from many on the left . . . and nothing like the accolades Layton got from the press. If Harper died, you can bet on Toronto Scar and other lefty media headlines.... Canada is saved from Harper Harper Death a New Beginning Harper Polices Must Be Buried With Him Harper Should Be Forgotten While the Country Heals Itself And a million other nasty bs. As for Layton? After he's buried. Then I will speak my mind on this cult crap. Naaa ... Like Layton, I think the media would probably afford him the honours that are his due. After that, though, they'd undoubtedly put his political contributions under the microscope. This will happen with Layton I suspect. I don't see any cult status developing for Mr Layton, though. Honestly, just my opinion, but he's going out on a John Lennon sort of plane. At least that's what the feedback suggests to me anyway. Harper? Well, if Layton is to Lennon, then Harper might be to ... oh, I don't know ... Stompin' Tom ;D Cheers. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Aug 25, 2011 17:24:46 GMT -5
Also, I honestly believe that, like the federal Liberals, the NDP is now leaderless. I'll go out on a limb a say that, other than Stephen Harper, Jack Layton was the only bonafide federal leader out there. Oh, the NDP will ride the Quebec juggernaut for the next four/five years, but unless they can prove they're worthy, the NDP almost certainly not repeat their past success. They just don't have the leadership (that could change, but ...) It's a shame having only one stable alternative. The nation might have to get used to Tory majority governments for quite some time. It's a shame not having alternatives and, when looking at the Canadian federal political map, Jack Layton WAS an alternative to a great many. Chapeau! Not only that Dis .... if you look at the political landscape of Canada now, there is no Liberal leader, no NDP leader, and even the provinces can not offer any political clout to keep Harper in check. Seven of the 10 provinces are facing fall elections, and two, I believe are in the midst of leadership conventions. Harper should have a grin from ear to ear. It's a very dangerous situation, Skilly. No viable options for voters. I hate to say it but I used to feel for the American voters not having any options. Imagine having to be made to choose between Al Gore and George W Bush. It's like giving the Tories a blank cheque. I voted for them the last time out, but don't like this scenario at all. Cheers. |
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Post by Cranky on Aug 27, 2011 23:51:35 GMT -5
I need to know....
I need to know since when did a opportunistic, lying, conniving politician, just like every other opportunistic, lying conniving politician become a saint? WHEN?
This outpouring of "love" by some is that emotional candy that rots little children teeth off by the time they break potty training. What a macabre display of political opportunism and phony grief. They shouldn't bury Layton, the left should get together and pay for his taxidermation so they can wheel him around at every political rally and present him as Christ-Of-The-NDP. A huge neon sign over his head flashing....PLEASE PRAY PAY AND VOTE NDP...in flashing RED letters of course. Why stop there? The should commission paintings of him dressed in ancient armor riding a red horse and lancing that evil hissing dragon called Harper. They should repaint the Sistine Chapel with Layton touching the hand of Marx. Why not the the Final Supper with Layton sharing bread and Molsons with the Flock of Nobodies.
Enough already. Respect the man by letting him rest in peace.
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Post by CentreHice on Aug 28, 2011 9:23:54 GMT -5
Can't really comment on the spectacle you're talking about, HA, as I haven't been following the news in regards to how the NDP are handling/spinning it. But he was their leader...and he meant a tremendous amount to them. I would expect ANY party to respond in kind, given the same circumstances.
From the public reaction side (what I've read on Facebook) either Layton had reached a lot of people OR it became the IN thing to be part of the mourning wave.
Likely a combo of the two.
It'll be interesting to see if/how the NDP continue to use (for lack of a better word) Layton's image/memory. Passages of that final letter, politically-crafted, will no doubt be quoted for years to evoke the same sympathy/passion from the voters when it comes to the NDP.
Again, any party would do the same, IMO.
Perhaps this love-affair stems from the fact that Layton had yet to be in full power and screw up. As any backseat party leader, he could espouse ideals that promised the world to voters. His home base being Toronto is a huge factor, too.
====================================
I fully expect there's a script/production underway for a CBC/CTV movie about Layton's life. It'll sweep the Gemini awards, no matter what's up against it. I'll let you know when I hear rumblings about that.
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Post by clear observer on Aug 28, 2011 10:34:51 GMT -5
Can't really comment on the spectacle you're talking about, HA, as I haven't been following the news in regards to how the NDP are handling/spinning it. But he was their leader...and he meant a tremendous amount to them. I would expect ANY party to respond in kind, given the same circumstances. From the public reaction side (what I've read on Facebook) either Layton had reached a lot of people OR it became the IN thing to be part of the mourning wave. Likely a combo of the two. It'll be interesting to see if/how the NDP continue to use (for lack of a better word) Layton's image/memory. Passages of that final letter, politically-crafted, will no doubt be quoted for years to evoke the same sympathy/passion from the voters when it comes to the NDP. Again, any party would do the same, IMO. Perhaps this love-affair stems from the fact that Layton had yet to be in full power and screw up. As any backseat party leader, he could espouse ideals that promised the world to voters. His home base being Toronto is a huge factor, too. ==================================== I fully expect there's a script/production underway for a CBC/CTV movie about Layton's life. It'll sweep the Gemini awards, no matter what's up against it. I'll let you know when I hear rumblings about that. ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ALL of this. |
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