Love is Better than Anger. Hope is Better than Fear

Back from a happy but somewhat arduous life event, today's blog is dedicated to the charismatic (and handsome) leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, Dr. Jack Layton.



I was sad to hear of Jack's passing after his struggle against cancer (alerted by the numerous Facebook status updates).  As I watched the outpouring of grief on the 5 o'clock news, I also starting reading about the man that was Jack Layton.  Someone who regrettably, until three days ago, I didn't know very much of outside of his party's platform.  An ex-professor of Ryerson university who taught Political Science, he was a man known to stand up for social justice, his causes varied on a vast spectrum, but at the end of the day it came down to equity.  It is fitting then, that Jack led a political party who's history included implementing and fighting for the Canadian health care system that we are so proud of.

Is it flawed? Yes. Does it require some major changes? Absolutely.  But it is a health care system that, atleast in theory, does not discriminate.  It is a system that still does serve the Canadian people to the best of its ability, much like Jack.

And so, here are two ways to remember Jack best.  The first is a passionate rebuttal by Jack to a critical commentary of the Canadian healthcare system and the second, the last letter written by Jack to the Canadian people.  I am happy that Jack was able to remain long enough with us to watch the rise of the NDP to official opposition status.  After years of fighting, there must have been nothing better than to watch that momentous occasion.

A final word from Jack:
"Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world.....


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."  - The full letter is here