A great man but no idol

Jack Layton and wife Olivia Chow in happier times

Jack Layton is dead. I always admired the man although I never voted for him. He was a rare breed in politicians, honest, humble with vision and compassion. Almost alone he brought his party into an enviable position as the Official Opposition. With death staring him in the face, Jack left his memorable letter to all Canadians, thinking above and beyond himself to the future and the good of all Canadians, especially those who are marginalized. He was true to himself to the end. He will be greatly missed. He probably didn't actually write the letter which has touched so many Canadians. And he was far from the "little man on the street" he attempted to represent. Let's be careful we don't make an idol of Jack Layton or allow his party to capitalize on his death. That would be a dishonor to him and to all Canadians.

One of the real heroes I see here is Jack's wife, Olivia Chow, whose presence at his memorial helped to calm and comfort thousands of mourners. It's probable she helped draft the letter he left, and was certainly a source of comfort and support to Jack during these last few months of his life. There are going to be naysayers and there's going to be cruelty. A life is precious and it's hard to weigh on a scale the value of one life for another. As a leader Jack Layton was exemplary and he is exemplary in death. May he Rest in Peace.