I tend to avoid politics on this blog. But when a country loses the leader of a federal party, the official opposition no less, it’s tragic no matter which way you vote. And when it’s a guy with intelligence, confidence and charisma who manages to build and then leave an impressive legacy, it transcends partisanship. I’m not saying I marked his name on every ballot. Whether I did or not is irrelevant. What matters is that he made a difference to a whole lot of people, many of whom are heartbroken this week.
Why am I writing this here? Because Jack Layton’s final direct message to the country was made public yesterday. And to me, it’s all about his closing paragraph:
“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.”
It’s a touching message of inspiration. It’s entirely true.
And it’s one hell of a parting gift.
50 Good Deeds 