You will be remembered, Jack

  I am not fully immersed in the Canadian politics because I have always thought that politics is boring and dirty with its history of mudslinging and violence that I  have encountered during my nineteen years of living in the Philippines. However, when I realized that I have to be politically aware and knowledgeable for the sake of my new home country, I began to learn new persons and catch The National on CBC every night to update myself on the daily news. Since I began university, I became even more politically knowledgeable not for the sake of Canada, but for myself to be a better Canadian immigrant. And of course, that meant that I followed the May elections held this year.

  It's no wonder that I was shocked to read a Facebook status that talks about Jack Layton's death. I thought was pulling everyone's leg, but then I knew that he would never do that. So I got out of Facebook and checked CBC News to confirm this news. And there it was. His death of cancer at 4:45am. I was shocked and saddened by his death, for I never expected this, because I believed him when he said that he'll be back in Parliament in September when he took a personal leave last month due to his health. I don't have any political bias but while I was watching the news and skimming articles I was glad to see that Jack's death united Canadians despite their political differences. I haven't known him for a long time, but I feel that he might have done more if he didn't pass away. I am sure and confident that he will be remembered by all Canadians. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. 

  Here is Jack Layton's last letter to the Canadian written on Saturday, August 20th. The entire letter can be accessed at the CBC website or from the NDP's website, but I would like to quote an excerpt. And don't forget to grab a tissue when you're done reading his letter. 

"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."

Rest in Peace, Jack

photo from the CBC news photo gallery