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Set Aside Your Political Thinking For A Moment To Recognize The Work Of Jack Layton

By Ben Meisner

Tuesday, August 23, 2011 03:45 AM

If you can set aside your political differences for a moment, we all should agree that the late Jack Layton dedicated his all to trying to bring the NDP into prominence in Canada.
He succeeded in accomplishing a major coup in becoming the  Official Opposition  in Parliament. That  is  no small feat,  as Layton  had to  break the barrier into the province of Quebec in order to do it.   Making  gains in  Quebec  is something which had  eluded the party in the past. Breaking the Bloc’s strong hold on that province to a point where they no longer were an affective group will be viewed as one of Jack Layton’s great accomplishments. It  was  an achievement that  put the NDP  well within  the ranks of the two major parties, the Conservatives and the Liberals.
In the case of the Liberals, Layton sent them  to the back of the House as the NDP took over the official opposition.
You may have issues with Jack Layton or his Party, built you must accept the strides that the Party has made under his rule.
Politics is a dirty business; it has a habit of taking no prisoners. Layton tried to keep the group together in spite of his failing health. To that end he must be recognized for his contribution to Canada.
History will find a place for Jack Layton; it is unfortunate that in winning the final prize, he will not be around to reap the benefits.
I’m Meisner and that’s one man’s Opinion.

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Posted on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 03:45 AM in Views by Ben Meisner

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Comments

Comment Posted by: Andyfreeze on August 23 2011 8:39 AM
What I do find confusing is that less than a year ago,Jack Layton was a media football.
Nobody paid much attention to him,his policies,or the NDP,and his vision for Canada was often ridiculed.
It was a well used source of political humour and satire, not only by mainstrean media,but by many canadians in general.
So what happened to suddenly cannonize him as Canada's political and moral savior?
I respect Jack Layton for what he tryed to do and his dedication,but I also think we are going way over the top on who and what he was.
Comment Posted by: Cheetos on August 23 2011 8:43 AM
The only place you find success before work is in the dictionary. No matter what your political stripes may be, Mr. Layton demonstrated that if you have a vision and are willing to work hard to attain that vision,great things are possible.
Comment Posted by: jales4 on August 23 2011 9:40 AM
+1
Comment Posted by: gus on August 23 2011 10:05 AM
I can't help but think that his dedication to this country and his view of how the lot of many of its people could be improved even more cost him his life.

One cannot fight a disease and let one's bodily defenses weaken from insufficient rest and medical attention. I think he would have stood a better chance of fighting the cancer had he not been on the campaign trail.
Comment Posted by: Cheetos on August 23 2011 10:30 AM
I think you are right Gus....
Comment Posted by: Andyfreeze on August 23 2011 10:34 AM
I agree that Layton did himself serious harm during the last election run-up.
While on the campain trial,the NDP denied vigorously that there was anything wrong with him,other than a bad hip.
I argued with several staunch NDP stalwarts on that point.
A blind man could see Jack Layton was in serious trouble and not at all well.
Many suspected what was behind it,just as I am sure there were those that knew very well what was wrong.
Nobody said a word.
So what was more important to the NDP party rank and file membership and cabinet??...Jack Layton's health or winning?
What was more important to Jack himself, I wonder?
Comment Posted by: hood rich on August 23 2011 5:04 PM
Andyfreeze, u should look into medicine as a future career.
Comment Posted by: Oldun on August 23 2011 8:08 PM
I think that Jack Layton is the closest that this country has come to having an honest, dedicated politician in many years. Fore the record I am not a member of the NDP nor did I vote for his party. The Citizen is doing it's usual rightious right wing reporting of the event. One little piece buried on about page 7 while the Vancouver Sun has a full page picture on the front of it's newspaper along with several in depth articles, both for and against his style and beliefs. Perhaps the Citizen will carry a story in several days or a guest editorial from some outpost or Bruce Strachan. Over the past several years I have lost faith in all politicians and political parties but I do like balanced reporting now and then. That's my rant for today.
Comment Posted by: Surefire on August 23 2011 10:31 PM
Did Jack ever write an articled on why the HST is a bad idea and how it will affectg the poor?