Yesterday Jack Layton died.

For those who don't know he was the leader of Canada's social democratic party, the NDP and frankly the only real voice of opposition to Stephen Harper.  Now without him, I wonder what will happen to the NDP.  He moved the NDP from a party of protest to the Official Opposition in Canada.  It's interesting that in his dying days he thought of his country and wrote a  letter to Canadians.  The tone of the voice captures his political career.  Here is an excerpt.

And finally, to all Canadians: 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. We can do all of these things because we finally have a party system at the national level where there are real choices; where your vote matters; where working for change can actually bring about change. In the months and years to come, New Democrats will put a compelling new alternative to you. My colleagues in our party are an impressive, committed team. Give them a careful hearing; consider the alternatives; and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don't let them tell you it can't be done.

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.

All my very best,
Jack Layton