When I read Jack's letter to Canadians-- that just made me bawl. Incredibly thoughtful and compassionate, good-bye. It still makes me weepy thinking of it. I've had losses and I'm sure a lot of others here have had losses in which there wasn't that time.
I'm a Dipper, not that I agree with everything either, but IMO it's still an important voice to have in political debate, as to the human side of things, which are affected by policies, economic policy choices, and IMO are relevant in decision-making and healthy economy. For every decision, there are costs, are there ways to minimize damage, displacement, etc.
My hope, is that Jack spent enough time with his collegues, to learn from what he had learnt through his life, and through his many trials and errors, and hopefully they are able to pass on that guidance to new members of the party. It's not the same as what Jack learnt for himself, and Jack is simply irreplaceable (I tend to value older people, with them having so much more life-experience gained). I worry about the vision being lost as he was trying to bring it to a modern level, with the wisdom of working together for change, it was moving to a more moderate level, and 'working with what is' and starting from there.
I was looking forward to Jack being Leader of the Official Opposition, the good experience that would be for him and the party (an opportunity for maturity of the party), but sadly his health didn't bring him to there. What a courageous attitude he had and an example of living life to the fullest, and to follow one's dream; the work not being a burden, but a passion. He inspires working together with communities and becoming involved, to be a participant rather than distant observer.
It was a very noble gesture for Prime Minister Harper to extend a full state funeral in his honour and in honour of Canadians, and to his family.
I am moved by common recognition of values, whether that be on leadership and principles and which transcend partisan politics, these wonderful attributes which do make me feel proud to be Canadian
I'm also relieved that with regard to the advanced cancer, Jack can Rest in Peace now.
P.S. I had an Orange Crush for lunch
-- great idea, Technovicking. And the videos of his songs were hilarious, that is a rounded personality to be able to laugh at oneselve and yes, very
