Jack Layton Takes His Leave

He fought so bravely against one cancer, leading his party into a gruelling election campaign, even though it was clear that some days were harder than others.

Now he must fight another battle.

My battle against prostate cancer is going very well. My PSA levels remain virtually undetectable.

However, these tests, whose results I received last week, also indicate that I have a new, non-prostate cancer that will require further treatment.

So, on the advice of my doctors, I am going to focus on treatment and recovery.

Whether they support his party or not, most decent Canadians must surely recognize a great leader and a good human being.

The ghastly Cons, and their accomplices in the MSM, tried to slander and debase him. But they couldn't because he's so much better than them.

So I have to admit that this moved me to tears:

If I have tried to bring anything to federal politics, it is the idea that hope and optimism should be at their heart.

We CAN look after each other better than we do today. We CAN have a fiscally responsible government. We CAN have a strong economy; greater equality; a clean environment.

We CAN be a force for peace in the world.
I am as hopeful and optimistic about all of this as I was the day I began my political work, many years ago.

I am hopeful and optimistic about the personal battle that lies before me in the weeks to come.

And I am very hopeful and optimistic that our party will continue to move forward.

We WILL replace the Conservative government, a few short years from now.

And we WILL work with Canadians to build the country of our hopes
Of our dreams
Of our optimism
Of our determination
Of our values...
Of our love.

But it will also inspire me. Because I so believe in that. That hope keeps me alive. And all the young Canadians I know, even the Liberal ones,  absolutely love him and Olivia.

Fight this new enemy like you fought all the others Jack. Give the bastard cancer hell.

Get better and come back soon.

Because we miss you already.

And this country never needed you so badly...

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P.S. I made a video about Jack just over a year ago, when despite his weakened condition he braved the brutal heat to take part in the Gay Pride Parade.

It's a humble little video, but I think you can feel the love, and the song  is one of hope.