I have a few Canadian friends through Facebook and it’s from them that I recently learned about an extraordinary man. His name was Jack Layton. He died on Monday.
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| journal page with ink, watercolour, inktense pencil, torn paper |
He was something called a politician. I’m not familiar with this word. I asked my friend if it came from the word polite and she assured me that it’s unlikely, given the way most politicians behave.
But Jack was a different sort of politician. In fact, it seems that Jack differed from other politicians in more ways than this. He was kind. He was sensitive. Mischievous, affectionate, loyal. Energetic, empathetic. Selfless. Determined. Hmmm, I thought: These words can be used to describe most dogs. From what I can tell by reading about him, he had the goodness of a dog with the vision of a humanitarian. He was a perfect hybrid of human and canine.
I realize that some people reading this might think this is a demeaning comparison, but keep in mind what I am. I am a dog and I know dogs. I trust dogs. I understand dogs. Dogs are pure and kind and good in a way that few people are. And any dogs who aren’t have a reason, and that reason is usually the fault of a human. We aren’t perfect. There are elements of our nature that I’m not proud of. But as the generations pass we are working at becoming better.
I see Jack as having possessed all the good characteristics of a dog combined with all the good qualities of humans, including a formidable human intelligence. He used these strengths to work at making Canada and the world a better place for all. He respected people, animals, the earth. He worked for a better future. Even as he was dying he looked to the future and wrote a letter to Canadians which concludes with a few powerful lines. If we all believe these words and live by them, indeed the world will be a better place.
“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.” - Jack Layton
What very sensible words to leave us all with. Thanks for posting this Ruca.
ReplyDeleteAnn, you're welcome. Yes, sensible words indeed.
ReplyDeleteI am so very moved by the sentiment and your layout plus drawing is wonderful.
ReplyDeletenice tribute to a wonderful human--I want to be more like him! Thanks for the reminder that there are saints among us
ReplyDeleteI wish we had more politicians like him.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wise man. Too bad he has left this earth!
ReplyDeleteThank you Anonymous (if that is in fact your real name!). Yes, reading his final words moved me too and when I saw his photograph I was transfixed by the incredible expression in his eyes.
ReplyDeleteCeleste, I want to be more like him too! The dog qualities aren't too much of a stretch for me but his ability to think and act globally is quite a paw-full.
Jonas (Revolving Doors), Yes, more people like this would be good. I'm not sure they need to be politicians;-D
Jacqueline, it is so sad that he is no longer here, but his words seem to be affecting many people (and others) and if this can continue his goodness will spread.
Thank you all for being touched by this post.
I think he threw away the politician's manual when it was issued to him. He had a dog's manual instead. And a dog's fine wisdom.
ReplyDeleteA very wise dog you are.. and a great sketcher.
ReplyDeleteCheers
CyberDave
Vancouver, Canada
Dan, I'm happy to know that you understand about dog wisdom. I think you have a touch of it too if I'm not mistaken!
ReplyDeleteCyberdave, thanks for the double compliment. And I think you are new around here so thanks for stopping by.