I think he was one of the most genuine politicians of his day. I have waffled between Liberal and Conservative all my life. I have rarely liked the policies of the NDP. Yet the NDP has some very sincere and hardworking people - and Jack was the embodiment of that.

Cliche as it may be to say now, I admired Jack Layton - even before he died. A small part of me always regretted that I couldn't vote for him - I couldn't support his party.

I would be happier voting for ANY party if they had more people that were as sincere and hardworking and respectful of the opinions of others. Jack was not perfect, I'm sure. But the death of Jack is a huge loss for the Canadian political scene.

I am very glad that he did get to sit as Leader of the Opposition before cancer took him. It was the very least he deserved, to see some of his hard work and tenacity rewarded.

Since I am not an NDP, I am not challenging the rest of Jack's party to carry on his work, though I'm sure they will. My challenge is to the other parties:
You will be eulogizing Jack for the next few days, as only former political enemies can.
If you really mean what you say, make some changes in your careers.
Make your goal not to establish a particular strategy or accomplish a particular goal.
Make it your goal to be truly missed when you finally leave the stage.
Dream of having people weep in grief for you, and not sigh in relief that you've gone.