It seems that the NDP have been flat out busted exploiting Jack Layton for their political gain, and do you know what? Jack Layton would not have it any other way.
Before the hate mail starts flowing and I get piled on for being too insensitive or it being too soon after Jacks passing: I would like to point out that up until this post that I have refrained for the most part from making comment on his untimely death and the subsequent sometimes over the top coverage (msm,twitter,blogs), but
back to the topic at hand.
Who did not see this coming? Raise your hand if you honestly did not think that the NDP would use Jacks passing for their own gain. Somehow I doubt that there are many, if any, hands raised right now; not because you would look stupid sitting at your computer with your hand in the air but because if you are in any way familiar with the NDP and Canadian politics the answer is obvious; they would and in fact are doing just that.
When Ed Broadbent said on Wednesday: “We have to build on Jack’s legacy. And quickly.” he wasn't just sputtering nonsense because of his grief, he was telling the truth.
When Pat Martin tweeted: The only criticism Jack would have over the release of his letter is that there was no fundraising appeal at the bottom...I can say that... he too was telling it like it is and reminding us all about the real Jack Layton in the process.
The letter that Mr. Martin is referring to above was Jack Layton's message to Canadians, which a few days ago could get one tarred and feathered if they pointed out the obvious that it in part was political in nature.
We can expect to see plenty more and of course the inevitable 'Jack would' or 'wouldn't want' that is already making its way out into the political world.
That is politics. It is what it is.
I did not know Layton personally but I do know that he was a masterful politician that knew the game inside and out and one who clearly relished in it. You can believe what you would like to believe but he was a very smart man and IMHO to deny that as the time of his passing neared that Jack never gave thought about how his own death could help out the party that he had recently led to its greatest electoral success, is an insult to the mans political skills and acumen.
Layton the politician would do what it takes and that is the Jack Layton that I choose to remember. The consummate politician, right up until the end and as it now appears, beyond.
Rest in peace Jack.
As I wrote earlier' that is politics' and as I also wrote earlier, 'Jack wouldn't have it any other way'.
Update: The CP has something with an eerily similar feel: Politicization of Layton's death was what he wanted.
Saturday update: "this mass outbreak of recreational grief..."
Friday, August 26, 2011
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19 comments:
It is the rewriting of history that I really hate. The way the Kennedy presidency was turned into some sort of flawless leadership time, the way Trudeau was turned into the consummate Canadian. The way everyone is supposed to share his vision because it is supposedly for the little people and families, but in reality for unions and unionized day care workers.
I agree with everything you wrote. I can see the scrums after Sept 19, Jack would approve of this members bill to have a minister for gays/lesbians, to smarten AB up. Jack would not approve of this budget, or SCOC appointee. It will be sickening. Also all the bs re next leader must speak french fluently but does not have to speak english very well. Nycole will have a tough job to try to be Jack in in HofC. If Jack wrote that letter it was probably written after his presser stepping down, if not before. Whoever thought they could convince us he did it a day before he died figured none of us had watched a person die. Also, Brad said the donation thing had been vetted by their lawyers, that takes time, had to have been done before Saturday. Also, the BI wasn't even mentioned till the convention. Probably a plan put in place thinking they could raise money, knowing Jack was dying. But, they have got 125,000 so far, probably enough to pay K. Monk's wages as executive director, just appointed. And come next election, the ndp can't run on Jack's memory.
What will Americans think with Irene hitting on Saturday and they see the falls turn orange.
Dr. Layton wanted his letter released and to suggest otherwise is just plain silly. He wrote the damn thing with two of his trusted aides at his side.
The fact that he took a shot at the Conservatives in the letter and even suggested that Canada's name has been diminished on the world stage is proof positive for me that he wants the NDP to gain politically from his death.
I agree with you too AA... he was the consummate politician... he knew how to work the crowd and he's doing doing it better than ever even now. And of course the party is more than willing to exploit every bit of his legacy they can.
I do disagree with the orange CN Tower and Niagara Falls - these should not be politicized for ANY party.
Harper showed honourable grace by immediately offering Olivia a state funeral, yet I don't think that will be without its own beneficial political fallout as well.
Anyone who doesn't think this game continues on both sides is deluding themselves.
Jack is gone - time to move on.
Now the total frenzy begins for the leadership.
It's all down hill from here on.
The pastor who will conduct the service tomorrow just said, when I consulted Jack last month, he told me what he wanted for his funeral. Guess he didn't get the memo, re all this decided in a letter written on his death bed. He might have written it, but when and who had it ready to be released within hours.
They almost got away with it, but thanks to google one can find where that quote originally come from and he just changed a word or two.
I agree completely, however what is more of a sad state of affairs in my opinion is the number of useful idiots buying and promoting the deification of a self-serving politicians. It reminds me of the brainless crowds waving Mao's little red book in the air.
My mourning period has passed. It is sad, but I'm eager to begin blogging about the upcoming evolution or devolution of the NDP.
On Monday's Soloman Show Bob Rae was asked about the letter and responded by saying that it was a "partisan document" and he was not comfortable speaking about it.
One of our friends Scott Reid said yesterday that Brian Topp's alleged candidacy to become leader is proof that Layton's inner circle is trying to keep the leadership away from Thomas Mulcair. He might be right, I suspect that more than a few NDP members are very nervous about a Mulcair regime.
The Liberal Party has to be cheering for Mulcair to win the leadership. I think Gary Doer would be the most successful possible replacement, but I see it as unlikely Gary will be in the race.
No point in sugar coating anything in this day and age as the truth is out there.
He was who he was and we should remember and celebrate that.
Updated post with Winnipeg Free Press story saying pretty much the same thing as I wrote.
Niagara Falls will be Orange?
Give me a break.
Sorry I mean - isn't that special!
Will the falls be orange on both sides, did the US give permission. With Irene arriving those americans might think that orange is a result.
OT, but my son asked, if iggy had died before May 2nd, would he have gotten a state funeral. lol,
"He was who he was and we should remember and celebrate that".
Sorry, but I don't have to remember or celebrate anything about Jack Layton just because he's dead.
Have no fear friends, Saturday's show is going to be the high point in this story. Starting Monday, the leadership fight is on and it's going to be nasty - very nasty - and the press will be following ever stab and thrust. In it's current parliamentary configuration and constitutional definition the NDP is very conflicted.
PMSH has handled thus whole affair very adroitly. He knows how to let gravity work for him.
Michael St.Paul's
This is not the time nor the place for a long rant on the history of the left wing. Comment deleted.
Eskimo: Your choice, I am good with that, but I have my doubts that you will forget about Jack* anytime soon.
*The real Jack, not the legend of Jack.
Some pollster at NNW says Jack is our Diana. How stupid are these people. The ndp is in full damage control as a lot of their plans are coming unravelled-donations, the letter-the funeral he planned.
What we can be sure of is that from now on, whenever the ndp makes a booboo, they will say, it is what Jack wanted. If he planned his funeral a month ago, why try to con us that he wrote that letter on his death bed, two days before he died.
And the media went along with it, and still refer to his letter. When did he write it and who typed it.
My bet is Jack is looking up at us and laughing like hell.
Apparently the song Rise Up will be part of the service today. Lots of coverage of what that song, and those words meant to Jack & Olivia. Me, I prefer to remember the coverage of when Iggy said Rise Up, and how he was ridiculed.
I was annoyed that the state funeral that the taxpayers funded was so partisan. Completely inappropriate.
Second, the singing of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" (and I really do like this song alot) I found to be an odd selection. Note to whomever chose it.... just because the word "Hallelujah" is said over and over doesn't make it a righteous song. The song is about living in desolation even though you are with your partner and having her take your strength away, living without faith.... they're empty, hollow, mocking "Hallelujahs."
If not LC, then kd lang should have sang that song. Nycole did not make any friends by just speaking french. If our PM has to start every speech in french (which annoys me) then speak english, why don't those french speakers start in my language.
There were many references to the gay community, sure glad those that march in those parades in TO that Jack rode in, wore clothes today.
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