Who'd have thought a state funeral could be so amazing?
The state funeral for Jack Layton, leader of the opposition, has just finished. He had wanted it to be a celebration of life and of hope, and so it was. I watched in spite of my general lack of regard for politicians, but I don't think I shall see this kind of national outpouring of respect and honour and grief for a public official again in my lifetime. I will just say that the celebration included not only opening classical music, but fabulous jazz, pop, and rock. The opening was an aboriginal blessing from the First Nations' leader, Shawn Atleo, and there were readings from both the Qur'an and the Christian Bible. There were several eulogies, of course, including two from his son and daughter from his first marriage. All garnered much clapping, whistling and many standing ovations. But the best, IMO, was the clergyman's speech/sermon--which says a great deal, since I'm not a proponent of organized religion. In fact, the clergyman wasn't what I had been exp...