First off, my condolances to the Layton family. To suffer or die from the Demonic plague known as cancer, is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
Unfortunately, I do not agree with the label "Hero" for this man. I am extremely greatful that his party has ousted the Liberals, but that's about it.
The NDP are the Greenpeace of politics, wanting to help everyone, not thinking about the domino consequences, or where the billions of dollars would come from.
As for 'Smilin' Jack', whose birth name is John, he is not quite as Saintly as he seems.
During the 90's, while he was a Toronto City Councillor and his wife (Olivia Chow) a School Board Trustee, the two had a combined income of over $120,000.00, yet they lived in Government subsidized Coop housing, and paid only $800/mnth. They skirted the system by applying for the subsidized housing under Olivia's mothers name.
In 1996, Jack was caught in a 'rub n tug' massage parlour, lying naked on a mattress with a young Asian women. The massage parlour was raided because of allegations that minors were working there. He had told his wife he went there to 'excercise'.
When Jack became leader of the NDP, his salary was $211425.00, and Olivias MP salary was $157731.00, a combined $369156.00.
They rented an apartment for $2000/month a few blocks away from Parliament hill. Because both are from outside the National Capital Region, they are entitled to charge for their accommodation, meals while traveling and maintaining a constituency office. Olivias expenses tallied $530,304.73 and Jacks was $628,913.68, a total of $1159218.41.
So for these reasons, I do not count Jack as a hero, just another typical politician.
R.I.P. Jack