Hallelujah One Day

Above is a beautiful version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" from Steven Page, (former?) lead singer of Barenaked Ladies, at today's state funeral for Jack Layton, the late leader of Canada's New Democratic Party, its viable socialist opposition party.

From Jack Layton's last letter to Canadians:

"There will be those who will try to persuade you to give up our cause. But that cause is much bigger than any one leader. Answer them by recommitting with energy and determination to our work. Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let’s continue to move forward. ... 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."

If only here down here below Canada we had the ability to vote for such brave, committed and truly progressive candidates who are also not just symbolic protest votes but real possibilities for real change.

In personal news, I'm safely hunkered down on my hill in Brooklyn awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Irene. It's been quiet and peaceful today with intermittent rain; the bus that runs along my street was halted along with the rest of the NYC transit system. It's supposed to get interesting after midnight. Hopefully not too interesting.