Explaining the meaning

Readers of the Dish try to explain Jack Layton to an American audience.

It is perhaps too easy to say that politicians make people cynical, but perhaps the problem flows both ways, as the more cynical we become so too do the politicians.  Layton, for however one may criticize or traduce him, was anything but cynical: he was energetic and optimistic and these qualities made him immensely likable even to his foes.  Today, people are remembering the man and celebrating him as honourable.  It really is dulce et decorum est. 

A country is genuinely mourning a politician, believe it or not.