Who Is Van Jones?

 

I was deeply saddened to see Van's resignation letter issued late Saturday. It is a stark reminder of the ruthless irresponsibility of the far right in America and its ability to manipulate the political system to the detriment of those who work to create a better world for all. On the positive side, the leadership for real change comes from outside the system. The attacks have greatly increased Van's national visibility and liberated him from the White House bureaucracy to resume his role as a national movement leader, hopefully with renewed energy and reach. Welcome back Van. We missed you.

Here is his resignation statement written with grace and dignity:

"I am resigning my post at the Council on Environmental Quality, effective today," Jones said in a resignation letter released by the CEQ late Saturday.

"On the eve of historic fights for health care and clean energy, opponents of reform have mounted a vicious smear campaign against me. They are using lies and distortions to distract and divide," he said.

"I have been inundated with calls -- from across the political spectrum -- urging me to 'stay and fight,'" he continued. "But I came here to fight for others, not for myself. I cannot in good conscience ask my colleagues to expend precious time and energy defending or explaining my past. We need all hands on deck, fighting for the future.

"It has been a great honor to serve my country and my President in this capacity. I thank everyone who has offered support and encouragement. I am proud to have been able to make a contribution to the clean energy future. I will continue to do so, in the months and years ahead."

 

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My friend and colleague Van Jones serves as President Obama's adviser on Green jobs. Because of a Fox News smear, a lot of people are asking "Who is Van Jones?"

The short answer is Van Jones is a generous, caring visionary committed to creating a better world for all.

I am in full agreement with John and Ocean Robbins, who write: 

"Van Jones [is] a man whose life and work are committed to building a new green economy while generating jobs for some of the people who need them most. ...A rising African American visionary, ...he’s a best-selling author whose work, and role in the White House, are all about using capitalism to help people and the planet.  He’s been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a social entrepreneur, and his life is dedicated to creating private sector jobs that make the world a better place and improve America's energy security....He's a kind, warm person who has built bridges across racial divides, class divides, and political divides."

Van Jones is an outspoken truth teller who loves America and has a passionate commitment to racial healing and to the continuing work of actualizing America's promise of liberty and justice for all. One of the best ways to know the nature and quality of Van Jones' thinking and commitment as a leading American visionary is through his writing. Prior to being invited to join the White House staff, Van Jones was a YES! magazine contributing editor and we proudly featured articles. They tell the story of his vision for America. I urge you to read them for yourself.

Van Jones: Beyond the Politics of Confrontation
Meet the man who’s convincing the country, and the new President, that the next economy needs to be green and just. Interview by Sarah van Gelder.

Now Let’s Rescue America: Nine Key Steps For The Left
Issues of racism, poverty, climate destabilization, petro-chemical poisons and the vulnerabilities of an oil-based economy.

Green-Collar Jobs for Urban America

Oakland discovers that green-collar jobs can revitalize its economy and sets out on the path to becoming a 'global green city.'

 

Resurrect New Orleans: A Better City Is Possible
The best qualities and the worst features of U.S. society were on full display in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

 

Two Crises, One Solution
We face devastation of the natural world and violence in human communities. There's a way to solve both these crises.

 

The Real Van Jones

Van Jones is a globally recognized, award-winning pioneer in human rights and the clean energy economy. He is a 1993 graduate of the Yale Law School and an attorney.

Van wrote the definitive book on "green jobs": The Green Collar Economy. In 2008 — thanks to a low-cost, viral marketing campaign — his book became an instant New York Times bestseller. It is today being translated into six languages.

As a tireless advocate for disadvantaged people and the environment, Van helped to pass America's first "green job training" legislation: the Green Jobs Act, which George W. Bush signed into law as a part of the 2007 Energy Bill. He is the co-founder of a number of successful non-profit organizations, including the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights and Green For All.

Van is the recipient of many awards and honors, including: the Reebok International Human Rights Award; the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leader designation; the prestigious, international Ashoka Fellowship; and many more. Van was included in the Ebony Magazine "Power 150" list of most influential African Americans for 2009. In 2008, Essence magazine named him one of the 25 most inspiring/influential African Americans. TIME Magazine named him an environmental hero in 2008. In 2009, TIME named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

I am proud to be his friend and colleague.

Links to other sources about Van Jones.

 

 "A Patriot Resigns" by YES! executive editor Sarah van Gelder

 http://yesmagazine.org/blogs/sarah-van-gelder/stand-with-van-jones-a-real-patriot