Another Victory for Insanity: Van Jones Resigns

A little more than a year ago, I sat a few rows in front of Van Jones as he addressed the 2008 National Conference for Media Reform in Minneapolis. I could not have been more impressed. He was genuine, passionate, dedicated--a good man, a good citizen, doing work that no sane person would criticize. He was working to create green jobs, jobs that are good for the environment, good for the economy, and good for Americans. As Jones says, "One dollar spent to create a green job is the hardest working dollar you can spend."

Hiring Van Jones is one of the best things President Obama did. Sadly, Jones resigned yesterday after attacks from Glenn Beck, Republican legislators, and the right-wing blogosphere.

Maybe Mr. Jones' biggest problem is that he recently called Republicans "assholes." Can you imagine using such nasty language against people who regularly call President Obama a "racist socialist Nazi"? Yes, Jones' use of the word "assholes" apparently proves he is a dangerous man.

Here is an example of the ravings of this man who is being called an "avowed communist":

Video: CSPAN, 5/18/09, Students & Leaders 2009

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You know, I learned an amazing lesson growing up: most bullies keep beating on you until you make it abudantly clear that they have made an unwise choice.

I understand why Jones left, and I don't blame him. But the extremist right is celebrating like wolves with fresh kill.

Enough!

Yes, average, civilized Americans like to play nice. But some people do not play by the rules of civil society. I've seen it work time and time again: you must make a bully respect you. Turn the other cheek in the true meaning of that phrase: stand up and call them out.

It's high time.