COMMENTARY | Van Jones is emerging as one of the most controversial activists in the country, yet mainstream media are ignoring his hate-filled rants and racist comments.
The former Obama administration Green Energy Czar engaged in a shocking tirade that viciously attacked both conservatives and the American worker. Jones compares individuals working at factories, fast food restaurants and retail stores with drug dealers and slave masters, according to an April 17 All Hip Hop interview video excerpts published on The Blaze.
Jones has the right to state his misguided opinions, but such inflammatory comments should not go unchecked by the media. Statements that boast shades of racism and promote class warfare add nothing of value to liberal causes. President Barack Obama will need the support of independents and moderate Democrats to win a second term. If Obama does not subscribe to the same hate-fueled mindset as his old pal, he should have a discussion with Jones about the harmful nature of his words. Jones would still be advising Obama if public backlash had not prompted his exit from the White House.
While attacking conservatives might play well with Obama supporters, condemning the working class will not. During the interview Jones stated he cannot respect people working in factories because "just like drug dealers" they are "causing problems" and play a role in increasing illness and death in children. The poor and middle-class Democrats who put food on the table by making products in America should be demanding an apology from Jones and an explanation from the Obama administration.
During the interview Jones reiterated his support for green jobs and essentially called for an end to all "pollution-based" businesses and restaurant jobs where unhealthy food is served. A desire to eliminate jobs will not likely be among President Obama's talking points on the campaign trail.
The former Green Energy Czar recalled the six months he spent working at the White House during the interview. According to Jones, he was not asked to leave but chose to resign to protect Obama's plans to rebuild American from attacks by the right.
Journalists asking questions about the appointees of any administration are simply doing their job. The interview comments Jones made earlier this week proclaiming conservatives want to go back to "the old ways" of slavery, segregation and to a time when women were not allowed to vote are utterly ridiculous.
Tara Dodrill is a political, eco-green and travel writer. She is a former elected official and has worked as a newspaper journalist, editor and photographer.
