Van Jones…I’m Depressed
I am an optimistic and idealistic person by nature-even when things seem to be going badly, I am never down for long. I suppose this idealism and belief that we can make changes for the better are traits that come in handy working in the non-profit realm. After all, most of my days are spent in search of tiny victories, for that one second when I see the lightbulb of understanding go off in someone’s mind when it finally clicks and they realize how linked we are to the natural environment.
That being said, there are times when I just feel helpless and hopeless and wonder if I shouldn’t just give up and go to hell in a hand basket with everyone else. Seeing people litter is one sure-fire way to inspire this melancholy. We’ve been preaching anti-litter for over 30 years now and to see people use the ground like a garbage can when they ABSOLUTELY know better sends me into the pit of despair. We should know better by now!
So, I have been in this pit pretty much all weekend after hearing about the resignation of Van Jones from President Obama’s environmental advisory position. I’m angry at people like Glenn Beck who twist words until their original context is completely obscured and then use those words to fan the fears of uneducated people who are easy to prey on. And I’m mad at the President and his staff for kow-towing to this ignorance.
Van Jones is provocative, to be sure. He uses colorful language (like calling republicans assholes), he is an activist, he might make people uncomfortable, it’s true. But he has worked tirelessly and successfully to bring job skills, training opportunities and a chance at a life to countless youth who didn’t have the advantages of birth that I have been blessed with. Read more here about the organization he founded called Green For All.
I just can’t figure out how one person like Glenn Beck can make people believe that he represents the views of Americans. I can’t believe people would fall prey to his ridiculous rhetoric and baseless claims. There are obviously darker forces afoot and I hope that we as a nation are smart enough to recognize it. Otherwise we are lost.
