Van Jones
@VanJones68 • 863,081 subscribers
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I'm tired of being told that, to be a progressive, I now must swear allegiance to crazy ideas. I'm a strong Democrat, with a winning bipartisan track record. I'm rooted in progressive ideals and policies: criminal justice reform, Green New Deal, Medicare for All, free education, clean air and water. These are ideas I have fought for my entire adult life. But some people in groups like the DSA are pushing an agenda FAR outside those ideals. Supporting Hamas is not progressive. "No police, no prisons, no borders" is not progressive. Celebrating the murder of Israeli civilians is not progressive. These ideas are REGRESSIVE. If there were no police or prisons, if anyone in your neighborhood could do whatever they wanted, while politicians cheered on terror groups — would that represent PROGRESS to you? No, that would be a step back. Those are REGRESSIVE ideas. On the other hand, if everybody could see a doctor when they got sick, get a good, free education and breathe clean air — would that represent progress? Yes. Those are PROGRESSIVE ideas. They are NOT the same thing. And the difference matters. Some defend the far left by claiming they only want Nordic-style social democracy. If that were true, I might applaud them. I want those policies, too! But what does universal healthcare have to do with Hamas? With abolishing all law enforcement? With erasing all borders? With treating every wealthy person as a villain? Ideas matter. And these are terrible ideas. Right now, extremists are trying to sneak backwards proposals into our party, hoping mainstream Democrats are too frustrated with MAGA and the Democratic Party establishment to notice. But we see you. Yes, we want our Democratic Party to be a big tent. But we don’t need "party poopers. So STOP pooping in the punch bowl — and telling us the turds are ice cubes. They aren't. And we are smart enough to know the difference. 💩
Van Jones1,545,051 görüntüleme • 3 ay önce
This weekend I shared a post voicing my concerns about the far left. The response has been overwhelming. Leaders in both parties called to tell me the same thing: this stuff has gone too far. To be clear: I'm a progressive Democrat. My whole life, I've wanted to see a youth movement fight for affordability, for healthcare, for real opportunity. It’s time! The system has utterly failed the next generation. Young people deserve real change — and they are right to fight for a better future. But the movement is being hijacked by too many people with insane, outlandish and nutty ideas that have nothing to do with affordability, climate solutions or health care. For example: Mamdani picked a DSA candidate who wants to abolish the police, empty every prison, erase every border and discourage interracial dating. Okayyyy ... So clearly, Chevalier has no problem condemning things! UNLESS it’s a designated terrorist organization. Believe it or not: Chevalier has refused to denounce the terror group Hamas — four times. That’s INSANE — and progressives can’t be afraid to call nonsense like that out. Supporting Hamas is NOT progressive. The idea of “no police, no prisons, no borders” — which would let pedophiles, human traffickers, terrorists, hate groups and crime syndicates run wild — is NOT progressive for vulnerable communities. Celebrating the murder of Israeli civilians is NOT progressive. These ideas are REGRESSIVE. If we can't tell right from wrong, good from bad, smart from loony tunes — Team Blue will go down the same road that turned the Republican Party into a shell of itself. We can’t let that happen to the Democratic Party.
Van Jones1,098,078 görüntüleme • 3 ay önce
Hasan Piker says the designated terrorist organization Hamas is 1,000 times better than Israel. His statement outraged many — who now just want to write him off. That's a mistake. He has a massive audience and is emerging as one of the major voices of his generation. Those of us who disagree owe him — and his audience — a real argument. Here's mine … And my position doesn’t come from ignorance about oppression. For a big chunk of my life, I was a grassroots activist — because of the pain of my own people. During those years, I was lucky enough to learn from elders who had been in the Black Panther Party, in SNCC, in the ANC. These were people who had to choose whether to pick up the gun — and how to use it if they did. They taught me this: even in armed struggle, there are principles. No women. No children. No rapes. No kidnapping. Mandela held that line. Amílcar Cabral held that line. You don't become what you're fighting. Hamas fails that test. They are not fighting for MORE freedom for Palestinians. They're fighting for less. They want theocracy, not democracy. And their means? They don’t use principled armed struggle (hitting military targets). They use terrorism (targeting civilians). The vast majority of Americans — including those who sympathize with the Palestinian cause — reject terror tactics. Reasonable people would agree on three principles: secure homelands for both peoples; no hatred for Jews or Muslims; and protection for all civilians. Hamas’ approach undermines all three. That's the conversation Piker's audience deserves. Not name-calling.
Van Jones1,717,715 görüntüleme • 5 ay önce
When you woke up this morning, your internet worked. You scrolled, you searched, you shared. But 90 million Iranians woke up — again — to total darkness. Their government has now imposed the longest nationwide internet blackout ever recorded in any country. Almost 40 consecutive days. That should alarm every one of us. Iran’s information blackout is a weapon against its own people. When governments can flip a switch and immediately disappear 90 million people from the internet, the rest of us lose our eyes and ears too.
Van Jones1,238,156 görüntüleme • 6 ay önce
Something strange is happening in the information war. Young Americans defending regimes like the Islamic Republic of Iran that jail protesters, strip women of rights and execute people for being gay. Self-described patriots on the right suddenly echoing narratives that benefit a country like Russia — which is openly hostile to the United States. How does that happen? Not through tanks or missiles. Post by post, people get pulled into camps that don’t actually serve their own country or their own values. They become pieces on a chessboard in a GRAY WAR — a conflict fought with information instead of bullets. And most people don’t even realize they’re part of it. The battlefield isn’t overseas anymore — it’s in your feed.
Van Jones1,338,982 görüntüleme • 7 ay önce
The president of the United States calling someone Muhammad — as if that’s an insult? GOP officials and ads suggesting that a Muslim candidate is a secret terrorist who wants to impose sharia law? All of this is totally out of bounds. It’s wrong. You can criticize a POLICY. You should never criticize a PEOPLE. My criticisms of Abdul El-Sayed’s foreign policy positions have nothing to do with his Muslim faith; there are people of all faiths (and no faith) who SHARE his views. And there are people of all faiths (and no faith) who OPPOSE them. We need to be debating important proposals on the merits — and not stooping to ad hominem attacks or fear-mongering. Let’s not forget: the Muslim community is a BLESSING to this country. Muslims have some of the lowest crime rates and lowest divorce rates in the USA — plus some of the highest business formation and education rates. Every profession in this country has outstanding Muslims who are advancing every field. It goes without saying that every ethnic group has bad apples, and every religion has its extremists. But if YOU don’t want to be judged by the worst people in your community, then please don’t paint other communities with that same broad brush. Attack the policy — or defend the policy. But leave the candidate’s faith out of it. We don’t want to see this stuff in our politics.
Van Jones51,764 görüntüleme • 9 gün önce
Reasonable Democrats are going to have to get off their couches, roll up their sleeves and start organizing real voters on the ground. We can no longer rely only on TV ads, digital spend and endorsements. Just donating from afar and complaining about the DSA won’t cut it. The DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) can beat moderates in a growing number of blue strongholds. Why? Because the DSA has patiently built an army of on-the-ground organizers — who go to meetings, help each other, study together and THEN work to turn out voters on Election Day. That army grows every day — election or no election. Their investment in real people grows (and compounds) with each election cycle. The DSA has a bigger army, every time, win or lose. But at the end of any election, all moderate Dems have for their efforts is a bunch of ads that nobody will ever see again. That’s not going to work anymore. If you are a Democrat who believes in opportunity, dignity and democracy for all — but you don’t hate rich people, cops, free enterprise, the West, Israel and the United States of America — I’m talking to you!
Van Jones621,075 görüntüleme • 3 ay önce
The day before he was horrifically murdered, Charlie Kirk sent me a direct message on X. Unfortunately, before I could even respond, Charlie Kirk was killed — seemingly assassinated for the words he'd spoken. I've taken issue with many of those words — sometimes strongly — but never his right to speak them. Never his right to express those views and then go home to his family. That is a sacred American value. Kirk’s murder gives us all reason to come back to the table for dialogue. There is a rising tide of political violence that has already swept away his life and many others’ lives, from both the Left and the Right. Violence like this should compel people in both parties to turn down the heat, seek common ground and look for off-ramps from the vitriol — as Kirk was doing with me, the day before he died. We can choose to go the way of more violence, more outrage and more censorship — if we want to. But if we choose censorship and civil war, we cannot blame that choice on Charlie Kirk! From his last 24 hours, I have the proof that he wanted to go a very different way.
Van Jones1,867,872 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce
Trump betrayed a decent, honorable man who had a 99.2 percent record of supporting him in the U.S. Senate. He destroyed the career of U.S. Senator Cornyn to elevate a dishonest, impeached and corrupt crook named Ken Paxton. (Google him. This guy is terrible.) When the President of the United States happily backs a bad man and throws a good man overboard, it sends a horrible message to the next generation. This president continues to do moral and ethical damage to the nation that will be hard to undo. Not surprised. But still disappointed in where GOP voters are.
Van Jones620,167 görüntüleme • 4 ay önce
Yesterday the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran and killed their Supreme Leader. Now the news cycle is moving onto “NOW WHAT??” For those of you who are unfamiliar - meet Reza Pahlavi. When millions took to the streets protesting the regime, they chanted his name. Important history: Reza Pahlavi is the son of the former Shah of Iran. He has lived in exile for 47 years while his people suffered. Here’s the key: He does NOT want to return as a king. He does NOT want a throne. He wants to return as a healer for Iran. A transitional figure to usher in Democracy for the Iranian people. I believe Reza Pahlavia has an honest shot at leading Iran and changing the Middle East — and possibly the world. Reza Pahlavi: Will This Man Lead Iran? -
Van Jones951,141 görüntüleme • 7 ay önce
There were a bunch of idiots out there yesterday protesting NYC Mayor Mamdani on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11. Not because of his policies. Not because of his agenda. Not because of his actions. Not because of ANYTHING he has ever said or done, but simply because of who he is: a Muslim — in a city struck by Islamic terrorists a quarter century ago. This protest was one of the stupidest, most UN-American things anyone could ever take part in. It was a despicable act of anti-Muslim bigotry — plain and simple. And it had no place in NYC — yesterday or ever. Let me say this: the fact that — 25 years after 9/11 — New Yorkers elected a young Muslim to lead their city is something everyone in this country should be PROUD of. Not because everyone should embrace his policies — but because of what his victory suggests about this country. Regardless of how anyone felt about Mamdani’s policy proposals, prejudice against his faith did not stop a majority of NY voters from giving him a chance to lead the city. That’s a GOOD thing. His victory is proof that hate did not win. If you want to “make America great,” start by honoring the fact that only a great city in a great nation could rise above knee-jerk prejudice and elect a young Muslim within living memory of that attack. That fact is something we can all be proud of. It should enhance and elevate our commemorations. The bigots who protested Mamdani did carry American flags. But they were not American patriots. True patriots don’t just love “America” in the abstract. They also love AMERICANS in the real world — regardless of their race, religion or creed. If you despise or distrust a fellow American SOLELY because of how they pray, then you should leave Old Glory at home when you attend your next rally. A Nazi flag is the more appropriate banner for you.
Van Jones118,162 görüntüleme • 1 ay önce
Buyer's remorse is real. Independents gave Republicans a shot. Latinos gave Republicans a shot. Black men gave Republicans a shot. They all tried it — and now they’re coming home. Tonight's elections prove that people are tired of the status quo. At the end of the day, people’s basic rights are not being respected. And their basic needs aren’t being met. People don’t want more talk & more spin. They are focused on groceries, rent, safety, dignity — the stuff that ACTUALLY matters. Tonight's elections in Virginia, New Jersey and NYC’s prove it: people are tired of the status quo. Thats why Mamdani won. And that’s why you are seeing this blue blowout.
Van Jones945,291 görüntüleme • 11 ay önce
It's been more than 45 days since Iran's internet went dark. And the Iranian regime is burning through MILLIONS per day to keep 92 million people offline. Why spend so much to silence your own country? Because when you control the internet, you control the story. When a government won't let its OWN PEOPLE speak, question the narrative the outside world is hearing.
Van Jones511,664 görüntüleme • 6 ay önce
83% of Americans support voter ID, including 71% of Democrats and 76% of black voters. BUT the federal policy Trump and the GOP are pushing goes FAR beyond Voter ID. It demands DOCUMENTARY PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP. That means your driver's license isn't good enough. Your REAL ID isn't good enough. You need a BIRTH CERTIFICATE or PASSPORT — which 21 million Americans don't have handy. That's not voter ID. That's a wholly different policy regime that requires adequate time and resources to implement properly — or millions of lawful voters will be unfairly barred from the ballot booth.
Van Jones588,608 görüntüleme • 7 ay önce
Graham Platner puts Democrats at an important crossroads. Are we going to hold the moral standard that Republicans abandoned? Or is the greater good to be found in doing whatever it takes to retake the U.S. Senate— even with a flawed candidate? I believe in redemption. But redemption requires accountability and honesty. I hope Platner does better on those two counts, going forward. Regardless, the people of Maine have a tough decision.
Van Jones322,960 görüntüleme • 4 ay önce
History was made in the Democratic Party last night — and I watched two completely different reactions. For young Arab and Muslim Americans, Abdul El-Sayed's win is one of the biggest nights of their political lives. A first like this doesn't happen by accident. It happens because a generation decided to fight for a seat at the table instead of waiting for an invitation. That is worth celebrating fully. But I also sat with young Jewish voters this week who are scared. When they hear "total arms embargo, no Iron Dome, no defensive weapons," they hear something that goes beyond opposition to a war. They hear something that threatens Israel's basic ability to defend its own children from rocket fire. This is the messy truth of a historic night. Abdul El-Sayed has a real opportunity now to pivot away from indefensible ideas. Conditioning aid is one thing. Saying Israel can't even buy weapons to defend itself from missiles aimed at neighborhoods? That’s another. A great leader would take this moment to jettison unworkable ideas and reassure young Jewish voters — while still honoring the movement that lifted him. Today belongs to young Arabs and Muslims. I'm giving it to them completely. The question of what comes next belongs to all of us.
Van Jones151,389 görüntüleme • 2 ay önce
Almost everyone says they believe in “equality,” in principle. But in reality — true equality is quite rare. Some people have advantages that others don’t. Ironically, exponential technologies like A.I. could potentially level the playing field. After all — even acknowledging the legitimate concerns people have about the future of A.I. — consider this. No matter your skin color, your faith or your economic status — 99 percent of humanity is still “equally ignorant” about how these new tools work. These super powerful apps coming out every day? They are brand new to almost everyone, at the same time. That’s equality, right there! And from a standing start, people who were losing under the old order — just might find new ways to win. I am proud to be a part of Rapport and — two teams using tech for good. For more on Rapport, which uses A.I. to help people at work be MORE human with each other — visit
Van Jones583,815 görüntüleme • 11 ay önce
Some observers had hoped that Trump’s near-death experience might have softened him somehow. Maybe he would use this moment to bring us all together, they said. But since he selected as his VP someone like J.D. Vance — a hard-edged attack dog for a maximum MAGA agenda — I fear that everyone can kiss that fantasy goodbye. #JDVance #Vance #Trump #GOP #GOPConvention #RNC2024
Van Jones943,154 görüntüleme • 2 yıl önce
ABOUT THE SPEECH: First of all: let’s all give Zohran Mamdani his due. He just did the impossible — beat Democratic royalty (the Cuomos), beat the money, beat the machine and then pushed past Trump himself to become the first Muslim mayor of America’s biggest city. That’s a huge accomplishment. With this upset win, he has already written his name in American history books. And he’s only 34 years old. The pride and energy you’re seeing from his supporters is hard earned and well-deserved. That said: I would be remiss if I didn’t flag something I noticed during last night’s victory speech. The Mamdani on stage last night seemed like a different Mamdani than the one who won people over on the campaign trail. While campaigning, Mamdani was calm, warm, inclusive — the kind of guy who built a big tent that might have a place for everyone. But last night, his tone was sharper. His voice was louder. His rhetoric was harsher. His famous smile and sense of humor were mostly absent. His many supporters loved it. But others just couldn’t relate. That was a missed opportunity. I greatly preferred Mamdani’s FIRST victory speech — the one he gave when he first upset Cuomo and burst onto the global stage this summer. It was brilliant, warm, sunny, inviting. If he goes back to that mode — the world could be his oyster. Fortunately, as he continues to make history, Mamdani will have many, many more speeches to give
Van Jones412,463 görüntüleme • 11 ay önce