Van Jones, President Obama’s former Green Job’s Czar and CNN contributor, stood in solidarity with coal miners of the United Mine Workers of America in protest of “Big Coal” this week. Jones and several union leaders were arrested voluntarily. He later bragged about his arrest on Twitter:
Proud to! RT @tmwinsett: My grandpa was KY coal miner in 50/60s, survived 3 cave-ins, died of Black Lung. TY for standing up for miners.
— Van Jones (@VanJones68) April 30, 2013
.@oexumm / Thx! The freaked out over-reaction to my gesture of solidarity with coal families lets me know we are on right track. More 2come!
— Van Jones (@VanJones68) April 30, 2013
My honor! MT Flo_rinse: My Dad was coal miner in WVA. Thanks for standing up 4 working people who work under ground every day! #coal miners
— Van Jones (@VanJones68) April 30, 2013
Some aligned with Jones’ and were supportive (as evidenced by the tweets Jones replied to). But Jones, President Obama’s former Green Jobs Czar, often advocates for the end to the coal industry, and that irony was not lost on others, including radio talk show host Dana Loesch.
BREAKING: Green Jobs Czar, Van Jones was arrested today in St. Louis, while protesting in SUPPORT of unemployed coal miners. [Ironic] @cnn
— DragonForce_One (@DragonForce_One) April 30, 2013
@vanjones68 @oexumm what exactly is the right track. You advocate for workers in an industry you want eradicated. Interesting.
— Jake (@Jake_Sam) April 30, 2013
It’s funny how @vanjones68 thinks he’s “standing with coal miners” when every other day he’s advocating to end their livelihoods.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) April 30, 2013
I mean the guy has only traveled the country pushing policies that will obliterate coal industry but sure, @vanjones68 “stands with miners.”
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) April 30, 2013
After his release, he also went on to declare his readiness for another round:
I’m out of jail & ready for next round. Peabody/Patriot Coal is messing with wrong folks!! FairnessAtPatriot.org. twitter.com/VanJones68/sta…
— Van Jones (@VanJones68) April 29, 2013
And responded to his critics:
Hey, critique me all u want-as long as u stand with the coal miners when ur done. EARNED/deserve those pensions! FairnessAtPatriot.org
— Van Jones (@VanJones68) April 29, 2013