Vanjones.net

Mr. Jones, As I listened to the CNN discussion on Tuesday night I was filled with outrage. How could they not mention the clear racism behind Trump's win? And then you spoke. How clear and forceful you were. Do not stop. Please ask the talking Trump heads why their man is not speaking against the outrageous actions being taken by his supporters? The swastikas in South Philly? The grabbing of women on the subway in imitation of him? Young Latino children being told by their peers to go back to where they came? I could go on with many more examples. It is so depressing how quickly the hate is coming out. He only won by 27% of the eligible voters. That is NOT a mandate. The Electoral College was created to prevent an uninformed electorate from voting in a unsuitable candidate. If this doesn't fit what would?

Van don't ever stop expressing your opinions or feelings. You have millions of people who feel as you do. We have all worked so hard to bring this country together. There are so many people worried and shaken over the statement and remarks Donald Trump has repeatedly stated over the past several months. His remarks have been racists, phobic and disrespectful to so many. What kind of person humiliates the handicap? You should think of the White House in 4 years!

STOP!! If a Trump supporter spoke like you do, we would have words like whine, sorry looser, the people have spoken. Just stop, your words take our country back 100 years. My next email is to CNN, they cannot be this naive to have someone like you on air.

You should not be aloud to be on tv spewing your easier views. Except it your 8 years of racism has come to a end the worst president in history. It's President Trump now get used to it. I'm going to have people start contacting CNN to have you removed from tv from spewing your racist views.

Trucks and Daughters….. 11/10/16 I keep my posts to a circle of friends and I have never put one out to the masses. But today, I feel compelled to share something with you. During this campaign cycle, I have admired your professionalism, passion, and dignity. When controversy heats up, your ability to explain your position while not offending others is unmatched. That’s why I offer this story to you. Today, while driving home from an appointment, I was in deep thought over the results of the Presidential election. I watched news reports last night which showed multiple protests throughout our country. The hurt and sense of hopelessness is deep, and very real. Black, White, Latino, Asian, Muslim, LGBT, women, men, children…. no one is exempt. As I drive, I que up Michael Kiwanuka’s album “Love & Hate” and play track two, “Black Man in a White World”. Although I’ve listened to this song dozens of times, I want to truly absorb the words today, the day after the results of this election became final, reality sets in, and people either celebrate or cry. Two lines I have missed before ring out now; “I don’t mind who I am, I don’t mind who you are.” As I approach a gas station to fill up my truck, I see an almost identical black truck in the station, facing the opposite direction I am going but with an open pump right next to it. Standing next to the truck is a black man, younger than me, powerfully built, with multiple tattoos, and a full beard. I could have picked any other spot, but I chose this one to get a close look at the vehicle, and possibly meet a stranger. So here we are, two truck owners, one black man, one white man (yeah, that’s me), pumping gas directly across from each other. The words are in my head, “I don’t mind who I am, I don’t mind who you are.” The first step is mine: Me: Great looking truck Him: (surprised look) Thanks Me: It’s almost just like mine. What year is it? Him: 2008. How about yours? Me: 2006. I’ve have it ten years now. Have you ever had any problems with yours? Him: No. Just a few minor things. You? Me: Yeah, I have this engine ticking and the dealer says about $2,000 to fix it. Him: Awe, these trucks ALL have that problem. My buddy has the same noise. Me: (I extend my hand). By the way, I’m Bill Him: (His face lights up with a big smile). My name is Bill too..!!! Me: This is too weird. Two black trucks, both of us named Bill?! Bill: (yeah, now he’s not just Him). This is crazy. (He looks at my license plate). I might have to play that number tonight! We talk about trucks, the cover he just bought for the back of his, what I like about mine. The pump clicks, the truck is full, and we both get ready to leave. Bill is wearing a shirt that says, ”Father of a Princess” and it has a print of a big pink bow. Me: That’s a great shirt Bill: Yeh, thanks. Me: Do you have a daughter? Bill: (Huge smile) Yeah, I have two!! Me: I have one myself. Nice talking to you. Have a good one. Bill: You too. A pretty simple encounter that I will not forget. I am sure if we had spent more time talking, we would have found that we have a lot more in common, more than trucks and daughters…. There is a lot of goodness in people. We all need to take small steps and put ourselves in the position of others. We don’t have to agree, but dialog will surely begin the process of healing our hearts, taming our egos, and creating a respect for our differences.  

To the hard core Democrats and others leaving in fear (Muslims, Latinos and others), all is not lost, yet. Consider these issues: There is no love lost between Donald Trump and the Republican Party (and we all know the reasons for the existing tension); instant negative reactions to the election results nationally, as was evident in at least seven States with thousands protesting (which is likely to continue) and internationally (just check the Headlines). There are serious questions raised by all sides with regard to Trumps' character, qualifications, temperament, lack of knowledge and experience in the public service, the military and foreign and international affairs, his ability to assume the responsibilities of the Presidency. Also, Hillary Clinton won the Popular Vote. According to the Constitution, Electors of the Electoral College are really the ones who vote for President when they meet on 19th December. However, there is no rule of law that can prevent or stop any Elector to from going "rogue", although there is a small penalty for so doing. Taking into account the issues above, my question: is there the slightest possibility that a few "Electors", may decide to reverse the vote to which they are bound or abstain? I know that this is a very, very long shot.

Dear Ali and Lisa - we all woke up today with disappointing news. Apparently a plurality of Americans voted for a misogynist with authoritarian tendencies using racist language to run for president. I frankly believe this is less about the candidates and their policies and more about a protest vote against the establishment and the current political system - against a Democratic candidate that was ideally suited to stoke this resentment. Americans seem to want change - although they seem to define it by attempting to turn back the clock on actual change. But that desire is unlikely to be fulfilled, and these Trump voters are likely to be disappointed,. The President is less a dictator and more Wizard of Oz - hands on levers with limited real influence, especially domestically. You should be comforted by the fact that there has never been a better time to be a woman, and few places better to live than the US. You have more opportunities, and more freedom, than your mom had, then your grandmother had, and far more than you great grandmother had. No man - no boyfriend, no husband, no father, and sure as hell no politician - is going to tell you how to live, where to live, who to love, or what to do with your life. Few women in any time or any place would not trade places with you right now - this is your tremendous blessing. So appreciate that. But you also cannot take anything for granted. You need to remain vigilant, to never accept anything less than being treated with respect and equality, and to maintain those freedoms you have against reactionaries that would roll any of that back. I very much doubt that will happen - progress is a hard thing to reverse, demographics and time are in your favor, and you both are strong enough to overcome anyone foolish enough to try. Plus you know that I will always be there to protect you. Always Love, Dad

I would not want to try and figure out every time Hillary speaks whether or not this woman is lying to me. She is a total fake.

Why would you elect a murderer, decitful, person to run this country? People have no right to protest. They are cowards and need to grow up and realize it's 2016. Trump will do a great job running this country... no woman can run a country...

Van, I am a life long republican who voted for Clinton only because she was the lesser of two very very bad evils and I have a 9 month year old son. I disagree with you on many, many things but I respect you and your opinions as you are not just the usual talking head CNN puts on TV who defends their candidate no matter what. I had to stop watching CNN in the last few weeks because the partisanship got to be to much. And I can't watch Fox or MSNBC because they are ridiculous in their overblown bias for one side over the other. Is it possible to watch the news and just here an unbiased opinion? I don't mind opinions but can it be somewhat unbiased. Just a little would be nice. If your candidate is 100% wrong can't the surrogate just admit it instead of making a fool of themselves. Anyway my point for writing this is that you have embarrassed yourself in the last day. I think you are better than that. You picked a side and they lost. They LOST in every facet. White House, house, and senate. Own up to it and move on. Four years will fly by and we will start new. You can't possibly defend the chairwoman, CEO,CFO, and spokesperson for the Democratic Party who all resigned in disgrace. They suppressed Bernie Sanders in the primaries. There's no doubt about it. The news organizations can try to hide it but it happened. Face up to it. It was wrong. You are a professional and above that. When your right be right and when your wrong admit to it and be wrong. Accountability is a hard thing but people notice it. Rise above the pettiness. Somehow Trump won. It is a shocker to everyone. Even in his campaign employees must have been shocked. You backed an incredibly flawed candidate. Admit to it and move on. She had no business winning. She is a compulsive liar and I say this even though I voted for her. But I can say it and have a clear conscience. When you finish your segment on CNN can you really say you have a clear conscience. Just my opinion. Best of luck in the future. I look forward hearing you speak. Best of luck. Sincerely, Frank Beninati