September 6, 2009 - After a week of extreme controversy over radical statements in the not too distant past, and the signing of a controversial petition in 2004, the following letter from Green Jobs Czar and self avowed communist, Van Jones, was submitted just after midnight on September 6 to Nancy Sutley, Council of Environmental Quality Chair.

"I am resigning my post at the Council on Environmental Quality, effective today.On the eve of historic fights for health care and clean energy, opponents of reform have mounted a vicious smear campaign against me. They are using lies and distortions to distract and divide.I have been inundated with calls - from across the political spectrum - urging me to “stay and fight.”But I came here to fight for others, not for myself. I cannot in good conscience ask my colleagues to expend precious time and energy defending or explaining my past. We need all hands on deck, fighting for the future.It has been a great honor to serve my country and my President in this capacity. I thank everyone who has offered support and encouragement. I am proud to have been able to make a contribution to the clean energy future. I will continue to do so, in the months and years ahead."

Several news sources report that shortly after the resignation, NancySutley released a statement, "I have accepted the resignation of VanJones and would like to thank him for his valuable contributions to theCouncil on Environmental Quality. Over the last six months he has beena strong voice for creating 21st century jobs that improve energyefficiency and utilize renewable resources. We appreciate his hard workand wish him the best moving forward."

As of this writing, President Obama remains silent on the issue, although Robert Gibbs stated today on ABC's "This Week" that Jones had decided that the agenda of this President was bigger than any one individual. Gibbs also said that the President did not endorse Van Jones comments but he thanks Jones for his work.

Howard Dean, former Democrat Party Chairman, defended Jones and told Fox News Sunday he thinks it is a "loss for the country."

Barely an hour after the resignation, the Huffington Post blamed Fox News host, Glenn Beck, for Jones demise saying, "Glenn Beck has his first scalp. Van Jones, under fire from the extremist talk show host for his background in radical activism, has resigned from the administration."

Some Capitol Hill lawmakers had not remained silent. Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) was the first one to call for the resignation in a press release that also called for an investigation of the Jones vetting process before additional czars are hired. Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) asked for hearings to reassure the American people that their government is safe from (Jones) divisive, incendiary and counterproductive sentiments.

Note: I find anyone who supports Van Jones suspect in their support for the Constitution and the United States we know and love. As other statements are released, it will be interesting to review them. I still believe what I said in my comments yesterday.