Van Jones Warns of 'Turbulent' Election Year, Invokes Martin Luther King The 'Original Occupier

Van Jones, former "green jobs czar" and co-founder of "Rebuild the Dream" -- billed as a "progressive" Tea Party -- said Martin Luther King Day will  kick off what he claims will be a "turbulent, exciting" year, led by civil rights leaders pushing a new agenda of social justice.

"What are you doing this weekend for MLK Day? It's our only national holiday about social justice, yet too often, MLK Day feels like a Hallmark Card. This year, let's do it differently," Jones told supporters in an e-mail.

"Rebuild the Dream members are hosting MLK Day Movement Meet-ups across the country to celebrate Dr. King -- the original Occupier -- and link the Civil Rights Movement with today's struggle for an economy that works for all."

Rebuild the Dream has reportedly made a video to air at the meetings, meant to jump-start the movement's actions this year.

Below Jones' email referencing Martin Luther King, courtesy of U.S. News:

Dear Paul,

What are you doing this weekend for MLK Day? It's our only national holiday about social justice, yet too often, MLK Day feels like a Hallmark Card. This year, let's do it differently.

Rebuild the Dream members are hosting MLK Day Movement Meet-ups across the country to celebrate Dr. King -- the original Occupier -- and link the Civil Rights Movement with today's struggle for an economy that works for all.

Neighbors and friends will gather to watch a great video we made, plus engage in a special discussion about how we strengthen our movements in 2012.

Find an MLK Meet-up near you, or host one of your own.

2012 will be a turbulent, exciting year. It's important for us to get together and get ready. This is your chance to touch base with friends and like-minded folks in your area, and start the new year right.

There is a lot for us to fight for, and people are continuing Dr. King's struggle every day in the 21st century. With a rising movement sweeping the country, let's gather together and ask: What would Dr. King and other civil rights leaders do today? How can we continue their legacy in 2012 and beyond?

MLK Day is an opportunity to take a day on, not a day off. The meet-ups will be an opportunity to join with those who share your same passion for positive change. It's a chance to look back and look ahead -- let's look at one of the most important movements of our past as a springboard for the ongoing fight for justice.

Join a discussion in your area, or host one of your own.

Century after century, generation after generation, countless people of all different backgrounds have continued to arrive on America's shores. Beyond our differences there lies the promise that maybe we can carve a better future for ourselves and our children and our children's children, with opportunity and justice for all. This was the dream our country was founded on, and Dr. King's dream throughout the Civil Rights Movement. Let's gather this MLK Day and commit to continuing Dr. King's fight for the dream.

Thanks for being a part of, and believing in, this movement,

Van, Billy, Natalie, Ian, Jim, Somer and the Rebuild the Dream Innovation Fund team

This post has been updated. 

(h/t: Fox Nation)