J.D. Vance’s Vision: Elevating American Families and Industries

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In an interview with Sean Hannity, Vice President J.D. Vance made a compelling argument for why “America First” transcends its status as a political slogan, framing it instead as a moral obligation rooted in ethics, common sense, and even biblical teachings. His discussion aired during a tragic moment—a collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport, which understandably dominated news coverage. Still, Vance’s remarks deserve attention for their bold clarity in an era where such perspectives are often contested.

Vance outlined a hierarchy of responsibility: family, community, fellow citizens, and only then the wider world. He tied this to a longstanding Christian ethical framework, pointing to ordo amoris (the order of loves), a concept explored by thinkers like Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. His argument, while religious in origin, resonates beyond faith-based discussions. It echoes the idea that leaders should prioritize their own citizens—a stance he contrasted with what he called the “deranged” compassion of some on the far left, who, he argued, place illegal aliens ahead of their fellow Americans.

In support of his view, Vance cited scriptural examples. He referenced passages like 1 Timothy 5:8, which stresses the moral obligation to care for family members, and Galatians 6:10, which highlights doing good “especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Critics, however, were quick to respond. Thabiti Anyabwile, for instance, argued that Vance’s interpretation neglected biblical commands to love strangers and enemies. Rory Stewart, a British academic and former politician, called Vance’s take “tribal” and suggested that politicians should be wary of speaking on theological matters.

 

But Vance was undeterred. He argued that the critics misunderstood the practical and moral limits of compassion. He did not advocate for neglecting outsiders but emphasized that prioritization doesn’t imply hatred or exclusion. Drawing on examples, he pointed out the real-world consequences of lax border policies, from human trafficking to violent crime, and suggested that placing the needs of foreign nationals over U.S. citizens leads to avoidable tragedies.

Vance attributed much of the pushback to what he called “moral hubris”—the tendency of intellectual elites to assume they know better than the average citizen. His critique of Stewart as someone with “an IQ of 110 who thinks he has an IQ of 130” underscored Vance’s broader criticism of elite detachment from reality. He framed his “America First” approach not as a rejection of compassion but as a reaffirmation of responsibility: leaders must care for their people first, just as parents prioritize their children.

For many Americans, this approach aligns with common sense. As Vance argued, no parent would think it moral to divide their resources equally among all the world’s children while neglecting their own. Likewise, no nation should be expected to ignore its people’s needs in favor of those who cross its borders unlawfully. His argument isn’t about isolationism—it’s about balance and responsibility.

Vance’s direct, unapologetic stance on prioritizing U.S. citizens stands out in a political landscape often clouded by ideological noise. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the theological nuances, his appeal to practical morality and national duty is one that will continue to shape discussions around immigration, compassion, and leadership.

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