Vice President J.D. Vance urged Americans to “reject the perspective” that focuses solely on the nation’s flaws, rather than recognizing “its grace and greatness.”
Aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor, Vance noted that during the commemoration of the country’s 250th anniversary, “today, you’ll hear certain voices—small but loud—consistently addressing the nation’s deficiencies.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen, there’s something I need to highlight because, regardless of our political affiliations, whether we’re Democrats or Republicans, we’re all celebrating today,” he remarked. “However, you might notice a persistent, albeit quieter, narrative that emphasizes our imperfections over our strengths.”
Vance commented that critics of the United States “are focusing on the powerless and the marginalized,” arguing that “the U.S. is merely another country where the weak confront the strong.”
“From Thomas Jefferson to Henry Kaiser, these critics have misread the spirit of America,” he said, asserting that they “incorrectly assume we only experience moments of strength, despite our flaws.”
“On this 250th anniversary, I urge you to dismiss the simplistic perceptions of your fellow citizens and the simplified view of your country,” Vance added. “Reject the notion that America is inherently a zero-sum game. That’s not the truth. Our narrative is about building remarkable civilizations from untamed land. We need to see beyond our faults to appreciate our gifts and greatness.”
Vance’s remarks coincided with comments from various Democratic lawmakers who criticized the United States, claiming it to be the “world’s biggest bully” and suggesting that the September 11, 2001, attacks were “inevitable.”
“Indeed, we are the biggest bullies globally,” Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) stated during an appearance on SiriusXM’s Dean Obeidallah Show last December.
The Democratic representative elaborated:
We exploit our unmatched power to dominate those with less strength. And we do so without repercussions. This crafts a disturbing image of America—what some might term the Great Hand of the Devil. Essentially, America under Trump is validating that label.
Democratic socialist candidate Melat Quiros also weighed in on the September 11 attacks, asserting that they were “inevitable in light of the turmoil in various Middle Eastern regions.”
“People were convinced that new acts of violence were the sole answer,” Quiros added. “As I mentioned, we have a duty to tackle the root conditions that incite violence in the first place.”
