Vance says we can ‘reclaim’ society from totalitarian left if we ‘keep on fighting’

Vice President JD Vance recently attended an exclusive screening of the docuseries adaptation of Rod Dreher’s book “Live Not By Lies,” where he emphasized the importance of the message being echoed in the film. Vance highlighted how the docuseries showcased the resilience of individuals who embraced Christian values to combat totalitarian regimes across the world, from Great Britain to Czechoslovakia during the Soviet bloc era.
Vance revealed that his connection with Dreher began when the author approached him for an interview about his book, “Hillbilly Elegy,” before Vance rose to prominence in the political arena. After providing written answers to Dreher’s questions while on vacation in the UK, Vance saw his book skyrocket to number 16 on the Amazon bestseller list upon his return to the US. The success of “Hillbilly Elegy” later led to a film adaptation by Ron Howard and paved the way for Vance’s political career.
During his speech at the screening, Vance emphasized the importance of not losing hope and never ceasing to fight for democratic and Christian values. He stressed the need for individuals to speak up against government-compelled groupthink and to resist the left-wing foreign policy ideologies prevalent in Western nations. Vance urged people to live by the truth and have the courage to stand up for liberty over tyranny.
The phrase “Live Not By Lies,” coined by Soviet exile Alexander Solzhenitsyn, holds significance in maintaining optimism rooted in Judeo-Christian theology and American traditions. Vance highlighted the resilience of Western societies in pushing back against issues like migration and religious freedom, demonstrating that the American people are more resilient than elites give them credit for.
Vance credited the message of “Live Not By Lies” for the progress made in the early months of the Trump-Vance administration. He cited examples of increased free speech on the internet and a shift towards encouraging pro-life activism, contrasting previous instances of censorship and harassment faced by activists.
Overall, Vance expressed confidence in the ability of Western societies to overcome challenges and achieve greatness by upholding values that align with the principles of democracy and Christianity. The docuseries serves as a reminder to never lose hope and to continue fighting for what is right, ultimately shaping a brighter future for the West.