A friend of mine asked me a question about JD Vance last Saturday, but an event that day delayed my answer. Here it is.
The question was: Vance's faith in God pulled him through in the past, but will it continue to guide him now and in the future when he is in power? Honestly, this is not an easy question to answer, as there is much more to consider.
The question brought to mind Rui Xu, the first Chinese American state representative in Kansas, whom we interviewed in 2023. When we asked him how he made decisions, he said, "My guiding light is to make a decision that my daughter will be proud of, that I'm not going to regret. I would regret it if I didn't fight for what I believe. If I lose, I don't care, but I will always sleep better." I am not sure if Rui Xu believes in God, but he certainly has a belief system, an anchor in his life, which serves him well. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for JD Vance. We don't know what truly motivated him to enter public service.
We also don't know if JD Vance has a guiding light in life like Rui Xu. If Vance's faith were truly the center of his life as he might profess, it would guide him in critical decision-making and throughout his career.
Even if he started with some noble purpose, he might change later on. When Vance holds a position of high power, he is exposed to pressure from interest groups, the risk of corruption, and the lure of more power. Does he have a strong value system to stick to his original goal? Does his belief help him address the conflicts of interest between serving his country and his political ambitions?
We know he is a smart and ambitious man, having taken on roles at law firms or investment jobs after graduating from Yale in 2013. In 2016, he decided to move back to Ohio, where he was considering a nonprofit endeavor. In 2018, he planned to run for the US Senate, a race he won in 2022. Some have suggested that his nonprofit work ostensibly served a good cause, but in reality, its purpose was to advance his political ambitions. "A 2021 report by Business Insider revealed that Our Ohio Renewal's tax filings showed that in its first year, it spent more on 'management services' provided by its executive director Jai Chabria, who also served as Vance's top political adviser, than it did on programs to fight opioid abuse."
There is a Chinese saying, 大权在握, 心中无德 (Dàquán zài wò, xīn zhōng wú dé), meaning, "With great power in hand but no virtue in his heart." It captures the potential dangers and moral pitfalls of holding power without a strong moral and ethical foundation. The unhinged people with power are more likely to become super destructive. It's worth noting that many of former President Trump's associates didn't end up well: Steven Bannon, Roger Stone, Allen Weisselberg, Peter Navarro, Paul Manafort, Michael Cohen, Michael Flynn, Rick Gates, and many others.
Throughout all this, I smell his burning passion for political power. However, I don't see any evidence of a guiding light like Rui Xu's or any faith in God. It is perfectly understandable that people are drawn to power, but the question remains: for what higher purpose?
This brings us to a crucial question: in the pursuit of power, does JD Vance have a guiding light or a steadfast moral compass or a clear set of values? As we watch JD Vance's journey unfold, we should remember that true greatness is not just about achieving power but about serving the country and the people with integrity, wisdom, and a commitment to the greater good, transcending his personal gain.
Only time will tell if Vance's faith is strong enough to guide him through his political life or if his ambitions will overshadow his professed beliefs.
As civilization moves forward, it is the guiding lights and the value within our leaders that often shape the course of history.
As I am writing this, I remind myself of my guiding light. I hope you too.