JD Vance Critiques European Leaders in a Push to Revitalize the West

It appears that MEGA — “Make Europe Great Again” — is more than just a catchy phrase.

This sentiment isn’t merely a nostalgic slogan sported by those across the Atlantic who yearn for a Trump-like figure to enliven European politics.

No, it’s truly unfolding. At the helm is JD Vance, a gung-ho leader.

Behold his captivating address to Europe’s leaders at the Munich Security Conference.

It was a delightful display — a self-made millennial American critiquing the stoic technocrats of my weary continent.

He didn’t hold back. Vance dissected the assembled dignitaries for their shortcomings in free speech, democracy, and security.

He voiced concern over “the retreat of Europe from some of its essential values” — sentiments that resonated with countless Europeans, including myself.

It was in the realm of free speech that he delivered his most piercing remarks.

“Across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat,” he declared to his astonished audience.

He listed examples of shocking censorship that would have made Stalin proud.

He pointed out police actions in Germany against citizens “accused of posting anti-feminist remarks online.” Critiquing feminism has become a taboo in woke Germany.

He reminded us that just a fortnight ago, a Christian activist in Sweden faced charges for burning copies of the Koran — his friend was murdered for committing the same act.

Vance appeared justifiably appalled that Sweden would convict a man for the “speech crime” for which his friend had just lost his life.

He chastised my homeland, Britain, for its unfortunate “backslide from conscience rights.”

The “fundamental liberties of religious Britons” are being stifled, he asserted.

He cited instances of Christians being arrested for “silently praying” near abortion clinics.

This is indeed happening. This once-great nation, renowned for producing freedom fighters like John Milton and John Stuart Mill, now establishes “buffer zones” around abortion clinics where one can be apprehended by police for merely thinking in prayer.

Forget “thoughtcrime” — Britain now has “prayercrime.”

It’s no surprise that Vance expressed his deep “concern” for “our very dear friends, the United Kingdom.”

According to him, there exists Soviet-style censorship in Europe. He criticized the EU’s “commissars” — I literally cheered when he used that term — for suppressing anything they find disagreeable.

The European bureaucracy conceals itself “behind ugly Soviet-era terms like misinformation and disinformation” to silence those who merely hold an “alternative viewpoint,” he said.

These words could not be more accurate. On countless issues, from COVID to gender ideology to mass immigration, what our leaders label as “misinformation” often represents merely differing viewpoints.

Such rigid oversight of dissent is a threat to democracy, Vance asserted. “Dismissing individuals . . . excluding people from the political sphere” — this is the “surest path to undermining democracy.”

Preach it, JD.

He had pointed remarks for those who accuse Elon Musk of meddling in European democracy. “Voicing opinions isn’t election interference,” he stated.

Then came his best line: “If American democracy can endure a decade of Greta Thunberg’s lectures, you folks can manage a few months of Elon Musk.”

Game, set, and match to the American.

Vance can hardly comprehend what has become of “the winners of the Cold War.” With the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Europe was expected to usher in a new age of liberty and opportunity.

Yet now we mirror our former Soviet adversaries. We’re suppressing dissenting voices, censoring the press, and even invalidating the outcomes of democratic elections, he lamented.

His final message? Have faith in the people. “We should not fear our citizens,” he stated, “even when they express views that differ from those of their leaders.”

And there lies the essence: a belief that ordinary individuals can navigate their lives quite well without state intervention swaying them one way or the other.

Vance’s address wasn’t simply a breath of fresh air; it was a tempest of rational thought. It was a whirlwind of clarity that left many Europeans wide-eyed and eager for more.

The liberal media is accusing him of “attacking Europe.” He didn’t attack us. He engaged with us.

He urged us to reclaim those “blessings of liberty.” His speech was firm yet compassionate. It was the heartfelt entreaty of an old friend concerned about our deviation from the right path.

He demonstrated just how innovative and bold the new Trump administration is.

Try to envision Joe Biden accomplishing what Vance did. It’s unfathomable.

First, because Biden lacks Vance’s energy and perspective. His administration seemed more like a self-serving apparatus focused on concealing Biden’s vulnerabilities rather than reassessing the Western landscape.

Secondly, because Biden aligns more closely with a Soviet-lite Europe than he does with Vance’s contagious passion for freedom.

Indeed, as Vance pointed out, Biden also “appeared eager to stifle those expressing their opinions.”

After listening to Vance, I can’t help wondering if the position of the 51st state might still be up for grabs. I know Canada isn’t interested, but some of us in Britain may be keen.

What do you say, JD — take us, your “very dear friends,” along on your mission to revive the great tenets of the free West.

Brendan O’Neill is the chief political writer for the British online magazine spiked.