To the editor:

A few years back I read JD Vance’s book, Hillbilly Elegy, and found it very interesting.  But now as he is framing himself as an opponent of the “elites,” I believe that Mr. Vance has forgotten his working class roots. 

In 2016, he had some very negative comments about Donald Trump.  But now that he is a wealthy venture capitalist, he seems to have flip-flopped and is embracing Mr. Trump and his nonsense.

In Vance’s earlier ads this year, he supports the border wall claiming that it will stop illegal drugs from coming into the country.  Drug smugglers are much more sophisticated than this, and I don’t believe that a mother with two little children seeking refuge is going to be smuggling  drugs.  He also claimed that Democrats are letting the immigrants in so they can vote Democrat.  As a Yale Law graduate, he should know that only U.S. citizens can vote in elections.  His claims are all nonsense.  He continues to spout divisive rhetoric and fringe conspiracy theories, but never articulates a valid reason why he should be elected.

Mr. Vance is also on record as wanting to reduce or eliminate Social Security and cutting Medicare payments as well as eliminating the Affordable Care Act.  This would severely impact many working class folks and retirees living on fixed incomes.  He initially refused to debate Rep. Tim Ryan, but then relented.  However, he continues to spout unsubstantiated nonsense.  

I believe that Mr. Vance is just a hypocrite and an opportunist who is hopping on the Trump wagon.  Even Mr. Trump claimed that “JD is kissing my ass.”  I believe that it is time that the Republican Party rid itself of Mr. Trump and his QAnon supporters.  This is why I am supporting Rep. Tim Ryan for Senator from Ohio.  He has the experience in congress and has demonstrated his concern for the working class.  I would encourage everyone to support Rep. Ryan as well.

Philip Compton
Bluffton, Ohio