Almost a decade ago, I wrote an editorial titled, “We Have a Problem America.” I had recently listened to a radio talk show that dealt with problems in the United States. The group of panelists was all convinced the prime issue for America was the lack of college students—and in particular graduates. It was hardly surprising to hear this view, as the panel was university educators and politicians. The message they were sending was loud and clear: without higher education, you are a failure in life. My editorial dealt with the growing disrespect given to the blue-collar worker.
It’s clear that Donald Trump has struck a chord with a mass of people. Interview after interview revealed blue-collar workers expressing frustration from being forgotten and ignored. In retrospect, the campaign slogan was heard by skilled craft workers who felt they lost their place in respect to American society. “Make America Great Again” made blue-collar workers think about those same professors I heard on the radio panel. Even when Trump spoke and asked disenfranchised America the question, “What do you have to lose?” I think many blue-collar workers of America heard him again.