Ben Jealous argues that understanding the root causes of America's issues is essential for healing; he identifies January 1, 1994, as the start of the decline of the U.S. manufacturing sector due to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Over 90,000 factories closed between 1997 and 2020, leading to economic downturns in communities across the nation. A Gallup poll shows that 80% of Americans believe the country is deeply divided, reflecting the ongoing struggles stemming from these economic shifts [e4ad75b5].
The impact of NAFTA has been profound, with many workers in the Rust Belt facing job losses and economic instability. In Milwaukee, the closure of Master Lock's plant in March 2024, which resulted in nearly 1,300 lost union jobs, exemplifies the long-term effects of trade policies on local economies. Since 2000, Milwaukee has experienced an over 80% decline in manufacturing jobs, highlighting a broader trend of deindustrialization [d6e24687].
Jealous advocates for a rebirth of American manufacturing through investments in clean energy, citing that over 334,000 new clean energy jobs have been created since the Inflation Reduction Act was enacted. He emphasizes that addressing the climate crisis can restore economic opportunities and foster unity among Americans [e4ad75b5].
The Biden-Harris administration has initiated several programs aimed at revitalizing manufacturing in deindustrialized areas, seeking to address the grievances of workers affected by trade policies. However, the implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA, has seen limited success, leaving many former manufacturing workers struggling to find stable employment [d6e24687].
As the 2024 elections approach, the implications of NAFTA and subsequent trade policies continue to resonate in American politics. The complexities of current trade dynamics, including the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in 2026, further complicate the landscape. Canadian businesses are urging their government to prepare for significant concessions to avoid jeopardizing negotiations [4c5230e6].
Ultimately, Jealous's call for a renewed focus on manufacturing and clean energy reflects a broader desire to heal the economic divides in America, emphasizing the need for effective labor protections and investments that prioritize American workers [e4ad75b5].