Beyond Rhetoric: A Need for a Real Path to American Greatness
With Donald Trump’s return to the political stage, his rhetoric of making America “great again” has reignited debates over what such a vision truly entails. For many, Trump’s appeal lies in his defiant stance and his promises to disrupt the status quo. Yet, the question remains: What does “greatness” really mean, and how is it achieved? History provides a roadmap, showing that genuine national strength is built through policies that address the needs of the working class, foster long-term stability, and resist the influence of elite interests.
Rhetoric vs. Reality
The slogan “Make America Great Again” has resonated with millions, yet its meaning has been ambiguous, leaving the practical implications of “greatness” open to interpretation. To some, greatness means returning to a perceived golden age of economic prosperity and national pride. For others, it implies creating a society where government works for the people, especially the working class. Trump’s emphasis on “protectionism” and a more nationalistic approach to economic policy suggests a shift from decades of neoliberalism, but it remains unclear whether his methods would prioritize long-term benefits for American workers or merely serve short-term political gains.
The approach hearkens back to other presidents who focused on limited government and free-market principles, notably Reagan. Although Reagan aimed to make the country “great,” his policies led to short-term economic gains that eventually gave way to income inequality and growing reliance on debt-driven growth. The shortcomings of his policies became more pronounced over time, leading to critiques that Reaganomics prioritized the interests of the wealthy over those of the American laborer.
Historical Precedents of Laissez-Faire Economics
The idea that greatness comes from minimal government intervention has roots in early 20th-century presidencies, including Calvin Coolidge, Warren G. Harding, and Herbert Hoover. These presidents championed laissez-faire policies, arguing that a free market would naturally result in widespread prosperity. While their policies facilitated economic growth, they also led to the concentration of wealth among the elite, leaving laborers and small business owners vulnerable to economic downturns.
The Great Depression, which marked the end of the laissez-faire era, exposed the weaknesses of this approach. As the economy crashed, millions of Americans lost their jobs, and the government was forced to reconsider its role in managing economic stabilit. Roosevelt’s New Deal was a direct response, focusing on creating a safety net for workers, regulating industries, and investing in public infrastructure. This interventionist approach offered a stark contrast to the policies of his predecessors and became a model for building a more resilient and inclusive economy.
Appeals to National Sentiment: Symbolism vs. Reality
The idea of national greatness often involves symbolic appeals to morality, hard work, and individual responsibility. But as America’s economy and society have evolved, workers increasingly recognize that symbolic gestures and moral appeals are not enough to address their needs. For many, the call for greatness resonates only if it translates into policies that offer tangible economic security and opportunity. While hard work is foundational, it must be complemented by supportive policies that protect workers from the uncertainties of the global economy.
Policies that appeal to the conscience of the voter alone, without addressing economic realities, risk being dismissed as hollow. The American laborer wants a nation that prioritizes fair wages, job security, and the assurance that their hard work will contribute to a secure future. Appeals to greatness must go beyond rhetoric, incorporating a commitment to equitable policies that provide real support for working families and small business owners.
The Limits of modern "Protectionism"
Trump’s rhetoric on protectionism implies a potential shift towards policies aimed at bolstering American industry. However, protectionism, without a strategic approach that includes worker protections and economic innovation, risks becoming a short-sighted solution. Many American companies continue to rely heavily on manufacturing in countries like China, underscoring the limitations of protectionist policies in a globalized economy.
Simply imposing tariffs or restricting trade does not necessarily equate to supporting American workers. A sustainable approach would involve a comprehensive industrial policy that encourages domestic production, invests in new technologies, and provides training for workers to compete in a rapidly changing economy. Achieving such a vision may require a model closer to the proactive and strategic policies seen in other countries, like China, which prioritize long-term national strength over immediate gains.
Lessons from Past Leaders: A True Vision for Greatness
To envision a truly “great” America, it’s worth looking to presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson. These leaders, though not without their flaws, pursued policies that aimed to strengthen the nation’s foundations. Roosevelt’s New Deal created a social safety net that protected workers and families from economic instability, while Johnson’s Great Society programs expanded civil rights, healthcare, and education opportunities. These policies were rooted in the idea that greatness comes from a society where all citizens have the opportunity to thrive, not just the privileged few.
By comparison, Reagan’s vision of greatness relied on appealing to the conscience of the voter, emphasizing individual responsibility and minimal government. While this approach resonated with a certain vision of American self-sufficiency, it ultimately led to short-term gains at the expense of long-term stability. Income inequality grew, and the financialization of the economy left workers vulnerable to economic fluctuations and corporate restructuring.
Toward a Policy-Driven Greatness
If greatness is to mean more than empty rhetoric, it must involve policies that actively support the American people. This means moving beyond appealing to the conscience or relying solely on market forces. Instead, it requires a government that is willing to take a proactive role in promoting fair wages, creating good jobs, and investing in the nation’s infrastructure.
True greatness lies in a commitment to policies that uplift the working class and create a society where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. This vision cannot be achieved by rubbing elbows with elites or catering to the dictates of Wall Street; it must be rooted in a dedication to the everyday needs of the American people.
Ultimately, making America great requires more than slogans. It requires a commitment to substantive policies that ensure long-term economic security and opportunity for all. The appeal to greatness must be grounded in reality, addressing not only the moral ideals of the past but also the pressing social and economic needs of the present. Only then can America realize a greatness that benefits all of its citizens, not just a privileged few.