WASHINGTON'S CORNER

---

 A Shifting Definition of Success

In today’s globalized, technology-driven economy, the traditional definition of success—often tied to four-year college degrees and linear career paths—requires reexamination. As the United States continues its transition from a manufacturing-based economy to one centered on services and outsourced production, new pathways to economic mobility are emerging.

Alternative educational routes—including two-year technical degrees, skilled trade certifications, and workforce training—are gaining traction. These programs offer cost-effective, targeted education aligned with labor market demands, equipping individuals with adaptable skills and competitive starting salaries. Increasingly, success is measured not by institutional prestige, but by one’s ability to learn continuously, adapt quickly, and contribute meaningfully in a dynamic job market.

Economic Disruption and Electoral Realignment

The long-term decline of manufacturing employment has had significant political and social consequences. Between 2000 and 2019, the share of U.S. employment in manufacturing dropped from approximately 14.2% to around 9.2%, with much of the decline linked to global trade dynamics—particularly the so-called “China trade shock,” which accelerated factory closures and job losses in trade-exposed regions.

These disruptions fueled frustration and alienation, especially in communities heavily dependent on manufacturing. Many of these areas have shifted politically in response, increasingly supporting populist and nationalist candidates. This shift was most notably reflected in the 2016 election of Donald J. Trump, whose platform appealed to voters disillusioned by decades of economic fluctuation. Similar political realignments have occurred across Europe, where economic vulnerability has bolstered support for isolationist or far-right parties.

While employment has recovered in some of these regions primarily through the growth of lower-wage service sector jobs held by younger, more diverse workers, many displaced manufacturing workers continue to face stagnant wages and limited career mobility.

Policy Responses and Partisan Rhetoric

The Trump Administration has embraced protectionist policies and rhetoric, blaming globalization for domestic decline and promoting policies like tariffs to restore manufacturing jobs. However, research indicates these policies did not significantly reverse manufacturing job losses. A 2019 survey from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs found that 58% of Republican voters supported higher tariffs even in the face of rising consumer prices. More recent polling suggests that support among Republican voters has declined, with approximately 46% now backing protectionist measures.

This economic realignment also affects civic participation. Declining union membership and job instability have weakened traditional avenues for political engagement especially among non-college-educated workers hereby diminishing broader democratic participation and voice.

Educational Trends and Political Polarization

Education has emerged as a powerful dividing line in American politics. College-educated voters are increasingly aligned with the Democratic Party. They are drawn by the party’s progressive positions on social issues such as diversity, equity, inclusion, environmental policy, and cultural issues. Conversely, voters without college degrees have increasingly shifted towards the Republican Party, influenced by economic dissatisfaction, immigration and cultural conservatism. This educational polarization often referred to as the “diploma divide” now shapes everything from policy debates to media consumption.

Furthermore, education itself has become a political battleground. In democratic societies, public education often fosters inclusivity and critical thinking. In more authoritarian settings, schools can be used to promote nationalism and suppress dissent. In the U.S., ongoing political battles over curriculum content, school choice, and funding priorities reflect deep ideological divides.

Success in today’s economy can no longer be defined solely by degrees or traditional career paths. Instead, it depends on an individual’s adaptability, resilience, and relevance in a constantly evolving labor market. This redefinition of success has wide-ranging implications, not only for personal development, but also for national politics, educational policy and social cohesion.

As our economy and societal values continue to evolve, it is imperative that policymakers within the Democratic Party craft forward-looking strategies that bridge the divide between traditional and emerging definitions of success. To regain the trust and support of the working class, the party must prioritize investments in skills development and job creation that uphold the dignity of every worker. Building a future that is truly inclusive requires fostering educational equity, promoting lifelong learning opportunities, and strengthening civic engagement across all sectors of the workforce, regardless of educational background. By embracing this comprehensive approach, the Democratic Party can restore confidence, unite diverse communities, and lead the nation toward a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

- Dr. Gary Washington 

Works Cited

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Exploring Midwest Manufacturing Employment from 1990 to 2019. U.S. Department of Labor, 2021, www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2021/article/exploring-midwest-manufacturing-employment-from-1990-to-2019.htm.

Chicago Council on Global Affairs. American Public Opinion on Tariffs and Trade. 2019, www.globalaffairs.org.

Economic Policy Institute. Botched Policy Responses to Globalization. 2021, www.epi.org/publication/botched-policy-responses-to-globalization.

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Old Jobs, New Jobs: The Labor Landscape Two Decades After China Trade Expansion. 2025, www.minneapolisfed.org.

Pew Research Center. Educational Polarization and Voting Patterns. 2023, www.pewresearch.org.

Politico. Trump’s Voters Cool on Tariffs in Latest Polling. 2025, www.politico.com.

The "No Kings " protest movement highlights significant polarization across the U.S. concerning the current White House Administration's aggressive policies on various issues, including immigration, economic stability, and foreign policy, drawing parallels to the historical fight for colonial independence.

The "No Kings" Movement: A Reflection of National Discontent

       The recent "No Kings" protest movement, organized by groups such as the 50501 Movement and Indivisible, saw millions of Americans participate in demonstrations across all 50 states on June 14, 2025. This nationwide mobilization, described by organizers as potentially the largest single-day protest since the current administration took office, reflects deep-seated public discontent with the White House's policies and what many perceive as authoritarian actions. The protests intentionally coincided with a military parade in Washington D.C., celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and President Trump's 79th birthday, with organizers aiming to divert attention from the parade and reject "authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy". While the demonstrations were largely peaceful, with organizers emphasizing a commitment to nonviolent action, some cities experienced violent altercations between protestors and law enforcement. 

Divisive Policies of the White House Administration

      The public's frustration with the White House Administration stems from its aggressive stance on several key policy areas:

Immigration

       The White House has enacted an unprecedented crackdown on illegal immigration, aiming to prioritize the safety, security, and economic well-being of Americans. This includes revoking previous executive orders on immigration, enhancing enforcement and detention capabilities, and increasing the number of immigration agents. The administration has also established Homeland Security Task Forces nationwide to combat criminal cartels and human smuggling. Additionally, new policies encourage undocumented aliens to voluntarily depart the U.S. through "Project Homecoming, " whichHomecoming, offers financial incentives and government-funded flights for voluntary departure, alongside threats of strict enforcement measures for those who remain. The administration views the influx of illegal aliens as an "invasion" that poses threats to national security, public safety, and strains public services, estimating the fiscal burden of illegal aliens at over $150 billion in fiscal year 2023. These actions have prompted protests, including those against federal immigration enforcement raids that led to the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines in Los Angeles.

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

       The administration views the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as crucial to its goal of reshaping the federal bureaucracy. Established to ensure accountability and transparency in federal spending, DOGE aims to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. Elon Musk, who had been a prominent advisor for DOGE, has since left the White House, though the administration asserts that DOGE's mission will continue and strengthen as a way of life within the government.

Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare

      Despite White House assurances that Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits will not be cut, some critics argue the administration is already taking steps that could dismantle these programs. The administration has signed a Presidential Memorandum to prevent illegal aliens and ineligible individuals from obtaining Social Security Act benefits. Furthermore, there have been discussions about defunding a bipartisan board that advises on Social Security policy and a directive to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid. The White House also claims that removing illegal aliens from Medicaid will protect the program.

Foreign Policy in the Middle East and Russia-Ukraine War

       The White House Administration has reimposed "maximum pressure" on the Iranian regime to curb its nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism in the Middle East. Following recent Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure, which Israel framed as self-defense, the U.S. has asserted that it was not directly involved in these "unilateral" actions, though it was informed in advance. President Trump has publicly called for a "deal" between Israel and Iran, hoping to leverage the Israeli attacks to pressure Iran into dismantling its uranium enrichment program. However, this approach risks further escalating regional tensions and could potentially draw the U.S. into a broader conflict. In the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Trump administration has emphasized the need for peace and a ceasefire, while also engaging in talks with lawmakers about sanctions against Russia.

Economic Instability and Tariffs

       The U.S. economy faces instability, with tariffs causing frustration among American working-class people due to their impact on prices. Economists predict that tariffs will lead to price increases for consumers, particularly on imported goods. A report from Yale's Budget Lab estimates that recent U.S. tariffs could raise overall food prices by 2.6% in the short term, with fresh produce possibly increasing by more than 5%. Seafood, coffee, bananas, and olive oil are among the items expected to see significant price hikes due to reliance on imports. The cost burden disproportionately affects lower-income households, who spend a larger share of their income on food. The uncertainty surrounding these tariff policies also complicates inventory management and pricing for retailers.

Echoes of the American Revolution

        The "No Kings" movement draws direct parallels to the American Revolution, particularly through its rejection of perceived authoritarian rule. Just as the colonial fight for independence was not due to a single cause but rather years of political intrigue, protest, and unrest stemming from disagreements over British governance, the current movement reflects a similar accumulation of grievances. The revolutionary cry of "No taxation without representation" against British impositions finds a modern echo in the protests against current policies perceived as detrimental to American citizens. The "No Kings" theme, orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, aims to support democracy against what they term the Trump administration's authoritarian actions, evoking the spirit of figures like Thomas Paine who rejected monarchical authority and called for self-governance. The decision to hold a flagship march in Philadelphia, near where the Declaration of Independence was signed, further emphasizes this historical connection to the fight for liberty and a just form of government.

 - Dr. Gary Washington 

 History has a way of repeating itself—not always in exact form, but in spirit, emotion, and urgency. On December 7, 1941, then-President Franklin Delano Roosevelt received a phone call that would alter the course of American and global history. Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox urgently reported that the Imperial Japanese forces had launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Roosevelt, momentarily stunned, instinctively knew that such an act—treacherous and calculated—was in line with the enemy’s deceptive posture of diplomacy while preparing for war.

The very next day, standing before Congress and a shaken nation, Roosevelt delivered what would become one of the most iconic speeches of the 20th century—the “Day of Infamy” address. His words stirred the conscience of America and galvanized unity across party lines, socio-economic divisions, and regional boundaries. America stood as one, determined to defend liberty, freedom, and democracy.

Eighty-three years later, on November 5, 2024, our nation faced a different kind of reckoning. In an election that shocked pundits, pollsters, and political strategists alike, Donald Trump secured a second term in the White House—despite a legal record marked by felony convictions and an ongoing public debate about the moral and ethical qualifications required of our nation’s highest office.

Much like the stunned reaction to his 2016 victory over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, the world once again looked to America with disbelief. How could a nation built on democratic ideals and constitutional principles elect a man who openly challenged the very institutions meant to safeguard those values?

The parallels to 1941 are not in the nature of the enemy, but in the urgency of the response. Back then, America united against a foreign threat. Today, the threat is more insidious: internal division, political apathy, and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions.

This is not just a political moment—it is a moral one.

It is time for a call to unity within the Democratic Party and among all Americans who believe in democracy, decency, and dignity. The stakes are too high for division. The lessons of history are clear: when America is united, it is resilient. When divided, it falters.

Now is the time to look forward—not in despair, but in resolve. We must organize, strategize, and unify. This is not merely about electoral victories, but about safeguarding the very soul of the nation and the planet we inhabit. Climate justice, reproductive rights, racial equality, and global stability are not partisan luxuries—they are existential imperatives.

As Roosevelt called upon Americans to stand firm against tyranny, let us now call upon one another to stand firm against complacency and cynicism. We may have lost a political battle, but the fight for the future of this nation is far from over.

Let this be our new day of resolve. A moment not defined by defeat, but by the determination to rise again—stronger, wiser, and more united than ever.

 - Dr. Gary Washington 

Find out more about Dr. Washington at https://garyfordemocracy.com/