Great nations are not built solely by powerful leaders. The true strength of a country comes from its citizens, from the solid foundation that supports the skyscraper of its development. Just as a monumental structure cannot stand without strong foundations, a nation cannot thrive without an educated, resilient, and prepared population. The welfare and growth of a nation depend on its people, not just its leaders.

A few days ago, I was listening to Donald Trump’s debate, where he promised the American people to bring back factories and solve the unemployment problem. While this solution might seem reasonable at first glance, the reality is much more complex. This proposal is a temporary fix that could ultimately lead to one of the largest unemployment crises in U.S. history, even worse than the Great Depression of 1929 or the 2008 recession. Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine.

Why Bringing Back Factories Isn’t the Solution

The idea of revitalizing the manufacturing industry to solve unemployment ignores a key factor: technological change. It’s not that the U.S. cannot manufacture products; it’s that we have already arrived late to the future. China, for example, has cemented its position as the factory of the world, with a high degree of automation and robots that can work tirelessly with just a steady source of electricity. Believing that human workers can compete with highly efficient machines is an arrogance that blinds those proposing these solutions.

Think of it this way: it’s like a small local business trying to compete with Amazon. It would be an almost impossible battle to win unless that small business has the ability to invest massive amounts of money in technology and advertising to become more efficient. In the case of U.S. factories, the problem is even more serious because we are already behind in development. The global labor landscape has changed drastically, and continuing to bet on industries that have already been dominated by advanced technologies is a losing game from the start.

What’s the Real Solution?

To address the issue of mass unemployment, we need to shift our focus. Instead of trying to compete directly with China in manufacturing, we should focus on what we can do best: innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. The U.S. has historically been a leader in these fields, and this is where we should redirect our efforts.

The Biden administration has allocated massive amounts of money and resources to support Ukraine and Israel in their conflicts. This is not necessarily negative, as it’s understandable that international interests and global hegemony are being protected. However, the problem arises when that same level of support is not provided to U.S. citizens. The government should allocate a similar amount of resources to empower its own people, helping Americans prepare for the future.

Investment in Education and Entrepreneurship

One of the biggest problems facing American citizens today is the lack of educational and job opportunities. The educational level in the country has been described as depressing, and this is reflected in the inability of many workers to adapt to a rapidly evolving job market. The government should invest in educational programs that are accessible and open to all, without discrimination. You never know who might be the next “million-dollar entrepreneur.”

In addition, there should be financial support programs aimed at those with innovative ideas who want to start new businesses. This does not mean handing out money indiscriminately, but carefully analyzing each idea, weighing the pros and cons, before providing an initial budget that allows the entrepreneur to get started.

Encouraging the creation of new businesses and supporting those who seek to innovate is a far more effective way to address unemployment than trying to bring back factory jobs that have already been replaced by automation. Development is driven by new ideas and competition, something many outdated conservatives seem to ignore. These leaders, clinging to old ideas and refusing to listen to fresh proposals, are holding back the country’s progress.

The Future of Strong Nations

A strong nation is not only measured by its military power or political leadership but by the strength of its people. If we want to forge a prosperous future for the United States, we must focus on the people, their education, their capacity to innovate, and their entrepreneurial potential. Bringing back factories may sound like a quick fix, but it is a temporary patch that would doom us to a much greater crisis. Instead, we must invest in new ideas, education, and creating opportunities for all.

This is how great nations are truly forged. A nation where its people are the real engine of change and progress, not a political elite trying to impose outdated solutions on new problems.

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