John Ratzenberger, known for his roles in "Cheers" and the "Toy Story" franchise, believes former President Donald Trump's support among working-class Americans arises from his recognition of the significance of manufacturing and skilled labor jobs. Ratzenberger argues that Trump's experience as a builder gives him a deep understanding of the need for these professions.
"Cheers" star John Ratzenberger has expressed his support for former President Donald Trump, citing Trump's understanding of the importance of skilled labor jobs in America. Ratzenberger, who has a background in carpentry, believes Trump's experience as a builder has given him a unique perspective on the challenges facing the manufacturing industry.
Ratzenberger emphasized Trump's appreciation for American skilled laborers, a group he refers to as "essential workers." He stated that Trump's ability to recognize the value of these professions distinguishes him from other politicians.
"He knows how to build things," Ratzenberger declared. "He was in charge of hiring glaziers, brick workers, carpenters, and electricians. He understands that we're running out of these people, and it's jeopardizing our civilization."
Ratzenberger pointed out the severe shortage of skilled laborers in America, a problem that has been exacerbated by a lack of training and education in recent decades. He believes this deficiency poses a serious threat to the country's future.
"For the last 20 years, I've been giving speeches and talks to anyone who'll listen, calling for us to wake up and address this issue," he said.
The current shortage of manufacturing and skilled labor jobs in America has reached a critical point, particularly in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute (MI), the manufacturing sector will need an additional 3.8 million employees between 2024 and 2033 to replace retiring workers and fill newly created roles. However, the report predicts that as many as 1.9 million jobs could remain unfilled due to skills and applicant gaps.
Ratzenberger attributed the decline in skilled labor to a shift in American culture, where "we started looking down our nose at people who worked with their hands." He believes that as life became easier, the need for practical skills diminished, leading to a generation of "helpless people wandering around today."
To address this problem, Ratzenberger advocates for changing the perception of skilled laborers. He suggests avoiding the term "blue collar worker" and instead using "essential worker."
"They're essential," Ratzenberger emphasized. "All the upper echelon elites couldn't function without the essential workers."
Ratzenberger's support for Trump is rooted in his belief that Trump values the contributions of skilled laborers and recognizes the need for a resurgence in manufacturing and skilled labor jobs in America. He believes that Trump's experiences and understanding give him a unique perspective on the challenges facing the country's workforce.
