Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) recently discussed his Labor Day report on working (and non-working) men on The Aaron Renn Show. During the interview, Senator Rubio emphasized the importance of protecting American jobs and interests. He expressed concern that over the past three decades, economic decisions were made solely based on efficiency, disregarding the national interest and the impact on American workers.

Senator Rubio stated, "We made a series of economic decisions over the last 30 years grounded in the belief that when it came to the economy and national life, nationhood no longer mattered, that it didn’t matter where the jobs were located or even what industries we had, that efficiency was all that mattered."

While Senator Rubio acknowledged the importance of free enterprise, he highlighted the need to prioritize the national interest. He argued that although it may be more efficient to manufacture certain products overseas, it is not in the best interest of the United States to eliminate entire industries and the jobs that support the American middle class.

He further explained, "We’ve created an economy where it is virtually impossible [for someone without a degree to succeed] and increasingly impossible for someone who doesn’t [have] the right degree in the right field, living in the right city somewhere in coastal America or some research hub, to earn a living, to have some of the things that were accessible to working Americans just a generation or less ago."

Senator Rubio expressed concern about the consequences of this economic shift, including decreased marriage rates, opiate addiction, the decline of Rust Belt communities, and fewer children being born. He emphasized the importance of creating stable jobs for individuals without advanced degrees and the need to consider these factors when making economic decisions.

Regarding the low level of male labor force participation, Senator Rubio acknowledged the role of public policy but also stressed the significance of cultural and societal factors. He stated, "Government should be supportive of [strong families and communities], but it certainly can’t replace them. In many cases, when government tries to get involved in family and community, it makes it worse."

Senator Rubio also highlighted the importance of mutual economic obligations in society. He argued that individuals have an obligation to work, but there should also be an economy that provides enticing job opportunities. He criticized the current focus on GDP growth without considering the quality of jobs created and their impact on middle-class opportunities.

In addition, Senator Rubio discussed the decline in recruitment numbers for "protector" jobs such as police officers, military personnel, and border patrol agents. He attributed this decline to the demanding nature of these jobs, the demonization of law enforcement, and the treatment of veterans. He emphasized the need to adequately resource and value these critical roles.

Throughout the interview, Senator Rubio underscored the necessity of prioritizing American jobs and interests, considering both economic and societal factors when making decisions. He called for a market economy that serves the national interest and the common good, rather than sacrificing them for pure economic growth.

To learn more about Senator Rubio's Labor Day report, you can visit here.

To listen to the full interview with Senator Rubio, click here.

To find out more about the Aaron Renn Show, visit their website here.