Because in the late 80s and early 90s it WASN’T like that — far from it. We’re talking about PRECISION/PROTOTYPE machinists — the ones who make parts for aerospace, medical, etc.. Previously it was one of the most secure, best paying, safest trades to train in compared to construction, plumbing, electricians, etc... (i.e. back in 1996 he was making close to $60,000/yr.)
So, before you start maligning my husband’s career choice you should educate yourself. Without men like him and their excellent skills they’d still be using hammers and chisels on your teeth, and there would be no airplanes, or airbags, or tanks, or guns, computers, automobiles or ANYTHING that needs to mass produced — heck you wouldn’t even have paperclips! Just wait... in 20 years when planes are falling out of the sky due to uneducated workers in some far off country making the parts for $2.00/hr. you all will be wishing someone did something to not only fix this industry, but encourage MORE young people to go into the trade.