Originally Posted by Doctor Morbius
...The U.S. used to be the number 1 bicycle manufacturer in the world (among other things). Now it seems we can't...
It isn't just bicycle manufacturing we're losing. Basic chemicals are now moving overseas where the raw materials are cheaper. The U.S.A. seems to be following the lead of England at the end of their imperial age. The damage done here is that there are many Americans who have worked their entire lives in manufacturing jobs that no longer exist. If these folks haven't prepared themselves to do other work, they're now "retired," whether they want to be (or can afford to be) or not.
The biggest growth industry in this country for the next decade or three is "inexpensive geriatric care."