[Paul Ross]

That doesn't diminish the fact that we manufactured more than Japan and China combined in 2005.

Yes. It does. Especially when it is the things we used to be able to make for ourselves. And are still essential. And can now be cut off at the whim of enemies.

Not smart.

[Toddsterpatriot]

Yes. It does.

No. It doesn't. You said:

Now we have blithely assumed that manufacturing is of no account..

You should tell the people who made the $1.79 trillion of manufactured goods last year that it was "of no account".

Especially when it is the things we used to be able to make for ourselves. And are still essential. And can now be cut off at the whim of enemies.

Examples?