Go to any Rust Belt city and you’ll be proven dead wrong.
Cities built upon manufacturing economies are dead. And you say that’s a good thing?
The manufacturing base is dead. Doesn't mean the city is dead. Cleveland is a rust belt city, no? Headquartered in Cleveland is one of the largest law firms in the world (Jones Day), one of the largest banks in the country (Key Bank) and one of the best hospitals in the country (Cleveland Clinic).
While Cleveland certainly has its share of problems, the city is by no means dead. Just because a transition is difficult doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile.