One point I think you missed was that U.S. Manufactories use to produce very useful things - from shoes to bicycles, clothing to furniture, and so on. Also, the wages paid in those factories spread throughout the communities and enable small businesses to grow. When my Employer moved out of town, the area lost over 10 and one half million dollars which families spent in restaurants purchases for their homes, recreation, education, new cars and trucks...The Employer also supported suppliers and their Employees and their families by purchasing their products, not to mention the drivers who brought things in and took, finished product out, and on and on and on...