[Jim from C-Town]

Yes, but Detroit had the largest industry in the country for seventy five years. The auto industry. They basically left, as can commodities and rail lines. As more and more people become displaced, or even stagnant in place due to economic malaise, the rail lines and commodities exchanges will find a better home. They can leave just as easily as automobile production.

Look at the unfunded liabilities of all government levels in this country and to conclude that a terrible fall is all but inevitable.

[RayChuang88]

Here's the thing though: because the Chicago area is a major interchange point for six different major railroads (BNSF, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, CSX, Canadian National and Canaadian Pacific), there will always be major economic activity in the Chicago area. And Chicago's economic base is far more diverse than Detroit ever was.