Manufacturing jobs have been on a down-slope (world-wide) for decades. But, as Dick Armey once said, “Demagoguery beats data in making public policy.”
You are right. People like you no longer buy manufactured products; just services. I told my 24 non union hard working manufacturing employees (who lost their jobs to China) they should go to work in the elitist food and service industries. After all, on one makes anything anymore: At least not in the US. HOW do I know? I read comments in FR.
Don't tell me about modernization and competing either.