There's a common theme among mainstream media pieces on the manufacturing economy:  it's part of our past, but not part of our future.  The latest evidence is a New York Times story by David Streitfeld on Pittsburgh's "new economy." Just once, it would be refreshing to see the truth.  Manufacturing jobs are declining, but the industry is still a major part of Pittsburgh's future (and America's future).  We won't survive with an information economy, a retail economy, or a health care economy alone.  We need a diverse economy that includes job opportunities and investments in manufacturing and these other sectors. The article was revealing for what it didn't explicitly say.  Every former steelworker interviewed by Streitfeld was making a lot less money in their new job.   Ultimately, it will take a sustained investment (and smart trade policies) to ensure that we keep good jobs in communities like Pittsburgh.  Otherwise, we'll all be taking a pay cut.