Here is another example (the leather goods industry) of the absolute collapse of domestic manufacturing causing the elimination of high paying, mostly unionized jobs. The interesting part here is an article with little politics and a good amount of plain facts.

Leo Gerard, Steelworkers' President, picks up on the "make it in America" campaign and talks of Rosie the Riveter "We can do it" attitude, and cites an April study showing 58% of Americans believe the country is not the world's leading manufacturer, but 95% of those polled believe we could regain the top spot.

AFL-CIO blog correctly characterizes the Avondale layoffs, which are underway, as a huge economic disaster for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. As our marshes erode so do manufacturing jobs. While it may be hyperbole to compare the effects of the Avondale closure to the BP oil spill, long term it may not be.