Whether it’s toothaches, cars, or countries, years of neglect and mismanagement take a toll. What is more, initial efforts at repair cause pain and are expensive in time and money. Not surprisingly, after 24 years of damage and decay America is selling itself to China. When last did you see something made in America? Does this matter? You bet it does. Let me explain why.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices