Perhaps after all, the dissatisfaction one feels at the decline in the importance of manufacturing industry since the 1960's and 1970's can be attributed to nothing better than nostalgia. For at the time, industry was marking the progress being achieved in the acquisition of modern technical skills.
Over the years it was natural that some factories would die out and the hope was that others would arrive in time to replace them. This did happen but the rate at which new factories emerged lagged behind the rate of closures. Moreover, the prestige that was formerly enjoyed among the public at large by manufacturing industry faded. After which, all commercial activity, including in services, started being labelled as "industry".
So it makes sense for those industrial activities which are still going strong here to get full attention and support. Among these one finds the repair and maintenance of aircraft (although not unreasonably this is usually classified as a "service" activity), the production of pharmaceuticals, microelectronic components and medical apparatus. It would be a good idea to understand what kept them vibrant and learn from that where and how to sustain any competitive advantage that we might have on international markets.
***
REFLECTIONS
The quarterly Knisja 2000 by the Dominican community never ceases to be of interest, even for a non-believer. It is well presented and competently written. The latest number covering April-June 2025 has as a theme "Reflections about Christ" , dealt with by contributors who discuss the subject with the usual rigour practised in the publication.
They delve into the diverse interpretations of the figure of Jesus Christ as seen from the perspectvies of the New Testament scriptures, the writings of the Christian fathers of the first centuries post Christ and contemporary positions. Understandably, the treatment is basically theological but still interesting.
To be sure, there is an input about Christ and the Quran, which perhaps indicates that a wider approach would have been more striking. For instance, one that would have included the Jewish take on Christ, not least by the "modern" non-Orthodox commentators but experts in Rabbinical history and the traditions prevalent during Christ's lifetime.
***
FLATTERY
The NATO summit in Holland was presented as a triumph for President Trump and for the Organization as a whole. For Trump because he was given what he wanted or almost: a strong increase that is being proposed to the military budgets of NATO member countries up to some 5 per cent of their gross domestic product. And for NATO, because it maintained unity, with the US President confirming how committed he is in favour of NATO.
Probably all this is nothing but smoke. In the frenzied efforts that were made to agree on targets for an increase in military spending, the disagreements that stll persist were largely camouflaged. Meanwhile, the major issue - that of the war in the Ukraine, on which there isn't a common position - was put to the side. Above and worst of all, an air of flattery was maintained towards the US President which was intended to pacify him. The atmosphere was hardly that of a free, multinational military alliance, but - according to media reports - one of deference, incense, flattery and obedience towards a fickle emperor come to meet his satraps.