An America without manufacturing

Check this passionate appeal to save the automobile companies in the United States..
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081115/AUTO03/811150338/1149
Part 1
Manufacturing has this unique ability of generating jobs for a lot of people directly and indirectly. An automobile factory needs vendors, who would themselves need vendors and so on. Since this is a sector on which so many people depend, and that has such a wonderful legacy of promoting the weaker sections (African Americans), should it be allowed to shut down? If we say no, are we not going against the basic principles of capitalism? Is the purpose of a firm job creation or is it profit?
If I take another view, is the motive of a firm its own profit or the benefit of the nation in which it conducts business? Would it be okay for an American company with invenstments from India to take a step that is in American interests but may not be slightly detrimental to the company?
Part 2
America has a rich history of innovations. They have a strong knowledge economy. Can the nation survive on the basis of this knowledge economy without owning their own source of manufacturing?
Part 3
America is supporting financial institutions. If these companies can be supported why not the Big 3?

I do not have answers. maybe at some point someone reading this might come up with something. I might add something myself later.