Well, yes of course we are part of an international economy. But I think what Democrats are focusing on is trying to help shift our economy away from the current model that emphasizes oil, which helps Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Nigeria, Venezuela... and instead focusing on domestic energy sources which create jobs here while helping our economy as a whole. The way government currently works ENCOURAGES dependence on foreign oil and doesn't really encourage domestic job creation in the energy sector.

I would add that those "old jobs" could become new jobs if we revitalize our rust belt by becoming the world leader in alternative energy technology. We are behind in this and we shouldn't be. We could do a great deal revitalizing Michigan and Pennsylvania by encouraging factories to reopen producing wind, solar, biofuel, tidal, etc. technology. It's a real win-win solution once you abandon the addiction to Saudi oil.