Re: silca and Tariffs

On Mon, 5 May 2025 18:03:45 -0400, Frank Krygowski
<frkrygow@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
 

On 5/4/2025 9:00 PM, AMuzi wrote:

>
There's no logical reason we can't make steel either.  The country is
blessed with ample iron ore and coking coal. And we built a highly
efficient intermodal system of barges, rail and truck transportation. We
have ample labor and capital available.

>
About transportation: One of the major factors in the demise of the huge
steel industry in Youngstown was the transportation problem. For
decades, there was serious talk about digging a canal north from
Youngstown to Lake Erie, to cut transport expenses. That never happened,
and doubtlessly contributed to the failure of the local industry.
>

Except for the unions, EPA and
a host of other agencies and regulations, you'd expect us to be a major
steel exporter.

>
Union blaming is common - as in "West Virginia would be selling lots
more coal if only those workers didn't organize and complain about black
lung disease!" But there are many, many other factors beyond labor costs
that affected those U.S. industries; and I don't see why laborers should
not have a right to make demands.
>
If their salaries were too high, please keep in mind that management did
agree to pay them. There's something about supply and demand at work there.

 Not salaries, wages, and yes the management went along with the
demands, partly because of laws that forced people to join the union
if they wanted the job and also the governments' refusal to protect
those who wanted to pass through picket lines and work. It was
government, management, and the unions.
--
C'est bon
Soloman