Morry Loc: Palm Springs, CA

I used to own some Bethlehem Steel stock . . . maybe 60+ years ago. It wasn't doing so well so I sold it. Since then they are long out of business. Now I read that a Japanese concern is negotiating to buy US Steel in this country. There are some political misgivings about this country no longer have a thriving steel industry . . . just in case we get into another world war and need the steel industry like we did during WW2. What do you think?

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Nice shot.
Has an almost dystopian feel, sorta point - counter point.

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Charley Grimes

Well done and handsome image.

Charley Grimes, Indianapolis

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

To revive the steel industry in America would be like closing the barn door after the horses ran out. The old steel industry as we operated it is antiquated. That along with the greed of both the unions and management brought down Bethlehem Steel.

It is a shame because Bethlehem Steel was a key factor in the US victory in WWII. The 16" guns were cast right here in Bethlehem. These guns were on the largest battleships and could throw a projectile 25 miles. Also by the end of the war, Bethlehem Steel was producing one ship per day, and that played a very important role in the D-day invasion.

The new wave of steel production is through what is termed mini-mills. Japan is a leader in these but England also has embraced this kind of production. To revive steel production in America, a lot needs to change beginning with the method of production and having a workforce of skilled workers who accept a fair wage for their skills. Management must also take a hit in the pocketbook and not have a CEO making 25 million a year plus another 5 million in benefits. Salaries across the board from janitor to CEO should be directly proportional to the net income of the company (no golden parachutes please).

We need this industry back in America and it is my opinion that rather than put billions into a colony on Mars, we should be investing in reviving essential industry in this country. We have given away too much for too long and it is time to start taking some things back.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

Thanks to all who viewed and commented!

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

You've clearly done your research Mike. I couldn't agree more.

rcarol

Nice image. It would also be a candidate to convert to B&W.

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

Way, cool!

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Very stout! Looks great. Used to be the heart of American industrial complex.

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

Leaning to the right a bit - makes me want to straighten it!

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

No, everything in the shot was perfectly straight -- I think I may have been leaning a bit to the left -- LOL!

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

I have a bit of astigmatism so until I put a grid on it, I couldn't really tell if it was the photo or just me. Here is a grid-corrected version.

Thanks for your observation

(Download)

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Top quality work, Mike!

Reuss Griffiths Loc: Ravenna, Ohio

Your image is a real blast (furnace). Seriously though, a very nice image. I read your comments on what it would take to revitalize the steel industry in this country. Agree with everything you said but would add, need to keep environmental regulations in reasonable check too. Otherwise, the steel industry will be in the same bed as our nuclear industry. The only role our government needs to play in this is to get out of the way.