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Last week’s suggested Hot Topic was: Is American protectionism the cause of the U. S. Steel layoffs? The answers:

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I really believe the recent decline in the steel industry is more than just protectionism in the States. The steel companies in North America have been downsizing for a while now, just look at Pittsburgh and Birmingham Alabama, two cities that have been quiet in that area for a long time. This recession although not unprecedented is having a major affect due to the auto industry slowdown. When not building cars they do not need the steel and the trickle down action is felt all over. Add to that the cheap steel coming out of China and things get even worse. Things will improve over time, but it might take quite a while.

Carl the Boomer

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Of course it's protectionism that is in play with U. S. Steel. Never before has the plant been idled and now, after the U. S. president talks about U. S. jobs, they shut us down. Just put two and two together.

Steeltown Sam

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Next week’s suggested topic: Is your favourite merchant being pushed out of Mountain Plaza Mall?