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Opening America's ears to the words being used to describe an essential industry.

Article Excerpt
The United States steel industry is in a tailspin. Capacity utilization is below 50 percent and production this year is on pace to decline to only 52.2 million short tons, down from 91.5 million tons in 2008. Prices are tanking. For hot-rolled steel in coil, the average cost per ton is $392, a decline of 63 percent from a year ago. Cold-rolled sheet is down to $477 per ton, a decline of 59 percent from the peak last year of $1,153.

At a hearing held in June by the Congressional Steel Caucus, here are the words that were used to describe the state of the U.S. steel industry:

* Scary time;

* Defining moment;

* Grim, grim sight;

* Devastation;

* Layoffs;

* Dire situation;

* Fright;

* Travesty;

* Crisis;

* People in the street; and

* Lowest point in the history of the nation.

The industry is in a world of hurt, according to the 15 people who testified before the House...

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