The Domino’s Sugar Refinery in Williamsburg has not produced sugar for about 6 or 7 years. It’s demise is not the result of economics. It is the result of government policy. For 20-30 years the US government has placed large tariffs on sugar imports, This helps a small set of politically influential sugar farmers in the US, but hurts everyone else. Sugar is more expensive, which makes food that uses sugar more expensive. It is also the reason why you cannot buy soda made with sugar – all the soda companies switched to corn syrup which is subsidized and cheaper. Industries died as a result of this government intervention into the economy. The north east used to have dozens of sugar refineries. Now, as far as I know, there is only one. It is the one in Yonkers where I grew up. My father worked there. Every year during labor negotiations the owners threatened to close down. It was not some nasty management negotiating ploy. It was the truth. The government killed this industry, keeping wages low and putting people out of work.
When the government picks winners and losers in the economy; when the government decides which industries to subsidize; when the government takes mony from Peter to subsidize Paul:
- it does not do so out of wisdom
- it does not do so out of charity
- it does not do so to help the weak or the deserving
- it is inherently corrupt
Anyone who says otherwise is either getting paid, making the decisions, or a fool.
There. My political/economic rant is out of my system.
I am not the sort of urbex photographer who breaks into buildings and climbs fences. This refinery will soon be demolished and I can only get the shots available from Kent Avenue in Williamsburg. This is one and I have a just few more to show over the next few weeks.
Jamie
29 Aug 2010“…When the government picks winners and losers in the economy; when the government decides which industries to subsidize; when the government takes mony from Peter to subsidize Paul:
* it does not do so out of wisdom
* it does not do so out of charity
* it does not do so to help the weak or the deserving
* it is inherently corrupt”
Succinctly said Mark. Same here as well. Nice one!
Rob Hanson
29 Aug 2010Rant away!
Let’s not forget, though, one of the greatest issues with this sugar/syrup development: High fructose corn syrup is the dark prince of sweeteners.
The current obesity epidemic in the U.S. is largely due to the prolific use of HFCS. It’s in everything. Anything in the center aisles of the grocery store — things that have a long shelf life — probably have HFCS in them.
HFCS affects the body’s appestat, the region of the brain that signals us when we’re full, so we eat more of the foods that contain HFCS. Great for the “food” companies, not good for us. Chips, soda, snacks, crackers, fruit drinks, most prepared foods… one of the top ingredients is always HFCS, and it’s killing us.
Solution: Look for and avoid foods with HFCS. Shop the outer perimeter of the grocery store, where the fresh foods are.
Now that I think of it: Are the sugar companies going out of business due to subsidies and policies that favor sugar producers, or do those policies favor the major corn producers?
I’ll see your rant and raise you one!
Rob
Timo
29 Aug 2010Hi Mark!
I am not a US citizen, so it is always interesting for me to read such background information.
A bit of rant from time to time is not a bad thing. It shows that you care about what’s happening in society and around you.
Great picture btw – I love the color intensity here.
Cheers,
Timo
Pingback: Tweets that mention Falling Domino’s No. 1 » Too Much Glass -- Topsy.com
James Howe
29 Aug 2010Nice rant and one I completely agree with. Terrific image to go with the rant as well.
Jim
Jim Denham
29 Aug 2010Great image Mark, and nice rant. When government engages in prices in any way, it is picking winners and losers rather than the consumer (us) picking them.
Colors are great and the overall tone works very well.
Michael Tuuk
30 Aug 2010Agreed! (Agree with Rob too)
Catchy image too.