It could be argued that half the problem with the economy right now is mental. People (and businesses) are scared and letting their fear control their actions. That’s not to dismiss the very real recession and shaky financial system, but it seems fitting that the federal stimulus package is addressing the not-so-insignificant matter of hope here on the Iron Range.
Bob Kelleher of Minnesota Public Radio turned in a story Monday about the attitudes of Iron Range miners as several Range mines are entering and enduring long term shutdowns. As I’ve written before (and told KARE 11 in a recent interview) the Iron Range has a long tradition of surviving the busts that inevitably follow booms. At first, the mindset of Iron Rangers encountering temporary layoffs is almost cavalier (“Good, I’ve got to do my roof anyway”). But then, once the unemployment sets in for a few weeks, Rangers enter a second phase — somewhat more resigned, but ultimately survivalist in nature.
Kelleher’s story is worth a read. It shows how Rangers do have one thing going for us. Stimulus that involves building things stands to improve the price of steel and the state of the economy on the Iron Range. That’s the prevailing belief around here.
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