brownfield_modernization unhinged 'out of the meetings, the kitchen-table arguments, the leaflet writing, and the law suits, workers in youngstown spelled out an argument for modernizing industry in existing communities ('brownfield' modernization). the argument makes the following points: 1. even from the standpoint of the single firm, greenfield modernization (picking up and relocating to a brand new location for manufacturing) is more expensive than brownfield modernization. 2. when costs to the community as well as costs to the firm are considered, the case for brownfield modernization becomes overwhelming. 3. in the last analysis, the question of brownfield versus greenfield modernization is a question of what kind of society we want. there is no economic necessity for the reindustrialization of america in new towns rather than in old ones. the strongest motivation for industrial flight ( industrial_abandonment ) from the cities in which plants presently exist appears to be anti-unionism. management grows tired of labor troubles, and imagines that new hires in a community which lacks a history of struggle will solve its problems. a second motive for industrial flight appears to be simply the american habit of scrapping last year's car, last year's community, and last year's spouse, and moving on. the concern for family and community so much talked about nowadays should express itself in a program for modernizing industry in existing sites because it is better for human beings.' - staughton lynd 180930 what's it to you? who go blather from