From: Jim Elwell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: U.S. Metric Association <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: May 29, 2001 12:14 Subject: [USMA:13100] FW: Re: On a lighter note ... >I'm not sure Bill's post got to the whole list, so here it is with my reply. > >Jim Elwell > >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Jim Elwell [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] >> Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2001 10:02 AM >> To: Barbara and/or Bill Hooper >> Subject: RE: [USMA:13055] Re: On a lighter note ... >> >> >> Bill writes: >> >> > If extremism is no vice when done in defense of liberty (see Jim's quote >> > below), it is only one small step to suggest that "extremism" in the >> > promotion of any worthwhile goal (such as metrication) is no vice >> > either. So >> > what's wrong with saying "metric is the law of the land. Please >> use it or >> > face penalties." (I would stipulate that the penalties be >> > reasonable for the >> > crime.) >> >> Extremism in "promotion" is fine; I am as much an extreme >> promoter of metrication as anyone. Laws are not promotion, they >> are coercion. To coerce someone to use the units you happen to >> like is the opposite of defending liberty. >> >> The "Please use it" makes me laugh. "Oh, Metric Czar, please >> don't throw me in jail because I put the word "pounds" on that >> box, because my customers prefer it." >> >> You can either defend liberty, or promote coercion, but not both. >> >> Jim Elwell And, moderation in all things! Duncan
