In 1974, I was discovering metrication, but also struggling along with
the rest of the nation to cope with the gasoline panic. I thought the
American people were learning a hard, new lesson about energy back then,
but we forgot it as soon as the price of fuel became high enough to
replenish the supply. I don't think we'll see a round of lowered speed
limits unless a new oil shortage arises.
With regard to using a speed limit change to promote sign metrication,
no, we are not going metric piecemeal. That is precisely how it will not
happen. It will be a tide, not a squall. After visiting Australia, and
after some discussions I have had with fellow USMA officers, I am
convinced now, more than ever, that U.S. metrication can occur only in a
climate of vigorous support at the highest levels of our society's broad
influences: demanded by industry, led by the President, enacted by a
determined Congress, and then waved forward by an enthusiastic Fourth
Estate. Measurement means all of us.
But this doesn't mean we should feel helpless and just give up. I'm sure
not giving up, and I shall continue to strongly urge industry and
government to change over to SI, and work for changes that will promote
the metric system nationally. Think in terms of a tide.
Paul
Stephen Gallagher wrote:
On 1-Jun-07, at 00:58 , Jason Darfus wrote:
I'm starting to hear in the media talk of reducing the nationwide
speed limit to 55 (or 60) mph again.
Heads up -- wouldn't that be a perfect time to switch to metric
speed limit signs?
And they could use the revenue from the increased number speeding
tickets
to help pay for the sign switch.
--
Paul Trusten, R.Ph.
Public Relations Director
U.S. Metric Association, Inc.
www.metric.org
3609 Caldera Blvd., Apt. 122
Midland TX 79707-2872 USA
+1(432)528-7724
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
