A few years back, I worked at an engineering laboratory. Having
worked in chemistry laboratories previously, I was used to working
exclusively in metric.
At the engineering lab, I was assisting engineers on a project by
collecting data in the field. The principal engineer on the job was
quite upset with me when he discovered I had measured and recorded my
observations in metric measurements.
When I asked him why, I was surprised at his answer. He actually
likes working in metric, but this case was one that was in
litigation, so all notes and observations were considered
"discoverable". He did not want to have to explain metric
measurements to a jury. He claimed "housewives don't understand metric".
This struck me as rather out-of-touch thinking since:
1. We have been teaching metric in schools since for more than 30 years.
and
2. There are very few "housewives" anymore - the stay-at-home mom is
a very rare thing these days.
On 2008-03 -15, at 03:39 , ernie edwards wrote:
As I mentioned before in a previous email (Mar. 11th), I am an
architect who lived overseas in the 80's, where of course, metrics
was the norm.
To me, every single day that metrics is not the US standard is
another day we lose competitiveness and we are doing a disservice
to the young people who continue to learn as their first
language... english measure...
Right now, English is the world language, the US dollar (for a
little while longer) is the world's currency and SI is the world's
measurement tool.....
To me, to get metrics totally accepted you have to get industry and
political buy in. Who knows if any of the current Presidential
candidates have had much exposure or interest in furthering the
conversion? (maybe Obama because of where he has lived outside the
country) I'm not trying to promote one candidate over another, just
trying to point out that, ....why isn't the US complete conversion
to metrics one of the discussion issues for the current election
cycle, especially the economic benefits of conversion....
So, what I am trying to do...
1. Trying to resurrect the American Institute of Architects (AIA)
support of SI
2. Trying to build bridges (excuse the pun) with related "building"
professional groups .... NSPE and AGC
3. Trying to get my federally elected officials to be aware of the
benefits of total conversion (I live in MA)
So, what I am suggesting and hoping....
1. Suggesting we set as a goal of 10 years to complete conversion
to SI
2. Hoping any "building" professional and / or MA residents would
be interested in helping me on items 1-3 above.
3. Hoping this email generates discussion
Ernie Edwards, AIA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
