As well-intentioned as Bush Sr.'s Executive Order was, I actually don't
think that strengthening it would have the desired effect. The ill-fated
example of the DOT's attempt to enforce metric construction specs is the
prime example (though that same department is principally responsible for
the failure of US metrication because it declined to change road signs when
it could have done so without further authorization).
What matters is public use of metric (road signs, temps, packaging). We
really should be focused on little else. Engineering specs, energy stats,
etc., are vanishingly important by comparison, because so few people see
them. Thus any new executive order that would have lasting impact must
address public use, most notably road signs, rather than repeat the mistake
of thinking that government use of metric could tip the scales for private
industry and the public. It can't.
--------------------------------------------------
From: <mech...@illinois.edu>
Sent: 03/14/2009 8:36 AM
To: "U.S. Metric Association" <usma@colostate.edu>
Subject: [USMA:43819] New EO and FPLA
John,
More recently than the Act of 1866 legalizing metric units is PL 100-418
(designating SI as preferred for US trade and commerce...), also an Act of
Congress.
I believe that President Obama will eventually express support, rather
than efforts to repeal, these Acts.
Let's draft a new Executive Order (and submit it for consideration by the
White House); an order which reduces easy evasion by Departments and
Agencies of the Executive Branch.
I'm also thinking of a new draft of the FPLA rather than a mere Amendment
since NIST must resubmit its draft anyway.
Perhaps we can debate various drafts in this USMA forum?
Gene.
---- Original message ----
Date: Sat, 14 Mar 2009 07:36:44 -0700 (PDT)
From: "John M. Steele" <jmsteele9...@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: [USMA:43814] Re: Metric personal data was Re: 24 hour time
To: "U.S. Metric Association" <usma@colostate.edu>
At best, it is ignoring an Executive Order, binding on Federal agencies.
Reality is that their boss (the Prez) doesn't enforce it, nor have recent
past Presidents and it has been widely ignored by Federal agencies.
The few that tried to honor it (DoT) were handed setbacks by Congress.
The EO is still out there, but it might be wise to have all political
ducks in a row before arguing it. It could be struck down at the stroke
of a pen. I don't think we have any idea where Obama stands on
metrication.
Perhaps an argument could be made around the Metric Act of 1866. However,
I am not aware of much case law surrounding it. If it hasn't been used
much in 140+ years, that argument might be a very hard sell.
