I believe that the UK got as far as it did for reasons that don't apply to the
US.
1.) They are close to Europe and do a lot of business with Europe and needed to
be on the same page. It would not be feasible for the UK to have a different
measurement system then their trading partners nor for the population not to be
able to function on the job that produces the goods that will be exported.
2.) The British Commonwealth is practically fully metric and that too would
have an effect on what measurements the UK uses.
3.) The UK is small in comparison to its trading partners compared to the US.
4.) The US is mostly isolated from the rest of the world.
5.) US trade is virtually one way. The US imports produced goods, but does not
export. As long as the US can survive being the "ultimate consumer" and can
continue to run high trade deficits then there is no reason for the US to
metricate.
But, this system is highly strained. In the news recently, China has openly
defied the US by questioning the role of the dollar in international trade and
calling for a basket of currencies for the world to use instead of the dollar.
Sooner then Washington and Wall Street realize, China will get its wish.
The outcome will mean the US can no longer operate as the ultimate consumer and
will be forced to run a more balanced economy. To do so, it will have to
produce in order to trade for what others produce and in order for its goods to
be accepted, it will have to show a willingness to cooperate and adopt the
metric system.
It will be a very simple choice. Either adopt the metric system or be shut
out. What choice will America make?
Jerry
________________________________
From: "br...@bjwhite.net" <br...@bjwhite.net>
To: jeremiahmacgre...@rocketmail.com
Cc: U.S. Metric Association <usma@colostate.edu>
Sent: Friday, March 27, 2009 11:24:17 PM
Subject: RE: [USMA:44135] RE: Stephen and other off-topic contributors
All that being said, I'd be THRILLED if we in the US were as far along as the
UK regarding metrication.
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [USMA:44135] RE: Stephen and other off-topic contributors
From: Jeremiah MacGregor <jeremiahmacgre...@rocketmail.com>
Date: Fri, March 27, 2009 8:20 pm
To: "U.S. Metric Association" <usma@colostate.edu>
Martin,
Even though you are not American, there should be no reason you shouldn't
contribute. We can learn a lot from you. We can learn from the British
experience as to what does not work and to the Australian experience as to what
works. I'm sure you have been a valuable asset in providing ideas for
metrication in the US.
However, there are those from the outside that do not belong. This forum does
not need to hear the tired opinions of those who will use this forum against
those who believe in metrication. Those opposed will come here appearing as
angels of light but are in reality demons of darkness.
This is a forum that promotes metrication and I'm sure you agree that to give
voice to those that do is counter productive and in no way promotes
metrication. I hope though that when you say you won't hold back, that you
mean it enough to strike hard at those who will use this forum to spread their
anti-metricisms even in a subtle form.
Jerry
