Metrication Poll Directly @ Change.Gov
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This is real .GOV site "Change.gov - The Official Web Site of the The U.S. Presidential Transition" - maybe most important survey for METRIC SYSTEM
Its time the US embraces the metric system. This not only puts the country on the same measurement system as the rest of world, the task to convert would spur new jobs and align education materials. I think taking on this well over due conversion also sends a signal to the rest of the world that America has the humility to accept a global norm, demonstrate it can change (for the better) and is committed to better integrate with the rest of the world. Vote now at the Obama's citizens briefing book site : |
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Comments
Metrication in the United States of America
I am a strong proponent of metrication, and very much want to see my country embrace SI (metric) units in every facet of our society. At the same time, I object to your statements that the United States somehow doesn't demonstrate "humility" because it hasn't fully converted to metric units of measure.
Certainly, the United States is paying a high price (literally) in monetary and academic terms because of its refusal to convert, but that is in no way a reflection of some perceived high-mindedness or stubbornness. The commplace use of metric by a majority of Americans has been been stalled largely due to cultural influences that have been in place for over 230 years, and THAT cannot be lightly dismissed.
Generations have been taught to think in feet, inches, pounds, etc. (in the home) long before entering primary, secondary, and collegiate institutions of learning, and industry only reinforces the use of those (U.S. Customary/Imperial) units. In short, because the United States of America was an English-speaking colony of the British Empire, those influences are very hard to overcome.
Additionally, the United States pioneered countless innovations and accomplished astounding technological achievements WITHOUT the use of metric units - not the least of which was our civil engineering (hydroelectric dams, transcontinental railroads, interstate highway system, bridges, etc.), as well as our space and nuclear engineering programs. We went to the moon using feet, inches, miles, pounds, etc.
Again, I agree with you that SI should become THE de facto standard of measure in every facet of American life. Metric certainly is a much easier system of units to learn and use, but to say that the United States could "demonstrate it can change (for the better)" is simply wrong. The United States has demostrated change "for the better" long before this incoming administration came to Washington, and it will continue to do so long after they've left.
For what it's worth, I'll go to the link you provide, and cast my vote FOR metrication. Likewise, I'll pass your webpage link on to others and encourage them to do the same.
Probably the biggest influence to changing perceptions and getting the general public to use metric in daily life is the proposed amendment to the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) allowing voluntary all-metric labeling of products here in the U.S. THAT would be a game changer!