Recent postings illustrate that leap seconds don't matter to most people. It has also been pointed out that those for or against the leap second are "a countable few." However, if it doesn't matter to most, then it shouldn't matter if leap seconds (by some definition) remain. There are almost always procedural work-arounds such as resynching periodically.
I have learned in my ISO work that we develop standards for those to whom the issue matters -- not for those who are unaffected or have no stake. In our AIAA paper we enumerate the criteria for a standard. Working groups are appointed to develop specific standards. Each member must be a recognized expert. Each must have a material stake in the outcome. Membership must be balanced among industry, academia/research, and government at least to the extent that no single group can dominate. Finally, a minimum number of positive votes is required even if there are few votes. Three positive and two abstentions among five involved member bodies is not sufficient. Five positive votes are required minimum. Five out of eight works, four out of seven doesn't. Our paper demonstrates that the ITU-R process fulfills virtually none of the internationally accepted criteria for a standard. If it is a fact that the preponderance of humanity doesn't care one way or the other, standards are desireable for the "countable few" who do care, who must exchange precise and accurate data, and on whom the preponderance of humanity relies without realizing it. IMO when the misphasing of civil time and solar time becomes really noticeable is not the issue. The issue is precise synchronization that is as effective as we can make it (not perfect) and as enduring as necessary within the evolution of technology as we see it. IMO, the current scheme does not meet those criteria. Proposals to deprecate the leap second have no substance for judging effectiveness or suitability. Dave Finkleman _______________________________________________ LEAPSECS mailing list [email protected] http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/leapsecs
