To the editors of the Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA):
Some Americans joke derisively about the measurement system used by 96% of
the world's population.
I will resist commenting on the ludicrous comments about a "quarter pounder"
and a "Royale avec frommage".
The International System of Units (SI), also called the metric system, is
used in everyday living by that "foreign" 96% of the world. They seem to
find the decimal system quite simple to use. Many problems Americans suffer
with math would disappear were we to stop our use of fraction-based
measures.
Thank goodness that our Congress adopted decimal money in the 18th century.
Too bad they didn't follow President Washington's advice and go with the
then new "metric system of measures" Americans would find it equally simple
to use on a daily basis if they would just stop stubbornly resisting!
I blame adult Americans for not allowing Ms. Dougherty's son the daily use
of kilometers for distances. Then he would not mistake centimeters ( which
he would use to measure his height) with kilometers.
The rest of the world accepts much of "the American way", but SI deserves to
be accepted by Americans. We increase our costs of exports to that 96% of
the world as we must package goods for them in SI while insisting upon
packaging goods for our home consumption with antiquated measures.
For your consideration,
Norman V. Werling
1240 Hunters Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083-2545
404-292-9328
P.S. I am retired so the above is my home phone, but please leave a message
and I will return it ASAP. Yes, not_all_older Americans resist the
International System of Units.
