You have a non-sequitur here, Eddie. Metrication of the U.S. is a goal. A government mandate (via legislation or otherwise) is one means of obtaining that goal. It does not follow that this is the only means by which to obtain that goal. Personally, I'm in favor of government mandated metrication because I think the transition would be quicker and, hopefully, better organized. This would, I believe, benefit and help protect smaller businesses who are liable to suffer more from a protracted process. However, I recognize that Jim Elwell has well thought out reasons for his opinions and I respect that. Since his goal is the same as mine and since voluntary metrication and directed metrication are not in conflict, there is plenty of room on this list for both of us. I especially admire Jim for the excellent job he has done in metricating his company, teaching many people to become metrically proficient (to the point that many of them became Certified Metrication Specialists), and for his generosity in donating metric rulers to classrooms and teachers, myself included. Jim has put his money where his mouth is and has posted some excellent comments here as well. Alarm bells go off in my head when I hear people demand 100 % agreement with their views and they refuse to tolerate divergence of opinion--especially when that results in their rude treatment of those holding different views. Jim Elwell has my respect for remaining a gentleman while being castigated so vilely on this list. Likewise, Bill Potts, who had the courage to speak up in support of Jim's right to express his views here and who received nothing but guff in return. Bill, too, has contributed much to the cause with his SI Navigator web site and his excellent postings here. Let's try to be more ecumnical and tolerant on this list. That is what we Americans would like to think we stand for. Jim Frysinger eddie lechat wrote: > > Jim, I don't want this to be some personal fight, but, > seriously, I do not think it is consistent to claim to > be for metric and to also claim not to be in favor of > using the government to force metric. .... -- Metric Methods(SM) "Don't be late to metricate!" James R. Frysinger, CAMS http://www.metricmethods.com/ 10 Captiva Row e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Charleston, SC 29407 phone/FAX: 843.225.6789
