When I last asked my father about his feelings towards the US changing over to the metric system, his answer boiled down to four words which, I believe, are shared by the working world in all areas of the world recovering from non-SI usage: "I couldn't be bothered". What I think I am seeing is this notion coming to life in stories I read here on the USMA listerv, ranging from an overhead clearance sign ignorantly posted in feet in a metric country such as Canada, to a British man, Mr. Thoburn who is fast becoming a martyr for "daring" to "not be bothered". Then, we got the two hundred twenty seven kilogram package of cheese here in the US (Not even a shopping cart big enought to carry one of them buggers to the checkout)! Yes, I think my Dad is right. They couldn't be bothered. Those of us on this listserv see a standard of measurement as something that is enacted by law and regulation. But the people who measure things, design signage, and write packaging, see their standard of measurement as whatever is familiar to them, not by law and regulation, but by education and experience. This is why I must insist that national inspiration be the first step in the changeover to SI in the United States. We need to make our people care. By a blast of inspiration, we must first move them to change their knowledge and experience before the next step, formal education, begins. -- Paul Trusten, R.Ph. 3609 Caldera Boulevard, Apt. 122 Midland TX 79707-2872 USA (915)-694-6208 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
