Well Jim, on the NRA subject our roads split. I don't own a gun because.....no, that's the wrong subject for this forum.
In terms of metrication and who we are. Yes, I agree with the statement: "If people do not believe metric is good, then they do not consider us "educated people who wish the best for this country." However, we still think of ourselves that *we are the good* and not in an arogant way. And, we still need to convince the ones that don't believe in metric to believe in it. How we do this depends on our stature, character and education. I still see no secret about how we go about this and I don't think that money or any unorthodox means would change the odds with our politicians. On the contrary. *Metric is NOT a political favor*! If they don't believe in metric they won't vote for it, period. So, my point was: Why can't we talk about what's to be done in the next period by our representatives? Adrian. PS: I am not parading superior to the dumbos. I don't read this in my messages! However, I did not spend 20 years in schools to consider myself uneducated. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Jim Elwell Sent: Friday, 25 January, 2002 16:07 To: U.S. Metric Association Cc: U.S. Metric Association Subject: [USMA:17649] Re: Thinning the list Adrian writes: >I do not consider that our association compares to NRA. NRA has to ask for >political favors therefore they give financial favors. I despise even >typing their name. The NRA is not one bit different from the AARP or the NEA or the AFL/CIO or any other organization trying to affect politics. They ALL want political favors and they ALL give financial favors to those candidates/politicians who will most likely support them. And it does not matter a bit if the organization is a for-profit corporation or a non-profit organization. That you may disagree with their particular political agenda does not change these facts. >I thought that we are a group of educated people who wish the best for >this country. We are not asking for political favors. We are only trying >to convince politicians/officials that we are right and to offer advice on >SI when needed. Right? Here's the problem: if people disagree with you, they don't agree with you! Yes, it's a tautology, but it applies. If people do not believe metric is good, then they do not consider us "educated people who wish the best for this country." As an example: members of the NRA absolutely believe that their agenda is good for the country. You may disagree, but pretending that "we" are "good" and "they" are "bad" is not a productive approach to any problem. We cannot make progress by parading around as being superior to the dumbos who disagree with us. You have to educate before you can convince. Jim Elwell P.S. FWIW, I am a long-time member of the NRA and the GOA (Gun Owners of America), a substantial contributor to them, and am rather proud of my firearm collection as well as my skills with the 1911A1 .45 Colt handgun (which I like to call my 11 mm handgun, just to fluster the aficionados).
