2002-04-09
Bill,
I think Marcus was suggesting we get all other countries to surrender their
authority on weights and measures to an international standards body that
recognises only SI. Thus, even if the US refuses to recognise this
organisations authority, it wouldn't matter. The US would be prohibited
from exporting anything that was not SI and no country would be able to
legally use any FFU even to satisfy the US.
In other words, the US would be forced to adopt SI due to heavy pressure
from the outside world. A back door approach.
I think he realises that working within the government is a waste of time.
A much stronger method is needed. At least that is how I interpreted his
suggestion.
John
An excellent idea. As with health care, the dollar coin, etc. etc. etc. -- the government wimps out whenever anything important has to be done that has even the least little bit of controversy. Metricate behind the scenes all you want, but when it comes time to changing road signs or selling apples -- in other words, actually making someone CHANGE -- now it's getting personal, pal. "Oh dear, someone is whining. I might not get re-elected, and my campaign contributions will dry up. Waa, waa, waa."
Carleton
