This intervention by Carleton was most excellent. Thanks, pal. A few more comments
below, please.
At 06:48 AM 11 April 2002 -0400, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
In a message dated 2002-04-10 09:45:58 Eastern Daylight
Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
... if you are going to use the power of the law (i.e., the boys
in
blue with the 13 round 9 mm guns strapped to their waists) to
prevent
someone from using pounds and inches, you are infringing
upon their
sovereignty.
But to a large extent this has already been done.
-- They can't use ounces when selling liquor and wine.
-- They can't measure sizes or distances in cubits.
-- Drugs can't be sold in minims and scruples.
-- You're not allowed to have a km-only speedometer.
You are, of course, correct. Although I don't agree with even the
current state of affairs, it is one we have come to live with.
Well, well, well... If one 'has to come to live with' this state of affairs, if this
was done *as a matter of principle and in principle*, then the way is paved to extend
this to all the other units, as Carleton correctly put it. The precedence has ALREADY
been introduced and has not been opposed from a principle's point-of-view, we would
just act on it and be consistent with its application by including everything else
that deals with measurements, and not only with a few exceptions like the present laws
ALREADY RECOGNIZE! Legally, pal, the argument is overwhelmingly irresistible and
unchallengeable!
To
now use the power of the law to force people to change from a
system they have heretofore been forced to use and are
comfortable with (and have huge investments in) is exacerbating
the infringement of individual freedom.
?? Of course it wouldn't, because the law is already being used *in principle* in
that direction, Jim. Please consult any lawyer on this and I'm afraid they'd have to
recognize this reality and precedence in principle. Again, it goes to the legal
principle behind the process. If it is deemed illegal to do what Carleton listed, by
the same principle it could be argued that archaic units could also be outlawed in a
similar fashion. Especially if Congress puts NIST or ANSI in the driver's seat on
this to complete the definition of what is or not "legal" unit!
Besides, it is not necessary. America is converting. All we need is
patience.
We've already debated the above to death I think, and we agreed to disagree. ;-)
Marcus
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