To all those interested in a mature discussion: Marcus, I didn't mean to imply that Americans should be able to push other people around because we are big. I don't think that we are an example of the "powerful conquering the weak". It is just natural that trade organizations lobby to get products in units that customers are most familiar with. While it doesn't please the rest of the world, it probably pleases the some stockholders and some customers. You can call both groups shortsighted and I wouldn't disagree, but it is a far cry from "forcing one's way onto other people". We aren't about to start any wars over this!
The reason I mentioned a tax write-off is that there are initial costs to metricating. If a builder wanted to make a house using metric measures and materials, it would be a major challenge finding the tools and supplies if the builder is used to simply going to the local hardware store. Once vendors are located, though, and product lines are established, it would become easier and cheaper. If corporations metricated 1% of their operations to get a write-off, that 1% would open up the infrastructure to let the rest of us metricate a lot easier. Even if they write-off costs that are exaggerated, it would still be encouraging voluntary metrication and it would be more of a subsidy, in that case. Without a specific financial carrot, most decision-makers probably just don't think about metrication much, or couldn't convince their boss if they did. This idea would require a major political commitment, though, so it probably is not our immediate next step. On the subject of amending the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA), what is our tactical situation? In other words, do we have an ally in Congress that we are working with (I presume this is a federal law)? Has someone sponsored a bill? Do we know the current chances a bill would have if introduced? Do we have any kind of coordinated effort to lobby congressional members for an amendment? BTW, I didn't know that many Britons didn't consider themselves Europeans! That is a surprise to me. You learn something new every day. Carl Sorenson
