Sent: Wednesday, December 04, 2002 2:23
AM
Subject: [USMA:23786] Translating metric
into inch-pound
This morning I noticed an article entitled "U.S., Israel have common terror
foe." There was an illustration with information abouta "Grail" missile with
such specifications as "Length: 4ft., 11 in. (launcher)" and "Weight: 9.2 lbs.
(launcher)." At the bottom of the illustration I read that the sources were AP
and Jane's Information Group.
I visited www.jane.com on the web and saw
that all specifications and data were given using SI, or the modern metric
system. Our military, of course, uses the SI in its operations now.
Why does the Associated Press translate this information into inch-pound
units? All this will do is prevent the American public from becoming more
familiar with SI units. Is this what you truly want to do?
Most Americans do not go into a store to buy a 67.6 fluid ounce bottle of
soft drink. Usually they get a two-litre bottle, right?
If you treat people as if they are intelligent, they will act intelligent.
What you are doing by translating metric into inch-pound results in "dumbing
down" your data. Aim high, not low!
Thank you.
John Woelflein
Nashua, NH USA
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