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As my contribution to this week's observance, I have written the following
to each of my Senators and to my Representative in Congress, individually:
2004-10-10 (National Metric Day)
Dear--------------------, This week is National Metric Week in the United States, a week in
which Americans focus on the importance and convenience of the SI metric system.
The metric system is a decimal system of measurement. It is as simple to
use as U.S. decimal currency.
As you know, the U.S. is the only developed country that does not use this
measurement system as its primary, everyday standard. But in 1988,
Congress declared it to be our � . . .preferred system of measurement for trade
and commerce . . . � (amendment to the Metric Conversion Act of
1975). I believe that Congress should rapidly advance the
use of the metric system in America, to the point of its becoming the
predominant system of measurement in the life of our country. To me, U.S.
metrication is an essential long-term ingredient for a strong economy, a
vigorous science community, and a well-educated student body.
One important step Congress can take in this direction would be to amend
the Fair Labeling and Packaging Act (FPLA) to grant U.S. manufacturers
permission to label their products in the metric system only―that is,
eliminating the current requirement that U.S. customary units (fluid ounces,
pounds, gallons, inches, etc.) also be used.
Such a proposed FPLA amendment on optional metric-only labeling may reach
your chamber of Congress in 2005. I urge you to vote in favor of its
passage.
Thank you very much for your kind attention. Sincerely, Paul Trusten, R.Ph. |
- [USMA:31258] my National Metric Week contribution Paul Trusten
