(in response to the editorial at
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0419/p08s02-comv.html)
To the Editor, Christian Science Monitor:
Your 19 April editorial on barriers to trade between the United
States and the European Union failed to mention one standards
issue that is affecting the U.S. not only in Europe, but throughout
the world: our standard of measurement.
The U.S. is the last major nation on earth that does not use the
metric system of measurement as its primary, and everyday, measurement
standard.For decades, American interests have been cut off from the easy
interchangeability of ideas and products because
we speak our unique measurement language. Our country
could have completed metrication in 1985, but lack of leadership
and national disinterest postponed this change yet another generation.
However, on 1 January 2010, the U.S. may have to worry about a lot more
than just the design of the VW Passat headlights. Starting
on that date, the European Union may no longer allow the importation
of non-metric products. The U.S., which invented decimal
currency in the 18th century, is long overdue to embark upon
its decimalization of measurement here in the 21st. For the complete
story,please see www.metric.org.
Paul Trusten, R.Ph.
Public Relations Director
U.S. Metric Association, Inc.
www.metric.org
3609 Caldera Blvd., Apt. 122
Midland TX 79707-2872 USA
+1(432)528-7724
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
