Ernie et al:
Going metric is best achieved within each industry such as your AIA. The
US automotive industry did it beginning in the late 1960s. Now all autos built
in the US and in the world are in metric.
The media, like writer of the Chicago Tribune's Bob Green, opposed metric
and wrote against it like when he said it would be too costly to garages since
they needed to buy new metric tools. At the time, most had metric tools to
repair the huge number of imported (metric built) cars. GM began designing it
autos in metric late in the 1960s.
The US fastener standards group reduced the number of bolt/thread standards
from more than 100 to 29. Simplification. 7-UP was the first to standardize
the 2 L soft drink bottle. They did it because it reduced costs. The 7-UP
slogan was "A liter bit more" for the same price as two quarts. It worked
since the public got more for its money. So that's what industries must to in
selling metric to the public - simplification and cost reduction. Metrication
is well under way in the US.
Metric only labeling legislation is essential.
The building industry has the problem of supplying English unit products to
repair old buildings and utilities within . Interfaces are needed between
the old and metric parts; this makes repairs confusing and difficult. Until
entire new houses are built to metric standards, the problem will persist. All
metric houses which are marketed as all metric will be simpler for owners to
understand and to maintain because there won't be a mixture of units.
Your goal should be to build all metric buildings.
Stan Doore
----- Original Message -----
From: ernie edwards
To: U.S. Metric Association
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 6:39 AM
Subject: [USMA:40578] Moving SI along - Let's discuss
As I mentioned before in a previous email (Mar. 11th), I am an architect who
lived overseas in the 80's, where of course, metrics was the norm.
To me, every single day that metrics is not the US standard is another day we
lose competitiveness and we are doing a disservice to the young people who
continue to learn as their first language... english measure...
Right now, English is the world language, the US dollar (for a little while
longer) is the world's currency and SI is the world's measurement tool.....
To me, to get metrics totally accepted you have to get industry and political
buy in. Who knows if any of the current Presidential candidates have had much
exposure or interest in furthering the conversion? (maybe Obama because of
where he has lived outside the country) I'm not trying to promote one candidate
over another, just trying to point out that, ....why isn't the US complete
conversion to metrics one of the discussion issues for the current election
cycle, especially the economic benefits of conversion....
So, what I am trying to do...
1. Trying to resurrect the American Institute of Architects (AIA) support of
SI
2. Trying to build bridges (excuse the pun) with related "building"
professional groups .... NSPE and AGC
3. Trying to get my federally elected officials to be aware of the benefits
of total conversion (I live in MA)
So, what I am suggesting and hoping....
1. Suggesting we set as a goal of 10 years to complete conversion to SI
2. Hoping any "building" professional and / or MA residents would be
interested in helping me on items 1-3 above.
3. Hoping this email generates discussion
Ernie Edwards, AIA [EMAIL PROTECTED]
