Dear Facebook Metric Day Organizers, As an individual supporter of U.S. metrication since 1974, I am delighted with your plans to speak out and break the silence about the metric system in Washington on Metric Day 2008 (2008-10-10). However, I wish to suggest to you that you need to conduct yourselves as peaceable citizens when you demonstrate on this issue. Do not deface any property, public or private, in your efforts to raise popular awareness of the need for the U.S. to change over to SI. Do not alter or remove any legally posted signs. Do not disrupt any meeting or create any disruption or disturbance of the peace when you demonstrate. You might consult with the local police authorities ahead of time and seek to obtain a lawful permit for your activities. Rather than feel constrained by this suggestion, you should feel empowered by it, since your effort to cooperate with the authorities will add to your legitimacy as agents for change.
Beyond that, I hope you will extend yourself creatively this fall. Make attractive-looking signs. Perhaps hold open-air workshops on metrication where people can learn the history and the proposed future of the process. Shout a little; sing songs. But, if you must use the term "guerilla," I suggest you frame yourselves as "scientific guerillas" who are pushing forward in the spirit of advancing a standard of measurement, not a revolution. SI-incerely, Paul Trusten, R.Ph. Public Relations Director U.S. Metric Association, Inc. www.metric.org 3609 Caldera Blvd. Apt. 122 Midland TX 79707-2872 US +1(432)528-7724 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
