Victor is right. I have been saying for years that nothing we--the
USMA--can do will move the USA toward true metrication. We can post
emails and write letters from now until 2100 and it won't change
anything. What will change things--and about the only thing-- will be
for either the federal government or a large corporation to "go metric"
in a substantial way. If Exxon-Mobil started measuring oil by the cubic
meter, or Microsoft began posting everything in SI, or if the AP changed
its stupid writing rules, or the feds began demanding that all PX
suppliers sell milk in 2 L containers, or the Weather Service posted
temps only in degrees C--these would get things started. Until then, we
will just muddle around, and around.....
My 4-year Olympic prediction for NBC, which I make every 4 years and is
always accurate, is that we will be treated to more commentary about the
10,000 m run being "six miles", field events results in feet and inches,
and so forth. Just watch--if you can see through the smog.
HARRY WYETH
