*Sigh* I don't think Ms. Devers wants businesses to cheat their customers on
weighed goods using Imperial units. Also, any businesses whose owners are so
inclined can cheat just as easily using metric mechanical scales.
She and the other 'martyrs' and most of their customers simply want to continue
to use the measurement system they prefer. A UK-wide ballot measure (with
choices for going metric-only, Imperial-only, or retaining the legal status of
both in trade) added to the ballot during a national election could solve this
problem. Let the people decide.
-- Jason
----- Original Message -----
From: Pat Naughtin
To: U.S. Metric Association
Cc: U.S. Metric Association
Sent: Saturday, October 18, 2008 12:16 PM
Subject: [USMA:41862] Re: metric martyrs prosecutions stopped
On 2008/10/19, at 1:44 AM, Han Maenen wrote:
I read today that the British Government has given in to the metric martyrs
and wants to stop prosecuting them.
From a Dutch newspaper, the Telegraaf, translated:
British Metric Martyrs given a respite
LONDON- The British Government has stopped the prosecution of the so-called
metric martyrs. This was announced today by the BBC.
Earier this month Janet Divers, a London shopkeeper, was prosecuted because
she continued to use the traditional pounds while weighing out goods.
The British measure traditionally with pints, pounds and miles, not with
litres, kilogrammes and kilometres. Since 2000 the government is attempting to
metricate, but the metric martyrs continue to oppose giving up trusted
traditions.
See also from BBC-news: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7677438.stm
Dear Han,
Thanks for the reference to this story. I have just sent this feedback to the
BBC.
##
When Janet Devers decided to use illegal scales and a bowl for selling fruit
and vegetables at her market stall she probably had no idea that she would lead
the way to a future for all UK weights and measures.
Now that the government is lending her support, I am sure that other traders
will soon decide on using illegal scales and bowls for their trading — perhaps
they might extend it to two bowls — a big one for buying and a small one for
selling will look about right.
We could call the new British measuring regime 'Devers' weights and Devers'
measures'.
However, I predict a backlash. To paraphrase a very old quotation:
Thou shalt not have in thy bag Devers' weights, a great and a small. Thou
shalt not have in thine house Devers' measures, a great and a small. Devers'
weights and Devers' measures, both of them alike are an abomination to the
Lord. (From Deuteronomy 25:13-14)
##
Cheers,
Pat Naughtin
PO Box 305 Belmont 3216,
Geelong, Australia
Phone: 61 3 5241 2008
Metric system consultant, writer, and speaker, Pat Naughtin, has helped
thousands of people and hundreds of companies upgrade to the modern metric
system smoothly, quickly, and so economically that they now save thousands each
year when buying, processing, or selling for their businesses. Pat provides
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