hexin Wisconsin
12/29/12 8:01 am
I don't know if it would be that expensive. If we phased it in slowly over 10 years or so, mainly in things that would need to be replaced already, say... And keep both measurements around for older people for a while. Think it'd work.
susanr Colorado
12/27/12 10:18 pm
CenTexKen, My own opinion is that metric is better BUT I think it would be much more expensive to convert than people seem to think, and there may be I intended consequences... So I could go either way. I just think "It sets us apart from the rest of the world" is not a good argument against it.
susanr Colorado
12/27/12 10:12 pm
By the way, pinky, I agree that doing things like mathematical conversions is good for the brain - especially as one ages. Also things like crossword puzzles.
cornybread The Large Malus Fruit
12/27/12 2:15 pm
am I missing something? since when does the system of measurement we use have anything to do with the government? it's inches and feet and miles versus centimeters and meters and kilometers, don't make it into something bigger than it is.
cornybread The Large Malus Fruit
12/27/12 2:09 pm
it's not about conforming, it's about which system is better. the metric system makes more sense. and if you think about it, it makes more sense that everyone uses the same system. if your only argument against it is that we should use a different system to be different, you need to reconsider.
JackTorS Mostly peaceful polling
12/27/12 9:48 am
If you think about it, the system of measurement we use is almost like a language. I automatically think 'inches' or 'feet' or 'miles' and have an instantaneous reference in my head to communicate with.
For younger kids, a conversion would be easy. For an old fart like me, not so much.
willcarb
12/27/12 3:25 am
Why should we conform to the rest of the world? We've done fine with our system for a long time. Forget what Europe thinks.
susanr Colorado
12/26/12 10:21 pm
And by damn, let's keep using a system that makes less sense than another SOLELY because, well, we should be different! Yeah, that a good reason.
susanr Colorado
12/26/12 10:18 pm
Right. The US, Liberia and Myanmar vs the rest of the world. All three paragons of wonderfulness. Except the other two. (Although things are getting better for both of them, I hear.)
susanr Colorado
12/26/12 10:13 pm
Unless you're sending something to Mars, in which case it already disintegrated. Although in that case the incorrect conversion (or lack thereof) was pound-seconds vs. newton-seconds. Or hey, even building a house. Because it's way closer to 2.54 cm to an inch.
susanr Colorado
12/26/12 7:32 pm
I think the cost would be a lot more significant than most people here seem to think (some just mentioning road signs) but I really don't think Bethany should stop us. Maybe make the change more incremental, but not stop. On the other hand, I'm not going to throw a fit if we don't do it.
pinkyusuck The Carribean. I wish.
12/26/12 7:31 pm
No. I know the metric system has some advantages, but the American system is our 'thing.' It's one thing that sets us apart from most of the rest of the world. And that's worth hanging onto. Most of the rest of the world is messed up.
EarlyBird Portland
12/26/12 6:40 pm
The biggest arguments against that I've read are: 1) cost 2) they don't wast to go along with the rest of the world.
Pretty weak reasons IMO.
scrappy23
12/26/12 3:01 pm
Yes! That is EXACTLY why we should use Metric!... Because everyone else does! Measurements are only useful if everyone can interpret them!
checkar377
12/26/12 2:10 pm
That is dumbest reason I have ever heard. Did you know that the metric system is based on scales from one to ten? It makes everything simpler plus it's used in every scientific field. Everything you use is created by people who use the metric system. You just need to get an education.
godcyanide Probably gone for good
12/26/12 10:53 am
You misread what I meant by "scalar." Metric and Imperial are scalar systems - they measure stuff. If one scalar system is more intuitive than the other, then intellectual inertia is the only reason for resisting a change we're already halfway in on (see our other back n forth above).
godcyanide Probably gone for good
12/26/12 10:50 am
Try using a recipe from another country sometime, when you have to convert every stinking measurement. I'm a math guy, and, I gotta say that sucks. Most measuring devices that we use already have both. Our cars can do both. Why not go all in on metric, we are already halfway there!
fortneja
12/26/12 8:52 am
Why would you think I'm a foreigner? No, I was born and raised here. I grew up with the Imperial system, but find Metric simpler to use, and my work demands it. Not to mention all hardware in my Japanese car is totally metric as well.
askmenething Buffalo, NY
12/26/12 8:01 am
People resist change, but what are we waiting for??? If you get any sort of multi- national job, you will be using it anyway. Once you get used to it, it makes so much more sense.
Lulzy New Jersey
12/26/12 1:53 am
No, we should stay on Imperial but ditch base-10 for base-12.
Duodecimal!
If we can't get on duodecimal, ditch Imperial for Metric.
bryank21
12/26/12 1:30 am
Ok. I really invite the best argument someone can come up with to stay with the Imperial System. Explain how it's better than metric, please?
cornybread The Large Malus Fruit
12/26/12 1:20 am
I actually see more complaints about the people supporting our system than I do people actually supporting it. but the metric system makes WAY more sense. however, just because we should switch doesn't mean we will, sadly. but who knows, maybe it'll happen.
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