|
Bremen, KS | Both systems are arbitrary. The only thing the metric system has going for it is that it is built on a power of ten model.
Converting the US to metric would either doom our legal descriptions on real estate to a myriad of fractions or remain in the current imperial units. The way this country is laid out, replacing current signs is both cost prohibitive and impractical as the distance between roads won't change and posting "Next exit 1.2 km" or multiples thereof seems silly. Either way, familiarity with both systems will be required into the foreseeable future even if the congress and president could decree a switch tomorrow.
Note that I am not opposed to the metric system! All I ask is that when a manufacturer chooses to build something, make it all one or the other. Sometimes there is no choice as our 7720 combine has a new AC compressor with metric fine thread fasteners. Mixing fasteners doesn't seem to be the problem it may have once been as all modern cars and pickups seem to be metric.
Electronics moved to metric years ago. The FCC only conducts its business in metric these days. We radio amateurs talk about wavelengths in meters and then go and measure our antennas in feet and inches!
| |
|
Reasons to use metric
