"If we (USA) are using a system not used in most places I would personally favor adopting this 'Metric System' in the USA. "
One World or a World of Traditions
It is often said that the rest of the world uses the metric system so the U.S. must also.
First, taking this point at face value, the following question should be asked: Why? The value of our cultural heritage is vastly more valuable than say putting up signs with bridge heights in meters instead of feet because others do so.
This example comes from some French friends of mine who recently got back from England and told me that they had been disappointed on a recent walk around London to find that various METRIC direction signs are appearing (including the sign to the restrooms). They said that when they visit England they go for the differences not the similarities with France. They said that they could not understand why the British would lose part of their heritage and way of looking at the world by steamrollering away feet, miles, yards, gallons, pints, etc! And they added that if England loses much more of its Englishness, they will not bother going back!! (Many friend also say they'd be disappointed if they saw the Pound replaced by the Euro.)
The advantages of our American (Imperial)units is put forward in detail on this site. However, the most fundamental reasons why metrication of the USA (and the UK for that matter) should be stopped in its tracks is because it is an unnecessary destruction of part of our culture and heritage. Moreover, and as the USA is a democracy this point is not unimportant, the vast majority of Americans prefer our American measurements. To unnecessarily change a fundamental aspect of our culture against popular opinion is simply wrong.
bwmaonline.com
One World or a World of Traditions
It is often said that the rest of the world uses the metric system so the U.S. must also.
First, taking this point at face value, the following question should be asked: Why? The value of our cultural heritage is vastly more valuable than say putting up signs with bridge heights in meters instead of feet because others do so.
This example comes from some French friends of mine who recently got back from England and told me that they had been disappointed on a recent walk around London to find that various METRIC direction signs are appearing (including the sign to the restrooms). They said that when they visit England they go for the differences not the similarities with France. They said that they could not understand why the British would lose part of their heritage and way of looking at the world by steamrollering away feet, miles, yards, gallons, pints, etc! And they added that if England loses much more of its Englishness, they will not bother going back!! (Many friend also say they'd be disappointed if they saw the Pound replaced by the Euro.)
The advantages of our American (Imperial)units is put forward in detail on this site. However, the most fundamental reasons why metrication of the USA (and the UK for that matter) should be stopped in its tracks is because it is an unnecessary destruction of part of our culture and heritage. Moreover, and as the USA is a democracy this point is not unimportant, the vast majority of Americans prefer our American measurements. To unnecessarily change a fundamental aspect of our culture against popular opinion is simply wrong.
bwmaonline.com