Is it time for the US to adopt the metric system?

[PBI]

Maybe its different for the youth, or it is in my experience anyway, (in Britian, Wales btw) the group of friends varies from about 18-24, we pretty much all use Celsuis for temperature, when it comes to drinks (bar pints obviously, i dont drink hardly ever so maybe im different) i think of the measurements in mililitrers and litres for my drinks, often when we looking at deals on mutlipacks of drinks ill convert the price into xx pounts per litre..

Agreed, I think younger generations in the UK pretty much only use Celsius. I would say that hearing temperatures given in Fahrenheit is something of a rarity, so much so that while I can more or less picture how tall 6 feet is or how heavy a stone is, if someone told me it was 70F outside I would have no idea whether that means I need to put on a coat or not.

I wonder why Jesus didn't choose 10 disciples though

Well, we could always define a proper, Christian system of counting in base 12. Our current system of numerals is Saracen devilry anyway. Then we could define an American metric system where everything is in ratios of 12; this would have all the benefits of the base 10 metric system and would mean Americans could do away with all this nonsense of converting from Pounds per Square Inch to Ounces per Square Furlong, but save them from the humiliation of having to adopt a French system.

Though personally I think it would be much clearer and simpler to measure everything in units of Planck's constant and the speed of light.

[rvg]

...Then we could define an American metric system where everything is in ratios of 12; this would have all the benefits of the base 10 metric system and would mean Americans could do away with all this nonsense of converting from Pounds per Square Inch to Ounces per Square Furlong, but save them from the humiliation of having to adopt a French system.

Progress is never humiliating. In this case however, There's no compelling reason to switch. American science operates on metric system, and that's all that really matters. In all honesty, when it comes to everyday applications, the English system is on par and in some cases more convenient than the metric one, i.e. there is no real benefit in having the U.S. convert, especially considering the gargantuan price tag that the conversion would entail.

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

No, It easier with our own system

[LittleGrizzly]

i.e. there is no real benefit in having the U.S. convert, especially considering the gargantuan price tag that the conversion would entail.

If you went out and bought all new equipment for the conversion and all new textbooks,and basically replaced everything using the old measurements today then it probably would cost a hell of a lot.... that is why these things are usually phased in over time, and i would say the real benefit is for everyone and anyone that has to work with measurements from different county's, which are the main people it affects...

No one is going to stop you ordering a pint or bragging about 12 inches of manhood (we still do both of those in britian today)

[Tribesman]

In all honesty, when it comes to everyday applications, the English system is on par and in some cases more convenient than the metric one, i.e. there is no real benefit in having the U.S. convert

Then why don't you use the english system then ?

[rvg]

Then why don't you use the english system then ?

I do.

[Tribesman]

I do.

Really ?
then how many fluid ounces are in a pint and how much liquid is a fluid ounce ?

[rvg]

Really ?
then how many fluid ounces are in a pint and how much liquid is a fluid ounce ?

Short answer: I could google it, but I really don't give a rat's ass. I buy my milk and gas in gallons, and measure distances in inches, feet and miles. That's all I need.

[Tribesman]

Short answer: I could google it, but I really don't give a rat's ass.

You shouldn't have to google to know that despite what you said you don't use the English system .

[rvg]

You shouldn't have to google to know that despite what you said you don't use the English system .

I really don't care what it's called. You're arguing semantics, which is a waste of time. So, let's call it the "System Generally Accepted by the U.S. public". I use *that*. I like *that*. I see no reason to change *that*.

[Tribesman]

I really don't care what it's called. You're arguing semantics

No , we are arguing weights and measures
Since your arguement is that Imperial is more convenient you come unstuck as US imperial is different in several key aspects to English imperial which puts a bloody big hole in your arguement as metric is metric wherever you go and since its a global economy a single unified worldwide system is a hell of a lot easier .

[Husar]

HAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!

It was a trick question.
Jesus had thousands of disciples but only twelve Apostles.

I should really put you on my ignore list, you always take advantage of my general state of confusion.

On a different note, Tribesman is right.

[Sigurd]

I should really put you on my ignore list, you always take advantage of my general state of confusion.

Come on Hus ... it was all fun. I know you laughed inside.