Digital BW, The Print

Paul, I share your frustration over metric measure, but don't blame "The US." 
The facts are: the US government mapping agency (USCGS) adopted France's meter 
and kilogram standards in the 1800s. In 1866, Congress authorized use of the 
metric system and supplied each state with a set of standard metric weights and 
measures. In 1875, the US was one of the original signatory nations to the 
"Treaty of the Meter" (also known as the "Metric Convention," which established 
the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, in France).

Unlike most of the world, the US system limits government regulation of private 
industry. In 1975, Congress passed the Metric Conversion Act "to coordinate and 
plan the increasing use of the metric system in the United States." By law, it 
had to be voluntary for the private sector, and despite millions of dollars of 
government support, it was largely ignored, and was disestablished in 1982. 
However, since that same year, Federal agencies have been required, with certain 
exceptions, to use the metric system in procurement, grants and other 
business-related activities. The US military, for example, has been 100% metric 
for decades.

The official US Government position 
(http://ts.nist.gov/ts/htdocs/200/202/lc1136a.htm ) is: "...the competitiveness 
of American products and services in world markets, will be enhanced by 
completing the change to the metric system of units. Failure to complete the 
change will increasingly handicap the Nation's industry and economy."

In short, the US Government has championed the Metric System for almost 200 
years, and has mandated its internal use for the past 22 years, but can not 
require it of the private sector. We consumers, have to pressure US industry.

----- Original Message ----- 
Date: Sat, 18 Sep 2004 15:14:28 -0400
   From: "bhhc" <tawow@...>
Subject: Re: OT - U.S vs. Europe paper sizes???

...snip... the US once again decided that THEY would guide? the world and opted 
to stay in the dark ages . . . no one would tell them what to do (a lot like the 
little brat crying and running home, screaming "it's my ball, and my bat, and 
I'm going home!")....snip...

Paul Aparycki



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