Should the US switch to the metric system?

[Socialist Nordia]

Being an American, I've always cringed at how illogical the customary system is.
http://cdn.zmescience.com/wp-content/up ... 5p0ou5.png
The metric system is so organised, and uniform. Each unit goes into the next largest unit 10 times. In the customary system, 12 inches go into a foot, 3 feet go into a yard, 1760 yards go into a mile. It's so arbitrary. The metric system is superior and easier to understand. In addition, nearly every country in the world uses the metric system.
http://cdn.zmescience.com/wp-content/up ... 5p0ou5.png
Since the US is the only major country not using the metric system, it's a serious inconvenience to have to convert customary to metric when dealing with other nations. Not only that, but failures to convert customary to metric have been disastrous.
http://www.cnn.com/TECH/space/9909/30/mars.metric.02/
The US already uses the metric system for some purposes, and often quantities are shown in both customary and metric. However, it is my view that the United States should begin the process towards entirely phasing out the customary system in favour of the metric system. This may be a bit costly, but it will be worth it in the long run, as we will be using a system that is more efficient, and conversions will no longer be needed. Any thoughts on this?

[Liriena]

Yes please. For someone raised under the metric system, such as I, the current American way of measuring stuff is way too counter-intuitive.

[Qandaristania]

I don't really care. It will be weird for me though to see the US use the metric system. It will always be like a deep hole in your heart.

[Socialist Nordia]

Yes please. For someone raised under the metric system, such as I, the current American way of measuring stuff is way too counter-intuitive.

I know. It makes me cringe. It's so arbitrary. Metric is so much better.

[The Two Jerseys]

Only if the metric system drops those ridiculous prefixes and renames their units to the English system equivalent.

[SD_Film Artists]

I think the British system is a good compromise; using Imperial for motoring, golf, beer and male organs, metric for everything else.

[Socialist Nordia]

Only if the metric system drops those ridiculous prefixes and renames their units to the English system equivalent.

Why?

[A Humanist Science]

The US already uses the metric system for some purposes, and often quantities are shown in both customary and metric. However, it is my view that the United States should begin the process towards entirely phasing out the customary system in favour of the metric system.

**shrug**

Speaking As An American (TM), metric is already essentially universal here where it matters (scientific research, medicine), and largely established in parallel with customary measures almost everywhere else (fluid ounces and mililiters appear on liquids containers for sale, etc).

I don't really see a compelling reason to force conversion of everyday things like road signs and the like. The choice between miles and kilometers for everyday use doesn't strike me as a Right Vs. Wrong thing -- neither is the choice between driving on the right or the left, for comparison.

[New Grestin]

But how will we measure our freedoms?

[The balkens]

No.

[Socialist Nordia]

I think the British system is a good compromise; using Imperial for motoring, golf, beer and male organs, metric for everything else.

Then you have to know two measurement systems by heart, and both would need to be taught in schools. Wouldn't it be easier to use one system for everything?

[SD_Film Artists]

But how will we measure our freedoms?

In rounds-per-minute, of course.

[Socialist Nordia]

But how will we measure our freedoms?

In kilograms.

[Uxupox]

If Europe pays for the change. Then sure.

[Southerly Gentleman]

It's necessary, but it will be political suicide for whoever accomplishes it.

[The Derpy Democratic Republic Of Herp]

I don't see why not.

[SD_Film Artists]

I think the British system is a good compromise; using Imperial for motoring, golf, beer and male organs, metric for everything else.

Then you have to know two measurement systems by heart, and both would need to be taught in schools. Wouldn't it be easier to use one system for everything?

In theory, yes it would be easier. But having so many ml of beer just isn't the same as ordering "a pint".

[New Grestin]

But how will we measure our freedoms?

In kilograms.

In all seriousness, I don't know who the hell decided to use our system.

A mile is 5,280 feet here. 5,280 feet.

Who's fucking idea was that?

[Socialist Nordia]

It's necessary, but it will be political suicide for whoever accomplishes it.

Actually, that was part of the campaign platform of Lincoln Chaffee. That one democrat that was even more irrelevant than Martin O'Malley.

[A Humanist Science]

Then you have to know two measurement systems by heart, and both would need to be taught in schools. Wouldn't it be easier to use one system for everything?

In theory, yes it would be easier. But having so many ml of beer just isn't the same as ordering "a pint".

If anything, the US should switch to British Imperial, so I can get a real pint.

[Southerly Gentleman]

It's necessary, but it will be political suicide for whoever accomplishes it.

Actually, that was part of the campaign platform of Lincoln Chaffee. That one democrat that was even more irrelevant than Martin O'Malley.

See, it ended him before he even became relevant

[Rio Cana]

In the US territory of Puerto Rico they use kilometers to indicate road distances but speed limits are in miles. Gasoline is sold in liters. Water usage is reported in cubic meters. Weather is in Fahrenheit.

[SD_Film Artists]

In theory, yes it would be easier. But having so many ml of beer just isn't the same as ordering "a pint".

If anything, the US should switch to British Imperial, so I can get a real pint.

Indeed!

[A Humanist Science]

In kilograms.

In all seriousness, I don't know who the hell decided to use our system.

A mile is 5,280 feet here. 5,280 feet.

Who's fucking idea was that?

Mostly the Romans, who defined it as a thousand paces, where each pace is approximately the length of the average Centurion's foot times 5.

[Libertalium]

Honestly, metric makes way more sense. However, in order for it to work, schools must switch to metric. And it must be done over time. Just immediately switching would be too hard.