From the archives: "Metric System"

"Josh G" (kerbhopping)
05/03/2015 at 23:04 • Filed to: from the archives

1961 R&T Letters to the Editor

You are being sucked into the Cold War on the Communist side when you spout propaganda for compulsory use of the metric system in this country. You should be aware of the Defense Department position that metric agitation is a hidden weapon against us. They remind us that the metric system was originated by Communists and is now being utilized by Communists as an economic weapon.

The 10-base number system is also stupid as conceded by La Place himself when it was too late, but that is another topic. For the present, merely remember that metric has been permissible here for more than 80 years, but is still rejected by all but the self-styled intellectuals who flourish in your environment.
Fred C. Booth - Bronxville, N.Y.

R&T Reply

We’ll still hold firm, and seem to have many supporters of the movement. As one example, we recently received a release from Chemetron Corp., one of whose subsidiaries produces industrial gases in Venezuela. Among the suggestions for U.S. firms interested in marketing products in Venezuela, WIlliam R. Hinkle, president of the Chemetron subsidiary (and also president of the American Chamber of Commerce of Venezuela), offers the following: “If at all possible, use the metric system.”
-Ed

DISCUSSION (8)

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Josh G
05/03/2015 at 23:15

It’s good to know that the idiots of yesterday were as idiotic as the idiots of today.

Hot Takes Salesman > Josh G
05/03/2015 at 23:19

What does it say in that italic text below the letter that starts with “We’ll hold firm...”

Josh G > Hot Takes Salesman
05/03/2015 at 23:26

Updated.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Josh G
05/03/2015 at 23:29

Duh metrick systim is a bunch of Commy buuuuuuuuuuullshit! I tell you hwat.

Hot Takes Salesman > Josh G
05/03/2015 at 23:42

Dammit, they didn't respond in a sarcastic/condescending way like they should have

Josh G > Hot Takes Salesman
05/03/2015 at 23:55

I tried to google hoping to find hidden funny but no win.

PyramidHat > Josh G
05/04/2015 at 01:15

Svend > Josh G
05/04/2015 at 03:04

The E.U. tried to make the U.K. go metric but we fought tooth and nail and come to an agreement and we now use both. Food is mostly sold in grams and kilo grams but distances are measured and often said in miles.

It works for us well.