Why won't the United States convert to the metric system???

Answer 1

Because US like it's citizens does not want to be like everyone else!!!

Answer 2

Simple... People don't like change...Mostly Soda Market... And as I see it USA is 55% Metric as we are now, Things come in to the USA Metric, Cars, Appliances, ETC... When is the Last time you heard someone running the Mile at the track meet... Its all around everyone...

But I can give you some help on this:
From the 1975 The Metric Conversion Act of 1975 (Public Law 94-168) passed by Congress. The Act established the U.S. Metric Board to coordinate and plan the increasing use and voluntary conversion to the metric system. However, the Act was devoid of any target dates for metric conversion.

1979 BATF requires wine producers and importers to switch to metric bottles in seven standard [liter and milliliter] sizes

1983 The meter is redefined in terms of the speed of light by the 17th CGPM, resulting in better precision but keeping its length the same.

1988 The Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 amended and strengthened the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, designating the SI metric system as the preferred measurement system, and requiring each federal agency to be metric by the end of fiscal year 1992.

1991 President George Bush signed Executive Order 12770, Metric Usage in Federal Government Programs directing all executive departments and federal agencies implement the use of the metric system. The Executive Order is also available as an appendix to: Interpretation of the SI for the United States and Federal Government Metric Conversion Policy

1996 As of July 1996 all surface temperature observations in National Weather Service METAR/TAF reports are now transmitted in degrees Celsius

2001 April 09 U.S. Stock Exchanges changed to decimal trading. The Securities and Exchange Commission has ordered that all stocks must be quoted in dollars and cents rather than fractions by this date. The switch to decimal trading brought the U.S. in line with the rest of the world's major exchanges. This follows the change of the Canadian Stock Exchanges to decimal trading in 1996.

These are the most stand out points in Metric USA history

Find more info from: U.S. Metric Association (USMA)

Answer 3

I particularly like the first response. (Sweden converted to RH driving some years ago, the UK and Japan are about the only holdouts.) But back on point, the costs of completely doing so would be unbelievable. In the case of automakers, they can go to metric and have mostly done so. But every switch in every switchbox in the US is secured with two 6/32 screws, and we aren't about to replace the billions of such boxes around the country just go to metric threads. It would be possible to go metric to the extent that Canada has -- gasoline in liters, and distances in kilometers. But, even in Canada, if you want studs to build a wall, they are two-by-fours -- actually, 1.5 x 3.5 x 92.75 inches.

Answer 4

we cant convert to the metric system anymore because most of us in the united states are already used to the customary sytem. it would be nice if we did convert to the metric system, but it will take a lot of time for most of us to adjust, which will cause a lot of confusion in the process.

Answer 5

To anyone who thinks the metric system is more difficult than the English system, try this comparison;

How many gallons of paint does it take to cover a wall 2 rods long and one fathom high to a depth of 5 mils? (Okay change that to 12 yards and 8 feet.) Can you do this in your head? With a calculator?

The metric equivalent:

How many liters of paint does it take to cover a wall 10 meters long and 3 meters high to a depth of .5 mm?

The person who knows the metric system can probably solve that his/her head, most certainly with a calculator.

Actually, the US is gradually moving in that direction. Many areas have road signs in km and you buy soda in 2-liter bottles and wine in 750 ml bottles. You can get metric tools and components in the hardware store.

Answer 6

The United States will not convert to metric for one simple reason: we don't have to. No one will make us and it's just easier for us to remain using imperial measurements.

Answer 7

Because as Americans, we have the need to challenge ourselves. Think about it, if you are 5'2" tall, how many inches is that? Pretty tough isn't it. Now the metric system is for people too lazy to think. Crap, it's based on 10, how easy is that. No challenge.

Answer 8

I don't know about the rest of the United States, but I personally don't see that much of a gain for the effort expended in such a conversion.

Answer 9

Our system is better. Try switching to metric time, then we'll talk.

Answer 10

its a waste of time to discuss "which system is better"...
IMHO - there is no need in such a conversion..more over - who wants to spend A LOT OF $ only to comply with another system which is not worse and not better but just unlike..)))

Answer 11

Because we are the land of the free, home of the brave. And we like to be difficult like that.