Jeff writes:

> We
>  should all just use UTC (or some equally global time system) and time
>  references at every level (from computer databases to what time the movie
>  starts) should be listed in that system.  On the other hand, what decade
>  was it that the US officially decided to adopt the metric system?  That
>  makes just as much sense... and we're still acting not only like it won't
>  ever happen but that it shouldn't.

On the subject of when did America adopt the metric system, P.J. O'Rouke said
that drugs have recently taught an entire generation of American children the
metric system.

Otherwise, officially, the US became a metric-based nation during Thomas
Jefferson's tenure as Ambassador to France. The metric system was originated
in France. As one small item made in promise for enlisting France's help was
Jefferson's avowal to convert the US to the metric system (as opposed to the
"English" system of weights and measures). Jefferson made the promise in all
earnestness and continued to promote its advantages all during his time as
President and beyond. For the duration of Jefferson's presidency, the US
*was* a metric nation.

Similarly, the US adopted Daylight Savings Time because of Benjamin
Franklin's stay in Paris immediately after the Revolutionary War, during
which he helped work out the final peace treaty between England and the newly
formed country of the United States of America. Again, Daylight Savings Time
was a French notion, but this time there was no pressure to adopt it.
Franklin merely thought that it was an excellent idea.

Wirt Atmar

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