Should the United States switch to the metric system?
On One Hand: There Are Advantages to MetricThe United States is the only industrialized country that does not use the metric system. If we convert to the metric system, trade and communications with other nations will be easier. Because the United States does not overwhelmingly dominate world trade, we should try to fit better with the markets with which we conduct business.On the Other: Changing is CostlyIt would be costly to change over to the metric system. Changing all the road signs alone would cost $200 million, according to an article on the Socyberty website. This could mean more taxes for us. In addition, it would be hard for people to adjust to metric when going through the transition.Bottom LineOur scientific and medical professions already use the metric system, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. If more companies could change over to the metric system, they could streamline their operations by not having to make different products for foreign
