In his article “Metric Interstate Divides Arizonans”, Marc Lacey brings to national attention a unique problem that is plaguing the residents of Southern Arizona—Interstate 19 is measured using the metric system. Signs declaring distances in meters and kilometers were installed decades ago when there was a surge in the popularity of the metric system, but recently has done nothing but foster controversy. The state is determined to have it changed, while many businesses and communities are opposed to the planned overhaul of the system, citing expenses related to changing directions on flyers and signs, and lost tourism revenue. This opposition has delayed the Arizona Department of Transportation, and forced them to miss the deadline to claim funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. My question is why must we be so stubborn? The metric system is widely considered to be infinitely easier than the Imperial system, and many younger Americans could rattle off how many millimeters are in a kilometer with minimal thought, but would draw a blank when trying to figure out how many ounces are in a gallon. If the vast majority of Arizonans who drive this stretch every day are fine with the idiosyncratic system, why change it just to conform to the American standard?
Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/15/us/15highway.html?ref=us
Photo: Joshua Lott for The New York Times
—Josh Browning
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