[Grosseschnauzer]

Quote: Repeal "Metric System "

A proposal to repeal a previously passed resolution

Category: Repeal

Resolution: #24

Proposed by: David6

Description: UN Resolution #24: Metric System (Category: Free Trade; Strength: Strong) shall be struck out and rendered null and void.

Argument: COMMENDING the scientific advantages of the metric system,

AGREEING with the importance of facilitating trade among member nations,

NOTING that Resolution #24 'Metric System' calls for the conversion of all measurements, both domestic and international,

QUESTIONING the need to have standardised measurements not being used for trade or science,

ALARMED at the vast and unnecessary cost of converting all measurements, regardless of their use,

BELIEVING that member nations should have the right to choose their own forms of measurement,

OBSERVING that systems of measurement may be as much a part of a nation's culture as language,

CONSIDERING that in light of these flaws there is be no direct international benefit to the forced conversion of domestic measurement units,

REPEALS Resolution #24 "Metric System."

Voting Ends: Sun Apr 29 2007[/quote]

[Antrium]

No no no no no against.

And I'm American, even! I'm practically begging for the metric system here because the imperial system is just confusing. Keeping it standard should make it easier for everyone. (I don't see how it's that much extra cost to convert numbers into the metric system. I also don't see how it's that much of an inconvenience, since this resolution passed a while ago and most nations would have adapted by now.)

[Enn]

OOC, abstaining. I don't mind the original, but I'm not that fussed by it. Cobdenia's drafting a good possible replacement at the moment as well.

IC, Opposed. Not for any real reason, mainly because my UN rep Sebastian didn't like being referred to with the "du" form in David6's poll. Given I try to vote IC whenever possible, I voted AGAINST in this poll.

[Scottish Red Lion]

FOR - system of measurement depends highly on tradition and it should be a matter of free decision to or not to convert to a metric system. Plus, on system of measurement could be a start to unification of.... well - frankly everything (if you live in EU, you know what I mean).

[Paradica]

AGAINST, because I don't mind #24. And I hate ACCEL. Actually, New Anonia will be in the UN by the time this goes up to vote, but I won't vote in your poll until it actually is.

[Grosseschnauzer]

I normally don't express my opnion whiile serving as Delegate, but this one desrves a comment.

One of the great barriers to trade historically is the lack of standardization of weights and measures. It was thought important enough that the framer of the real life US Constitution specifically gave Congress the authority to standardize weights and measures. And that was before the creation of the metric system in revolutionary France.

In an era where trade is global, the need for a standard system of weights and measures is even more important.The RL United States has adopted the metric system; it simply has not made it mandatory. Much of what I buy is already measured in metric. Coca Cola sells its products in metric only containers. Many food items are sold in metric, or at least in a decimal form on non-metric measures.

The case to repeal is founded uon a theory that would frustrate trade and commerce, because of the inability to comprehend equivalents if one has to deal with however many local systems of weights and measures that would be in place.

That cost of doing business would be increased, and makes the sale of goods more difficult; the costs of doing business would increase, and serve as a global factor for inflation and inefficiency.

That's enough reason, I would think to vote against.

[Scottish Red Lion]

@Grosseschnauzer - all you wrote is true, but rather irrelevant in this case. Metric system was adapted by nearly every country and it is unavoidable to reach the moment in time when only one system will be used. Global market and free trade will force it.

But to convert or not should always be a decission made by national not international government, becouse from that there is only one step to further interventions and regulations, such as EU's trade limits on particular goods. It is a precedent that could and should be avoided. Economy will regulate itself best, when left alone.

[Gnejs]

We like UNR#24 and unlike our Scottish friends we actually believe that both international trade, and the international community as a whole benefits from a standardization in this issue. The good points brought up by the representative from Antrium also strenghten our view and we will cast our vote AGAINST this repeal.

Linda Anaris
UN-Office
GPRG

[Mikitivity]

First off, what an excellent debate!

Now to my government's position. We actually recognize and support the right of nations to use their own system of measurement, so long as there is a means to coordinate tooling and parts critical to international commerce and travel. Now that said, the original Metric System resolution is acceptable to Mikitivity and feel the first clause of the repeal:

COMMENDING the scientific advantages of the metric system,

Is a sound justification for some sort of international system. Where we feel this repeal is wrong is in its analysis of the costs associated with the metric system:


QUESTIONING the need to have standardised measurements not being used for trade or science,

ALARMED at the vast and unnecessary cost of converting all measurements, regardless of their use,

Mikitivity has a cantonal system of government. Each canton is effectively a semi-independent state. While the cantons use the same currency, the laws are not uniform. And the codification of those laws is passed unto the cantons themselves. Similarly the cost of NOT using the metric system is not something born by the nations that adopt and promote the system of measurement, but rather on the states that do not. Thus the cost of converting measurements is nothing to be alarmed about ... nor does my government feel it is a burdensome cost.

Emen Un pointed out that there is at least one replacement resolution from Cobdenia, which is a nation Mikitivity generally trusts. Furthermore St. E. also has a proposed replacement, which again my government is pleased with. Bearing in mind that there are two excellent replacements on the horizon, should the repeal pass, it would be worth the IDU's effort to actively endorse both replacements, and thus I would like to ask other IDU nations if we feel we should ask our Delegate to state our support for having some sort of international system of measurement ... which means we can be FOR or AGAINST the repeal, but might have a regional statement of opinion on this subject.

Howie T. Katzman

[Gnejs]

The GPRG embraces the idea put forth by our friends in Mikitivity. We would like to see our Delegate state a regional support for "some sort of international system of measurement". Even though we trust Mr. Katzmans judgement concering the replacing proposals in drafting, we still view the original resolution as a usefull and sufficent one and our vote AGAINST still stands.

Linda Anaris
UN-Office
GPRG

[Enn]

hehehe. About 3 to 1 against at time of posting.

[Grosseschnauzer]

Quote: How should the Delegate cast the Region's vote?
FOR REPEAL  [ 1 ]  [16.67%]
AGAINST REPEAL  [ 5 ]  [83.33%]
ABSTAIN  [ 0 ]  [0.00%]
Total Votes: 6[/quote]

The region's votes will be cast against the resolution.