Things Considered Normal in the US...

[NYC-SE]

I fear I may go into a political rant that would get me banned, so let me just say YES, most of the things listed are typically American and typically nonsensical.

I'm a native, born here, but have family living overseas and have been to and spent time in many places internationally. (Leaving for Germany tommorow. Can't wait.) It is not anti-American to acknowledge there are other, often better, ways of doing things.

Some of the things listed are really of no consequence, just matters of taste. But a few stand out. Out of control health care costs and agressive drug advertising...gee could there be any connection?

Also wish we would just roll the taxes and tips into the price of items. We're going to pay them anyway, why not make it simple?

But number 1 on the list of bad American choices that have real world consequences is our refusal to adopt the metric system. Yes this really matters and has real econonic costs and safety issues. I went on a pro metric rant in another thread here sometime back. I don't want to repeat myself but suffice it to say this needs to be done.

We need to go metric and now!

[justanotherdrunk]

Originally Posted by NYC-SE

But number 1 on the list of bad American choices that have real world consequences is our refusal to adopt the metric system. Yes this really matters and has real econonic costs and safety issues. I went on a pro metric rant in another thread here sometime back. I don't want to repeat myself but suffice it to say this needs to be done.

We need to go metric and now!

the Mars Climate Orbiter was lost due to this american nitwittedness

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Climate_Orbiter