When the rest of the world had to rebuild its industrial system after WW II the USA was the only major player left with manufacturing plants that used inch-standard equipment and tooling. Once again, we chose not to follow the rest of the world in switching to metric measurements. Now we're slowly switching over as all that 75 year old equipment wears out and can't be replaced.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!