Re: [PLUG] Millions of Dell power adapters recalled | Tech News on ZDNet

[Paul <gyoza@comcast.net>]

eric@lucii.org wrote:

> <topic type="off">
>
> This only makes sense from a business perspective.  Just like the situation with
> the Ford Pinto many years ago.  The part necessary to protect the gas tank
> from being punctured by the sharp edge of the differental was about $1.50.
> But, there were millions of Pintos out there and Ford calculated the number
> of lives lost and the corresponding lost profits was LESS than fixing the
> problem.  Turns out, in that time frame, a human life was worth $1 million.
> So, from an investor's perspective, the decision made sense.   I believe that
> 23 people were killed.  
>
> That is the calculus of human lives vs. profits.  Computed every day by 
> corporations far and wide - including your government.
> Mostly irrelevant if it's not your life - or your investment - or your
> government :-)
>
> </topic>
>
>  
It does make sense in the same way that the military would calculate a 
win, even though a million people had been killed or wounded.  It's 
about keeping more than you lose.  Sickening when one thinks about the 
details.

I know this would never have happened, but it would have been nice if 
the kit were made available for purchase.  That way the consumer would 
have offset the cost.  At the same time, that would be like admitting 
guilt and breaching warranties or something.  Again, it's sickening to 
think of the details.

What's worse, listening to the news, individuals are making their own 
calculations about the value of other peoples lives and coming up with zero.
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