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From: taylor@hplabsc.UUCP
Newsgroups: mod.comp-soc
Subject: More on A.H. Robbins and the Dalkon Shield
Message-ID: <354@hplabsc.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 27-Jun-86 19:06:22 EDT
Article-I.D.: hplabsc.354
Posted: Fri Jun 27 19:06:22 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 28-Jun-86 08:26:25 EDT
Reply-To: ihnp4!opus!ki4pv!tanner
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Laboratories
Lines: 24
Approved: taylor@hplabs

le actions have led to many lawsuits against A.H.Robbins
Co. for selling a dangerous product -- in full knowledge of its danger.
Robbins is not in bankruptcy because someone made a design mistake;
they are in because someone tried to cover up the danger in order to
enhance profits.  Much of the damage could have been averted by
removing the product from the market and recalling the defective
device.

					Tanner Andrews, Systems
					CompuData South, DeLand

[Wow!  Not such a good example after all, I guess.  Indeed, if the company 
 was guilty of criminal negligence, as appears to be the case, then they 
 should certainly be held responsible.   

     The problem arises when we expect 'institutions' to be perfect, I think.  
 They all-too-easily fall into the trap of agreeing, and then, instead of 
 occasionally admitting fault, hide it and act innocent.  The example that 
 comes to mind is medical malpractice - we expect our medical people to be 
 absolutely perfect, and when they make mistakes (e.g. the wrong drug 
 prescribed) society shuns them.  Other medical people see this reaction 
 and are even more pressured into hiding their mistakes...  

      A tough circle to break out of.				     -- Dave]