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"Yes, you could solve that problem with complex, interdependent systems that will fail in unpredictable ways."

Isn't that what you have now by depending on people?

You can blame individual people, but the mfgrs will simply purchase immunity from their hired politicians. Its a question of responsibility. Individuals have it. Corporations do not.

I'm not sure that's true. Auto manufactures are a really big target for liability in accidents (I'd likely get more from GM then an individual in a won law suit), and a quick search [1] seems to back my feeling that there is sizable law and case law that define this area of liability. I'm not saying that it's simple to win against any sufficiently funded entity, but it's not impossible that anyone has immunity.

[1] http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/automotive.html#.U_Jd_2...

I guess you missed the CEO of General Motors getting grilled by congress earlier this year and tha massive writedowns they took due to the settlements they entered into with the families of people hurt/killed by faulty ignition switches. I could cite a slew of similar examples.

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