Editorial: Two nails too many
NorWatch has been accused of being close-minded in our view that a company is responsible for its products also after the product leaves the premises of the plant where it was manufactured (what we may call an extended "cradle-to-the-grave-principle").
NorWatch has been accused of being close-minded in our view that a company is responsible for its products also after the product leaves the premises of the plant where it was manufactured (what we may call an extended "cradle-to-the-grave-principle").
What NorWatch wishes to pinpoint, is the fact that international trades and industries is tightly knit together, and it is difficult to chose merely one link in the chain when responsibility is to be placed.
The running and maintenance of equipment of a mining company which chases people from their homes, and discharges mortally dangerous amounts of heavy metals to nature, is also depending on supplies of machinery, explosives, technology etc.. from other companies. If we go to the bottom of this, these suppliers are as important in relationship to the negative effects caused by the mine, as the mining company itself.
Or, to put it more clear: if you once supplied two nails to the dictator's guillotine, you have supplied two nails too many. Then there is no use in blaming the executioner.
Norwatch Newsletter 11/98