U.S.A: PACT Act 2009

[kristin]

On the subject of age, I can see why high school kids would really want the e-cig. Think about it, you could easily smoke in the bathroom and nobody would know. You could probably get away with it right in class. And your mom wouldn't even smell it on your clothes. So kids under 18 should not be allowed BY THEIR PARENTS to get their hands on these. Now if they were banned don't you think the black market would open up and make it actually easier for them to get along with their drugs? Then you would get thrown in jail for having one on you...?

But, realistically, if a kid wouldn't be interested in smoking an analog, would they really be tempted by an e-cig?

My 18 year old has no interest in analogs OR e-cigs. My 16 year old thinks the e-cig is cool, but says he'd only use the non-nicotine liquid, because it'd be stupid to start using nicotine when you can get the flavors without.

And if a kid is going to smoke, wouldn't you, as a parent, rather they use an e-cig over starting analogs? At least the e-cig isn't as detremental to their overall health.

People keep forgetting the "reduced harm" aspect of e-cigs.

[Vocalek]

On this site, you can read the text of the bill. You can also leave a comment. Furthermore, there is a poll where you can vote For or Against. (Currently 4% For and 96% Against.)

WashingtonWatch.com - S. 1147, The PACT Act

[Vocalek]

So it is not the DEA, but rather the ATF that will be breaking down your door:

SEC. 7. ENHANCED CONTRABAND TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT

(a) Requirements- The Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives shall--

(1) not later than the end of the 3-year period beginning on the effective date of this Act, create a regional contraband tobacco trafficking team in each of New York, New York, the District of Columbia, Detroit, Michigan, Los Angeles, California, Seattle, Washington, and Miami, Florida;

(2) create a Tobacco Intelligence Center to oversee investigations and monitor and coordinate ongoing investigations and to serve as the coordinator for all ongoing tobacco diversion investigations within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, in the United States and, where applicable, with law enforcement organizations around the world;

(3) establish a covert national warehouse for undercover operations; and

(4) create a computer database that will track and analyze information from retail sellers of tobacco products that sell through the Internet or by mail order or make other non-face-to-face sales.

(b) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (a) $8,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.

[TropicalBob]

I posted a comment against the bill -- and voted in the poll. This poll vote is so lopsided that we actually have a chance of being heard. Ninety-six percent against the bill and four percent for it. Everyone on this forum needs to vote in that poll, if not leave a comment. I cannot imagine anyone but the Tax Collector favoring it.

[Vocalek]

There is also a link on the page under "Take Action" that reads "Write your Representative in Congress". This routes you to a page where you can track down your Senators by selecting your State, select a Senator, and then go directly to the Web sites where you can email his/her office.

[Vocalek]

Thank you for contacting my office regarding the PACT Act (S. 1147). I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with me.

As you may know, the PACT Act places regulations on the sale and delivery of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.? This bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where it is currently under review.

As the Senate considers this legislation, please be assured that I will keep your thoughts and concerns in mind.? I hope that you will continue to share your views with us in the years ahead.

I would also invite you to visit my website at www.webb.senate.gov for regular updates about my activities and positions on matters that are important to Virginia and our nation.

Thank you once again for contacting my office.

Sincerely,

Jim Webb
United States Senator

[TropicalBob]

Well, that certainly was an exercise in futility, wasn't it? Form letter rhetoric ... all that's missing is the Web site where donations can be made to his re-election bid.

Weasels are slippery creatures.

[Vocalek]

Yes, Bob. And note that it takes his staff 24 days to compose a form-letter response. My email was sent on 10/2. Response received today.

[abhowe]

E-Cigs are not tobaco products...... I saw my doctor and got a prescription for inhalation nicotine for medicinal purposes...... Medicines go through the mail everyday....... My e-cigs are the medical apparatus to which I receive my medication........ Just took care of that one...... Technically E-Cigs are nothing more than batteries or battery holders...... Don't see how they can make atomizers illegal...... I think people worry too much......
No tobaco, no fire and no smoke...... Nicotine and caffine are cousins, make one illegal, got to make the other illegal too......

[Pumaman]

Don't stop writing because you get a form letter back. Aides collate info like this and give overviews of frequency to the respective Representative or Senator and the collective for or against. The more the better.