The following is a copy of the letter I sent to the NJ Senator trying to ban Ecigs. I feel we would gain more support, even from the most judgmental non smokers. I f we presented our side this way.
Dear Sir, I am writing to you to address the matter of the E Cigarettes. The reason stated for all the smoking bans was that second hand smoke is dangerous and people who don't smoke have the right not to breath it. I can understand such a position. Smokers have invented a way to smoke without exposing anyone to second hand smoke, with E Cigarettes. If we smokers are gracious enough to go to such lengths to respect the rights on non smokers, Shouldn't non smokers be equally respectful of our rights. With e cigarettes the only person who could possibly be harmed is the person smoking. The other argument I have heard is that it has not been proven safe. While it has not been proven 100% Safe, nothing in life is. the argument can be made that even the most harmless things, can be harmful if misused. There are many products and medication on the market to day that are far more dangerous, yet allowed by the FDA. Many of the medicines people chose, state a laundry list of possible harm. Some even list death as a possible side effect. People are still permitted to choose those medications if they feel the benefit out ways the risk. For instance a new Asama medication states it has caused an increase in Asama related deaths, however it is approved for treating Asama. No one is lobbying to ban birth control even tough it increases the risk of blood clots,heart attack and Stoke. Why? Because it is a personal choice. The user must decide if the befit out ways the risk. E cigarettes are no different. People who smoke E cigarettes are making an informed choice. The benefit of ridding ourselves of the cancer causing traditional cigarette, with out being forced to give up our rights,far out ways any minor risk this product could possibly pose. Even if E cigarettes were known to pose risks, Which they are not, they could not possibly pose as many risks as traditional cigarettes. Would you tell a former drinker he can not switch to non alcoholic drinks because they still contain a tiny quantity of alcohol and have the same appearance and taste? Yes, we acknowledge that smoking is unhealthy. People have the right to choose many things that are not healthy. Obesity kills people too, but no one is rushing out to ban fattening foods or lazy life styles. there isn't a ban on exposing your child to donuts. It is illegal to force life saving measures and medication on a person because it violates their rights. Yet we are living in a country that is trying to force people to quit smoking. The original argument stands. If my personal choice is harming others, then laws may be passed to prevent this. However, I have the right to make informed decisions as to how to live my life if I am not harming anyone else. E cigarette smokers are responsible citizens who are simply trying to keep their personal freedom, without imposing on the rights of others. This choice should be encouraged, not restricted. What makes America so great is that its citizens have the freedom to choose. Please don't change that.
Ps From what I have read it seems if Ecigs are marketed and sold simply as a different kind of cig that containing fewr harmful substances and not as a "Healthy, or "safe" cig., or a Stop smoking aid. No one would have cause to challenge them. No false advertising. No lawsuits. They would be considered ATF's problem by the FDA. The ATF would have nothing to regulate. Except perhaps package labeling
Please keep this in mind when explaining your e cig to the public. If we are all careful not to supply people with reasons to feel negatively about it. The same people who got cigs baned, May see that our cause is resonable and just, and will not feel the need to crusade against us. If we can gain the support of non smokers who can see the benifits of e cigs. the Government will have to work very hard to write and pass new Laws to stop us. If some of the current marketing continues they will be able to hang us all with some loop hole in existing laws in no time flat. Simply because people were to confused or misinformed to stand up for us. We need the whole world to know that These Products will benifit smokers and non smokers alike. without forcing anyone to comprimise their belefs or give up theirs personal rights and freedom.
Dear Sir, I am writing to you to address the matter of the E Cigarettes. The reason stated for all the smoking bans was that second hand smoke is dangerous and people who don't smoke have the right not to breath it. I can understand such a position. Smokers have invented a way to smoke without exposing anyone to second hand smoke, with E Cigarettes. If we smokers are gracious enough to go to such lengths to respect the rights on non smokers, Shouldn't non smokers be equally respectful of our rights. With e cigarettes the only person who could possibly be harmed is the person smoking. The other argument I have heard is that it has not been proven safe. While it has not been proven 100% Safe, nothing in life is. the argument can be made that even the most harmless things, can be harmful if misused. There are many products and medication on the market to day that are far more dangerous, yet allowed by the FDA. Many of the medicines people chose, state a laundry list of possible harm. Some even list death as a possible side effect. People are still permitted to choose those medications if they feel the benefit out ways the risk. For instance a new Asama medication states it has caused an increase in Asama related deaths, however it is approved for treating Asama. No one is lobbying to ban birth control even tough it increases the risk of blood clots,heart attack and Stoke. Why? Because it is a personal choice. The user must decide if the befit out ways the risk. E cigarettes are no different. People who smoke E cigarettes are making an informed choice. The benefit of ridding ourselves of the cancer causing traditional cigarette, with out being forced to give up our rights,far out ways any minor risk this product could possibly pose. Even if E cigarettes were known to pose risks, Which they are not, they could not possibly pose as many risks as traditional cigarettes. Would you tell a former drinker he can not switch to non alcoholic drinks because they still contain a tiny quantity of alcohol and have the same appearance and taste? Yes, we acknowledge that smoking is unhealthy. People have the right to choose many things that are not healthy. Obesity kills people too, but no one is rushing out to ban fattening foods or lazy life styles. there isn't a ban on exposing your child to donuts. It is illegal to force life saving measures and medication on a person because it violates their rights. Yet we are living in a country that is trying to force people to quit smoking. The original argument stands. If my personal choice is harming others, then laws may be passed to prevent this. However, I have the right to make informed decisions as to how to live my life if I am not harming anyone else. E cigarette smokers are responsible citizens who are simply trying to keep their personal freedom, without imposing on the rights of others. This choice should be encouraged, not restricted. What makes America so great is that its citizens have the freedom to choose. Please don't change that.
Ps From what I have read it seems if Ecigs are marketed and sold simply as a different kind of cig that containing fewr harmful substances and not as a "Healthy, or "safe" cig., or a Stop smoking aid. No one would have cause to challenge them. No false advertising. No lawsuits. They would be considered ATF's problem by the FDA. The ATF would have nothing to regulate. Except perhaps package labeling
Please keep this in mind when explaining your e cig to the public. If we are all careful not to supply people with reasons to feel negatively about it. The same people who got cigs baned, May see that our cause is resonable and just, and will not feel the need to crusade against us. If we can gain the support of non smokers who can see the benifits of e cigs. the Government will have to work very hard to write and pass new Laws to stop us. If some of the current marketing continues they will be able to hang us all with some loop hole in existing laws in no time flat. Simply because people were to confused or misinformed to stand up for us. We need the whole world to know that These Products will benifit smokers and non smokers alike. without forcing anyone to comprimise their belefs or give up theirs personal rights and freedom.
