I have been struggling to put how I feel into words. I'm at a loss, perhaps for the first time ever, with how to voice my feelings. Here goes, but it may not be coherent.
I feel like the deeming regs DO affect everyone, if they are passed as proposed. There are 40 million Americans smoking.There can't be too many people who don't know at least one smoker who could benefit from a PV if the truth about these products were being told. Even if someone claims they don't know anyone who smokes, they certainly are affected at one time or another by second hand smoke and cigarette butts littering their communities. PVs create much less waste and are a harm reduction alternative to combustible tobacco products. Pushing through the regulations as written removes the ability for these people and their loved ones to even consider a better option for themselves and those around them. That is not freedom.
There is nothing incoherent in anything you have said. IMO, your questions and comments have touched on most of the pivotal issues. Regarding your comment that "That is not freedom." I agree. I will address your your questions one by one.
I suppose what I'm trying to get at, is how can we present our case to the masses so they can see these devices in a positive light and back that up with accurate reporting of scientific studies while calling out the people who are just looking for a payday?
This actually is where the battle axe is grinding and is the uphill climb. The problem is vapors have ALMOST NO ACCESS to major media outlets. Its complicated by a lot of disinformation. The Offices of Diseases and Controlleth recently published a report that ecigs are the CAUSE of new smoking habits by leading to it amongst new starters,-- in so many words. This went mainstream and was reported on local media outlets. My suggestion would be a media blitz, to small town media newspapers and think tanks in leaflet form, but I am not principal or party to the vaper organizations who engage it.
Is it too late to win the court of public opinion?
I dont know, but its getting real late in the day. I am not optimistic.
Is it too difficult to track down who greases who's hands in the FDA, "public health" and congress and call them out on it?
No, its not too difficult. But even if I can grab the greaseballs, who did this stuff, and throw the mud off there feet in your direction, people would never believe it, probably you either. So the answer to your question is no, but you cant because its just too unreasonable to try. In addition, you got a lot of crybabys on the in between, people who do what there told because they got there job and there simpleton way of looking at things, and they dont want to miss the back nine at the golf hole.
Is it too late to create simple to understand, easy to distribute info graphics that illustrate the real truth about PVs to the public?
Does this stuff exist already?
Yes, this information does exist. It's available, but like you suggest "how can we present our case to the masses", this point is not being focused on so it seems the information is at a log jam. (Because of access problems to the media, I presume.)
I think we're relying on solid information, but it's being presented in a way that is too scholarly to expect the average American to take notice of.
Its a double headed dragon your fighting. You have to provide some long winded scholarly arguments because those are the ones that attack the ecig industry also. but I think you make a great point about "the average American", because they look- in busy world for small sound bites.
I am also utterly sick of the "for the children" argument. Seriously, I'm one of those children ANTZ tried to protect from smoking and guess what, they failed.
You are correct, it is an utter sabotage of clear thinking and nothing but a ruse. A Professor of Economics from California recently paused an article in Los Vegas media outlets that indicated the FDA can do both. By both, I mean protect children from starting and protect the vaping industry and its users.
I just need to put out there how I'm feeling about all of this and hope to find some resources to help the cause.
If you want to help the cause (BTW, good idea), why dont you ask a moderator here at ECF like Cariweden? I couldnt tell you if they are looking for two hands to grab a shovel or not. Apparently, Classy has been looking for a job. And if Classy is around here less, how are they going to control a public trash can like me?
Here's the goods IMO MamaRymes, IMO, if the powers who are fighting the FDA over this legislation would focus only on putting there resources in the areas your questions suggest, it would, give em a fighting chance.
BTW GREAT JOB, for a "novice" you sure do have a good handle on where the problems are. It pays to read and listen---- NO?
Whatever the case, there will probably be a few eternal mortgages here, like Linkin Park says "In the End", so dont get sick over it.
Well if we cant get them to smoke we gotta do something
