CASAA issues THIRD Call to Action in connection with FDA Proposed Regulations

[NicksCloud]

Please also share with any e-cig vendors, vape bloggers and vape video personalities and ask them to read to their customers/audience!

Done and done. This was an excellent suggestion.

 

[JustJulie]

To be clear, CASAA strongly encourages people to edit the emails to personalize them and to make the points they wish to make. That is the whole purpose for the middle portion of the email being editable. (We put some text in the beginning and end as fixed and uneditable to ensure that the "ask" is clear and that the message CASAA members are sending is consistent, but the guts of the email is yours to customize.)

We will likely be issuing a follow-up campaign on this issue in another week, something shorter and simpler than the Third Call to Action, and designed to keep the issue on the forefront with our legislators.

The reality is that we need THOUSANDS of people (ideally tens of thousands) participating in these campaigns because the greater the numbers, the greater our impact. Please continue to share the Third Call to Action and encourage others to participate.

 

[RosaJ]

Done!..........

 

[dbeast64]

Thank you!

Your message for "Ask members of Congress to Hold Congressional Hearings Regarding the FDA and CDC Actions" was sent on 06/16/2014 23:23 PM to the following recipients: President Barack Obama (D), Vice President Joseph Biden (D), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Rep. Mark Sanford (R-SC)

Thank you for taking action on our issue.

 

[NicksCloud]

It would be nice to see more ECF members here participating. This FDA proposal is a big one and will have real life effects on all of us who are not using cig-a-like products (and even they will be effected).

 

[kristin]

I received a supportive and relatively responsible (albeit very naive regarding the FDA) response from my Congressman Sean Duffy (R-WI)
Not sure why he thought I was concerned about youth use, why he apparently thought I'm a "student" or why he equates nicotine patches with e-cigarettes and not another ineffective "nicotine replacement." but it was good to hear he thinks the FDA "should embrace electronic cigarettes as a means for many smokers to get the help they need to quit smoking."

Unfortunately, he wants to let things go through the FDA process "without undue political pressure from outside forces."
************
Dear Mrs. Noll-Marsh,

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding teen smoking and tobacco alternatives. I always enjoy hearing from students and am pleased that you have taken an interest in this important issue.

For those adults who are trying to quit their smoking addiction, I believe that safe and effective products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine patches should be made available. E-cigarettes and nicotine patches have helped tobacco users quit smoking, and in some cases are proven to be more effective than nicotine replacement as a reduction strategy for many smokers. In accordance with that, I believe that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should embrace electronic cigarettes as a means for many smokers to get the help they need to quit smoking.

That said, my opinion is just that - an opinion - and one that is not made on the scientific and fact-based evidence the FDA has at its disposal. While I will continue to monitor this important issue, I believe the medical experts should be left to make the final determination without undue political pressure from outside forces. The FDA issued their proposed rule in April and will accept comments on the rule until July 9, 2014. I encourage you to comment on this rule, and will continue to monitor this as it goes through the process.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. It is an honor and privilege to represent you in the United States Congress, and I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind as any legislation regarding this issue comes before me in the House of Representatives.

Sincerely,
Sean P. Duffy
*******************

Obviously, he didn't understand the message that the FDA is not using "the scientific and fact-based evidence the it has at its disposal."

 

[eeevilyn.]

That looks very similar to the response I got from Duffy a few months back when I wrote him about ecigs. He even said the same thing about being a student.

I've not received a response yet from this weeks message, but it will most likely be the same as yours.

 

[bigdancehawk]

I received a supportive and relatively responsible (albeit very naive regarding the FDA) response from my Congressman Sean Duffy (R-WI)
Not sure why he thought I was concerned about youth use, why he apparently thought I'm a "student" or why he equates nicotine patches with e-cigarettes and not another ineffective "nicotine replacement." but it was good to hear he thinks the FDA "should embrace electronic cigarettes as a means for many smokers to get the help they need to quit smoking."

Unfortunately, he wants to let things go through the FDA process "without undue political pressure from outside forces."
************
Dear Mrs. Noll-Marsh,

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding teen smoking and tobacco alternatives. I always enjoy hearing from students and am pleased that you have taken an interest in this important issue.

For those adults who are trying to quit their smoking addiction, I believe that safe and effective products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine patches should be made available. E-cigarettes and nicotine patches have helped tobacco users quit smoking, and in some cases are proven to be more effective than nicotine replacement as a reduction strategy for many smokers. In accordance with that, I believe that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should embrace electronic cigarettes as a means for many smokers to get the help they need to quit smoking.

That said, my opinion is just that - an opinion - and one that is not made on the scientific and fact-based evidence the FDA has at its disposal. While I will continue to monitor this important issue, I believe the medical experts should be left to make the final determination without undue political pressure from outside forces. The FDA issued their proposed rule in April and will accept comments on the rule until July 9, 2014. I encourage you to comment on this rule, and will continue to monitor this as it goes through the process.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. It is an honor and privilege to represent you in the United States Congress, and I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind as any legislation regarding this issue comes before me in the House of Representatives.

Sincerely,
Sean P. Duffy
*******************

Obviously, he didn't understand the message that the FDA is not using "the scientific and fact-based evidence the it has at its disposal."

How could he not understand if he bothered to read it? His response is unresponsive to your main points:

"In addition to ignoring some of the most important scientific considerations, the FDA cites sources that do not support the claim being cited and misrepresents sources. The FDA also presents speculation as fact where it suits its agenda and, by the same token, presents established facts as if they were mere conjecture when those facts are not consistent with the FDA's agenda. An ongoing collection of these errors is available from the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA), a public health and education 501(c)(4) consumer group (of which I am a member).

Likewise, the CDC has been actively misrepresenting data and pursuing a political agenda not based on sound science, including misleading the public regarding the impact of e-cigarettes on youth as well as the risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes and other low-risk alternatives to smoking. (Please see blog.casaa.org/2014/05/casaa-submission-to-us-senate-committee.html for more information.)

FDA and CDC have repeatedly demonstrated their intent to reduce the availability, quality, and use of e-cigarettes. They are apparently unconcerned that e-cigarettes have proven to be an effective method for hundreds of thousands of American smokers to quit smoking, substituting an alternative that is estimated to be 99% less harmful than smoking. They have repeatedly presented misleading interpretations of data and are paying to have misleading data created."

I get the fact that they get a lot of mail on a wide variety of topics and that they rarely read it personally and even more rarely write a personalized response. However, to respond by saying, essentially, "The FDA knows best" because they are "medical experts" relying on "scientific and fact-based evidence" shows how utterly indifferent he (or whoever actually wrote it) is to what is actually going on.

EDIT: I'd be tempted to write him back and tell him so.

 

[CES]

I did this the other day.

(If history is any guide, I'll get a canned snail mail letter from my senators in a month or so. They always write back, but they don't actually say anything)

I'd love to know from CASAA how many people so far have responded to this CTA. I'm curious, because i'm guessing that the majority of people who respond don't post that they did it.

 

[snork]

Here is the response I got from Representative Ed Perlmutter:

Thank you for contacting me about the FDA's recent ruling about electronic cigarettes. I appreciate hearing from you on such an important issue because it enables me to better represent the beliefs and values of our district.

The FDA appears to be concerned about the use of electronic cigarettes. They cite the side effects to be unknown, and the possible negative impacts they could have on children. Currently, e-cigarettes are marketed for therapeutic purposes and are regulated under the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. However, there is a possibility the e-cigarettes will eventually be regulated under the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, as they do contain nicotine. The final decision on how these products are regulated within the FDA is still under review.

Rest assured, should any legislation reach the floor regarding this matter, I will keep your views in mind.
...

Contemplating my response.

 

[sonicdsl]

Here is the response I got from Representative Ed Perlmutter:

Thank you for contacting me about the FDA's recent ruling about electronic cigarettes. I appreciate hearing from you on such an important issue because it enables me to better represent the beliefs and values of our district.

The FDA appears to be concerned about the use of electronic cigarettes. They cite the side effects to be unknown, and the possible negative impacts they could have on children. Currently, e-cigarettes are marketed for therapeutic purposes and are regulated under the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. However, there is a possibility the e-cigarettes will eventually be regulated under the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, as they do contain nicotine. The final decision on how these products are regulated within the FDA is still under review.

Rest assured, should any legislation reach the floor regarding this matter, I will keep your views in mind.
...

Contemplating my response.

Are we in an alternate Fringe universe or something??

 

[Cucco]

This is the response I received:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) proposed rules for the regulation of electronic cigarettes, commonly known as e-cigarettes. I appreciate your concerns.

In April 2014, the FDA released their first proposal for regulating e-cigarettes. Under these new rules, companies would no longer be allowed to sell their product to minors, offer free samples, or assert that their products are less harmful than cigarettes without FDA approval. Companies would also be required to disclose ingredients in their products and carry warnings that they contain nicotine.

I have heard from Floridians on all sides of this issue. Some see e-cigarettes as a true alternative to traditional smoking, and they are excited by its potential to help people quit smoking. Others are concerned that the wide array of flavors and broad accessibility will attract children and encourage them to try other tobacco products.

Although e-cigarettes may benefit public health, I am troubled by their availability to minors and the lack of reliable health studies. Educating children about the dangers of smoking is the best way to prevent them from ever starting the habit.

Rest assured that I will continue to monitor the situation as it develops. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.

Sincerely,
Bill Nelson

 

[snork]

Are we in an alternate Fringe universe or something??

Yeah, I know. It's difficult to form a reply when I don't speak Martian.

 

[Not A One]

Are we in an alternate Fringe universe or something??

What exactly is confusing? A lot of companies do market them for therapeutic purposes. What do you think those "E-cigs helped me avoid X number of cigarettes" banners are?

EDIT: Wowwwww, I hate to say it, but CASAA sure isn't helping with this sort of thing:

 

[sonicdsl]

What exactly is confusing? A lot of companies do market them for therapeutic purposes. What do you think those "E-cigs helped me avoid X number of cigarettes" banners are?

EDIT: Wowwwww, I hate to say it, but CASAA sure isn't helping with this sort of thing:

I'm not confused. I've been vaping and active here for three years, so I'm quite familiar with the banners.

My point was, based on what I quoted, is that ecigs aren't regulated at all currently (other than numerous consumer protection laws), especially regulated under the "Center for Drug Evaluation and Research".

And you'll need to explain your point regarding CASAA's PSA's. Their point is ecigs could save the lives of up to 45 million smokers. What's wrong with that?

 

[Not A One]

I'm not confused. I've been vaping and active here for three years, so I'm quite familiar with the banners.

My point was, based on what I quoted, is that ecigs aren't regulated at all currently (other than numerous consumer protection laws), especially regulated under the "Center for Drug Evaluation and Research".

And you'll need to explain your point regarding CASAA's PSA's. Their point is ecigs could save the lives of up to 45 million smokers. What's wrong with that?

You bolded "Currently, e-cigarettes are marketed for therapeutic purposes and are regulated under the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research" and then asked if we were in an alternate universe. I assumed this meant you were confused, and pointed out that companies do market e-cigs for therapeutic purposes all the time.

CASAA making ads that revolve around e-cigs being therapeutic are not helping, since anything marketed like that needs to be tested and approved as a drug.

 

[snork]

No sane vendor of vaping gear markets it as therapeutic. We, the users, CASAA, whoever, are certainly entitled to speak of our experiences. We are not marketers, but we do know the truth.

 

[Not A One]

How do you think this looks to lawmakers? Imagine someone's actually on the edge; they really don't think anyone should be making claims of therapeutic value which have not been properly tested, but they think there's no reason to treat nicotine any differently from other natural supplements. Some vapers write and call and e-mail and helpfully explain that reputable companies are careful not to market e-cigs as therapeutic, they're just a modern alternative to cigarettes. Of course as with every industry, there will always be some fringe manufacturers around who make wild claims and refuse to follow regulations, but that shouldn't reflect badly on the majority. The lawmaker thinks, oh, you know, that makes sense.

Then they run across CASAA, the biggest group representing vapers, making claims e-cigarettes are therapeutic.

This is a great way to try to win the public, not Washington.

 

[aubergine]

Are we in an alternate Fringe universe or something??

 

[snork]

How do you think this looks to lawmakers? Imagine someone's actually on the edge; they really don't think anyone should be making claims of therapeutic value which have not been properly tested, but they think there's no reason to treat nicotine any differently from other natural supplements. Some vapers write and call and e-mail and helpfully explain that reputable companies are careful not to market e-cigs as therapeutic, they're just a modern alternative to cigarettes. Of course as with every industry, there will always be some fringe manufacturers around who make wild claims and refuse to follow regulations, but that shouldn't reflect badly on the majority. The lawmaker thinks, oh, you know, that makes sense.

Then they run across CASAA, the biggest group representing vapers, making claims e-cigarettes are therapeutic.

This is a great way to try to win the public, not Washington.

Okay, you do it your way, I'll do it mine. Maybe between us we'll get the job done.