No, there isn't. I believe I have an understanding of your objections. From a purely theoretical standpoint, I can understand them. From a practical standpoint, they don't "hold water".
This will be my last post in this thread unless for some odd reason someone needs to respond to me here on open forum rather than addressing the same concerns to me in PM.
I truly believe that not addressing the minors issues while giving off the hypocritical messages around 'safety of eCigs' is highly impractical. To me, CASAA doesn't hold water on this current issue and sets up a situation where either FDA proposals or ANTZ follow up will tear into vapers with relative ease. This will be partially based on CASAA/vaping community's own admission that eCigs are plausibly dangerous to certain persons (i.e. kids). I'm not even 100% sure that CASAA believes this, but why else come out in favor of regulations that ban sales to minors? If I were ANTZ, I wouldn't look at it the way CASAA members do (political expediency) and instead would think even vapers know what they are up to as harmful, but like to pretend otherwise under threat of deeming regulations that will plausibly limit vapers in getting their fix so easily.
I would suggest (if you haven't already) see the movie: Lincoln or read the book it is based on by the eminent Historian, Doris Kerns Goodwin. There is a part (actually happened, in fact) where the epitome of the Abolitionist movement, Representative Stevens must address Congress on the 13th Amendment. He knows that if he states his true belief that all men are created equal, in all things, that the amendment will be defeated. Instead, he states that all men ought to be equal "under the law". He modified his public opinion for the good of the "practical" need to pass the amendment. I believe that there is significant "reason" and "logic" in what he did.
Saw the movie and disagree, of course, with the analogy. If smokers/vapers get into an actual physical battle with ANTZ and thus cause another American civil war which is tied solely to rights of vaping minors, then I can see the point you are making here as one that may kinda sorta hold water. Short of that, and I think the way you are using this point could be used for anyone that holds a disagreement in a discussion. Outside of this thread, and outside of this forum, I will squarely address persons who claim a) vaping is dangerous to minors and/or b) vaping (even at 0 mg) must never be allowed by minors. Why would I do this? Because I believe the overwhelming anecdotal evidence that demonstrates eCigs/vaping nicotine is relatively harmless to vast majority all humans, especially those 13 and up. I find it unreasonable to not go this approach, and feel vapers are selling their own rights down the road for the hope that magically the FDA will be easy on deeming regulations that are (allegedly) forthcoming.
We are facing a political and perception issue when it comes to vaping. A practical "reasoned" approach to supporting our position is the only option.
Let me know when you find that 'reasoned' approach.
We need one, reasoned, practical voice. CASAA is the only option available and a pretty good one.
CASAA is not the only option. On the whole, I think they are a decent option. Reality is, every vaper on this forum doesn't need to join CASAA for all that CASAA offers / provides to be shared with each individual. If I want to participate in whatever is current CTA CASAA is up to, I can do so, and don't need to be a member for that to happen. I'm guessing I can donate to CASAA and not be a member. I would say a significant reason for joining CASAA is to show vapers are organized and that 'we' have strength in our numbers. I will not be joining for reasons I believe that I've already made clear. That doesn't mean that I won't participate in CTA's and do all I can to help with vaping rights.
Best wishes to all of you who do join CASAA and who are focussed on the larger goal.
