So many members have offered (in this and related forums) astute and very useful comments and analyses about the recent FDA report.
However, what is sticking in my craw are the obfuscations, logical falacies, and over-generalizations: in that report, in politicians' rhetoric, and in news stories. [NOTE: All emphases in the following quotes are mine.] They include:
1. "These products are marketed and sold to young people"
Does "young people" refer to children and teens or to younger adults (e.g., those in their 20's)? I believe that they are using the true (but innocuous) second meaning to smuggle in the entirely false (but alarming) first meaning. [I believe that is the FDA's intent. It unquestionably is the effect.]
2. "...available in different flavors, such as chocolate and mint, which may appeal to young people" [In their shoes, I would have used cola or cherry as examples.]
Again "young people," but my point here relates to the industry's rationale for the flavors and to that word may (also used elsewhere in the report).
3. "...analyzed the ingredients in a small sample of cartridges from two leading brands of electronic cigarettes. In one sample..." combined with "All of these results indicate an overall lack of quality control" (Benjamin Westenberger of the FDA)
However, what is sticking in my craw are the obfuscations, logical falacies, and over-generalizations: in that report, in politicians' rhetoric, and in news stories. [NOTE: All emphases in the following quotes are mine.] They include:
1. "These products are marketed and sold to young people"
Does "young people" refer to children and teens or to younger adults (e.g., those in their 20's)? I believe that they are using the true (but innocuous) second meaning to smuggle in the entirely false (but alarming) first meaning. [I believe that is the FDA's intent. It unquestionably is the effect.]
- Most people understandably would be concerned if their childern were being seduced by nicotine pushers in playgrounds.
- In fact, however, e-cigs are marketed and sold only to adults (including, but certainly not limited to, younger adults).
- BTW, I think that PV's are expecially helpful to older, long-time smokers (like me, age 63), who have a proven track record of being unable to shake the nicotine addiction.
Again "young people," but my point here relates to the industry's rationale for the flavors and to that word may (also used elsewhere in the report).
- It is we adults who are enjoying these myriad alternatives to the nasty taste of analogs. [Have you smoked an analog recently? It's a pretty efficient nicotine delivery system, but the taste: Yuck!]
- Many adult activities may appeal to minors: alcohol, analog cigarettes, prescription medications, etc. The solution has been not to ban them from adults, but to apply strict controls on sale to minors.
- And just because something may be misused (by some people) does not mean it will be misused (by all people) and, therefore, should be banned from appropriate use (by most people).
- Two vendors are the entire industry? [For those who have read Atlas Shrugged: Do impurities in Oren Boyle's steel mean that Reardon Metal is unsafe?]
- Is it appropriate to characterize "small sample" and "one sample" as "all of these results"?
- Does this indicate an "overall" lack of quality control?
- Polish these arguments. I ain't no logician, academic, or speech writer.
- Add your observations, opinions, and commentary.
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