Perhaps this post will help clarify some issues. I have always embraced the "same page" doctrine. When David is fighting Goliath, I will support our pro vaping allies, regardless of what they used to do or say. Even if some of their other views may not perfectly fit into what I would like to occur, if their pro vape actions are helpful in some manner or fashion, then I could care less what they used to do or say. I actually find it counter productive when well intentioned vapers publicly post about the history of our current friends. I also find it deplorable when a given "organization" throws another one under the bus publicly or one scientist argues with another publicly. Sure, have those disagreements but do it privately. For example, I had a serious disagreement with an organization on a given issue. Most of which was conducted via private email. In this case the totality of their actions helped the vaping movement and I have continued to support them in a aggressive and vigorous fashion.
My previous post indicated that I sent an email to
TVECA | Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association. I received an Email response which was followed with a phone conversation with Ray Story, CEO. Here is my summary of this phone call and my other observations.
They released two leaked documents. They initially indicated they would release the balance of the documents. Then they had a conversation with the FDA ("Mitch" is calling) about this issue which the FDA addresses on this page
A Special Statement from CTP - October 31, 2015 They reached a negotiated agreement and TVECA will not release any further documents.
I was told that the two leaked documents which they released are "current". No more and no less. Please draw your own conclusions and the semantics of same.
As owner of Smoking Everywhere, Ray Story initiated the famous "SOTTERA" legal action against the FDA. The Intervenor-Plaintiff was SOTTERA, INC., d/b/a NJOY. A multi millon dollar cost to him and at the time a critical legal decision. Of course, I'm aware of the irony of this decision and my guess is that certain aspects of vaping will be regulated as either a "medical device" or a "tobacco product"
We discussed at length what I will call BT Money. He brought up the subject although it was on my own tick list. Yes, some of them are members and yes this means they paid money to join. I was granted paid membership status so I can read documents that you can't see. I've poked around quite a bit and so far I don't see anything that supports BT at the expense of vaping. Given the fact that TVECA is Global in nature, their certainly could be some issues that I'm not aware of in a given relationship with a regulatory authority in another country but I don't see anything pro BT with respect to the FDA. Your free to either take my word for this or ignore my thoughts.
Their latest Member Newsletter indicates that their lobbying efforts with respect to TVECA's support for H.R. 2058 are in full gear with interaction with politicians.
Ray Story is a passionate individual. Very aggressive and outspoken. Acutely aware of some of the "controversy" which surrounds him. Because he has been self employed and currently owns another vaping centric firm, he clearly understands "negotiations" at the table. Maintaining a channel of communications, even if you have serious disagreements with the other party but striving for common ground and making the best of the situation. A realistic private expectation when David is fighting Goliath.
Finally, Is TVECA a "perfect" Vaping advocate. NO. Neither are YOU, ME, or anyone else engaged in this fight. By this I really mean my own "same page" doctrine, you take the pluses and the minuses and live with the inherent imperfection and move forward trying to save our industry. I'm happy we have TVECA on our side.
