Electronic Cigarettes In The News

Political Woes in the Commonwealth

Here in Briton, we seem to have been blessed with a surprisingly sensible public health system. Our various regulatory agencies have, for the most part, been looking at Electronic Cigarette issues with an eye toward caution, but non-reactionary mindset. That is to say, while they are looking to implement regulations, in regard to controlling the access of minors (Under 18’s) to electronic cigarettes and e-liquids. They are taking a “show me” stance before passing more strict regulations.

Chicken Little and the Behaviour Nazis

Unfortunately, this is not the approach throughout the entire Commonwealth. In fact, it would seem that some of our sister countries are succumbing to the “Chicken Little” syndrome being instigated by the Behaviour Nazis (close cousins to the PC Police) of the world.

They see someone deriving pleasure from anything, not officially sanctioned by them and their sponsors, and immediately assume it must be a bad thing. Someone is smiling; the sky is falling, the sky is falling; it must be evil; outlaw it now.

You know the type. The people who live in mansions and have to fly around the world in, petrol guzzling, private jets so they can tell the rest of us, how we are the ones destroying the planet, Yea, those guys.

Operating in the Dark

It seems they have now decided to set their sights on electronic cigarette users. Despite the mounting evidence to the contrary, they, in their wisdom, have decided that the use of electronic cigarettes, is the same as smoking tobacco, and should be banned in all public places and the products treated as tobacco products.

Their justification for these demands is that “We don’t know what we don’t know yet.” Or in plain English; we are completely in the dark, but we have to stay in control.

Latest Victim, Queensland, AU

The latest poor souls to fall victim to these elitist types are the people of Queensland Australia.

In Queensland, as of January 1, 2015 Electronic Cigarettes will be considered the same as tobacco and subject to the same legal restrictions as regular cigarettes.

Namely:

1. They will be banned in all public spaces both indoor and outdoor.
2. They will not be allowed to be sold to minors.
3. They will no longer be allowed to advertise in any public or retail areas.

While point number 2 is a given that even the stoutest industry proponents support; points 1 and 3 are highly restrictive measures, that could have a great dampening effect on the young industry.

Industrialized Idiocy

While many, might be able to excuse such cautionary regulations as being in the public interest. The latest research, as repeatedly reported in other Exhale Blog Posts, shows that most medical and scientific experts see the emergence of electronic cigarettes as a great hope, in the interest of public health.

In fact, it would appear from quotes attributed to Professor Jeff Dunn, chief executive of The Cancer Council Queensland, and lead lobbyist for the declaration of electronic cigarettes as tobacco products, that he either hasn’t kept up with the latest research or is practicing political idiocy on an industrial scale.

Professor Dunn was quoted in The Guardian as having said:

“These new laws are an important step toward a smoke-free future and another great step in ensuring the health and safety of Queenslanders in their local communities.”

This stands in stark contrast to the prevailing opinion, of those here at home, who have repeatedly advanced the opinion, that electronic cigarettes offer a great hope in the efforts of saving lives from the ravages of tobacco use.

In fact, considering the continually rising tide of evidence, in favour of electronic cigarettes, it would appear that Professor Dunn is more concerned with the political clout of his organization than advancing its purported purpose.

Until next time, here’s wishing you a smooth draw.

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