Fire the Surgeon General: Unacceptable Propaganda

Fire the Surgeon General: Unacceptable Propaganda

Article by J.G., Founder of the VapersArmy.org and VapeSling® LLC

April 10th, 2017, VapersArmy private chat: Tori Clayton (General in your VapersArmy) shared a disgusting video that made me sick. The awareness she presented was of this corrupted individual, with the title of the U.S Surgeon General (SG). The video shared here is a recent anti-vaping propaganda issued by the SG himself. The Hosts for the presentation, introduce the SG as a special guest. However, there is an obvious scripted and set theme by their behavior and ignorant remarks.

In the video, Vapor fear is delivered, in a radio show format, mixed in with negative nicotine effects for young adults developing brains. Absolutely no mention of smoking TAR filled, nicotine tobacco. Yes, Vapor or e-liquids can contain nicotine or none at all. In contrast, cigarette smoking has nicotine regardless, in addition to DEADLY TAR and 100’s of toxic chemicals. Vapor has absolutely no toxic chemicals, nor deadly TAR. A mention was made by the SG of Vaping not being SAFE. The Vape industry has never claimed a completely safe product, rather a 95% safer than smoking claim, backed by institutional studies. The Vaping industry also has no intentions nor desire to have young people vaping. However, the SG continues with a child attracting flavor claim. Truly a disgusting display of using his title and our tax dollars to produce government/Self gain, not the peoples gain. The truth of Vapor benefits are published everywhere in the world. However, in our sheeple society, this man can get away with this fear mongering production.

The main goal of the Vapor industry and their users (vapers) is HARM REDUCTION! This SG doesn’t get it!

Unfortunately, the U.S. Government views Vapor as TAX Reduction instead of Harm reduction. Most states and their politicians/civil servants, depend on Tobacco and Pharmaceutical tax dollars. Vaping has reduced much of these tax funds for vaping individuals and the states they reside in.

 

HEY U.S Surgeon General (SG), Vapers LOVE CANDY AND DOUGHNUTS TOO!!!

Sickening corruption by the SG. This is your tax dollars thrown away on misinformation to raise Tobacco dollars.

This video is like watching a paid production for Tobacco and Pharma (Nicorette). The SG makes No mention of the harms from young adults smoking deadly tar. Nor does he explain the side effects of using pharmaceutical products such as nicotine patches and gum. The corrupted Surgeon General is obviously representing in this video.

He goes further into the claim of vapor marketing to kids when he mentions a Doughnut flavored e-juice. This example was presented with only 1 purpose: to accuse the Vapor industry of marketing to young people. The desired result is for parents everywhere, to begin enforcing anti-vape opinions and votes. Question for the SG?: What people are seen in Doughnut shops? Cops and Seniors. Yes, seniors, and all adults like candy and doughnuts. Vapers do as well. Vaping requires flavors to help the users remain smoke free. Vaping is harm reduction! That’s it! it is not a fad to take up! It’s a life saving alternative to smoking. Smoke has deadly TAR, vaping does not. Vaping can have nicotine for the quitting individual needs to satisfy the nicotine addiction from years of smoking, yet without the deadly tar associated with smoking. Inhaled Nicotine, although having some side effects, are not deadly nor harmful. Eventually, A vaper ex-smoker can curb his appetite for nicotine as well. Many as I, have achieved this and seems to be the norm with most vapers.

My example: Smoked and inhaled cigars for 30years. Quit 100% for Vaping. Began at 36mg nicotine content. After 4 years of vaping at 3mg and 0mg.

LAST RANT on the B.S. in this video

If a young adult wants to try nicotine, they will most likely try smoking.

Explanation: Tobacco is virtually readily available to any young person. A cigarette only requires a match. Vapor 21 bans, coupled with a vapor device for substantial dollars. In addition, bumming a cigarette is extremely easy. Kids can’t vape if they wanted to. Vapers will never loan their device to any stranger, nor can a jobless person afford to buy vape equipment and e-juice.

In any case, Vapor has no nicotine unless requested/ordered with a particular nic strength. Vapor Sweet flavors are not for kids, rather for TAR quitting adults to remain smoke free.

The message of this video: Vaping Bad…SMOKE and Pharma Good.

Tweet to @podus: Unacceptable!!! Fire the SG!

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APRIL2017 Vapor Calls To Action

 

APRIL2017 Vapor Calls To Action

JOIN CASAA. By joining CASAA, you will become plugged into an advocacy network.

Print Flyers for your Vape Shops here-—> Flyer – Do you Like to VapeCasaa Flyer

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APR2017 Vapor Calls To Action Page

The most vital 2017 Vapor Call to Action for your state or local area is asking for HR1136 support. Unite to fight for our right to VAPE! Write, call or both to your lawmakers :

congress.gov/members: Contact your state representatives in Congress

House Reps by State:  Contact your state representatives in the Senate

HR1136 in PDF

VSLLC /VapersArmy update this page daily.

VapersArmy
VapersArmy

We research  for CTA (Calls to Action) in the morning. On occasion, a #2017VapeFight .org may publish a CTA later in the day. It may pass us till the next day. Help this page—> ON IG, we have received several CTA Alerts in the past from concerned Vapers (#VapeWarriors). We appreciate this and please continue or join in this practice. We will publish your handle when you tag us for the alert. Thank you VapersArmy!

 Although, most of these CTA do not pertain directly to our products, it does affect our #VapeCommunity. The Community is family…being part of a family means doing your part. Please do yours brothers and sisters for Vaping as Harm reduction.

Posted 4/21/17

OR – Help defeat Tobacco and Vapor 21!

Posted 4/16/17

AK – Take action to oppose an indoor vaping ban (SB 63)

Posted 4/12/17

Fire The U.S. Surgeon General. Unacceptable Anti-Vapor Propaganda Video

Update – 04.10.17

Over the weekend, the NY State Assembly passed a budget bill that did not include taxes or regulations on vaping! Thanks to your emails and calls and the efforts of the New York State Vapor Association, all of the vapor language in the proposed budget bills was removed.

Posted 4/3/17

Call To Action for every vaper…YES, YOU!!!

WA – It’s time to light up the phones in Olympia!

Posted Mar 27th

TX – Take action to oppose vapor and tobacco 21!

TX – Take action to oppose vapor and tobacco 21!

HB 1908, which would raise the age to purchase tobacco and vapor products to 21, is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday, March 28th, 2017 8:00 AM House Public Health Committee (notice) Room: EXT E2.1010  (map)   Your voice is important! Please take a moment today and send a message urging your representative to oppose HB 1908. Take Action – …

Posted Mar 24

NY – Take vapor out of the budget completely!

Even though there is no agreement between the NY Assembly, Senate, and Governor Cuomo regarding a tax on vapor products, vapor regulations are still being included in the state’s budget bill. Please take a moment TODAY to CALL Gov. Cuomo and urge him to completely remove vapor language from the budget! 518-474-8390

  • NY – Take vapor out of the budget completely!

  • Help us send letters to HHS Sec. Tom Price!

  • Kansas – Take action to change the tax on vapor products!

  • Posted Mar 20th

  • NV – Take action to oppose vapor taxes!

  • MT – Oppose a 74% wholesale tax on vapor and smokeless tobacco products

  • RI – Oppose an 80% wholesale tax in the 2018 Budget

  • This 3/20 CTA set was Alerted by #VapeWarrior @afcarmona; a concerned Nevadan such as all those at VSLLC. Thank you @afcarmona

    Posted Mar 16th

    NY – Oppose Gov. Cuomo’s 40c/ml tax on vaping!

    Posted Mar 14th

    Urge your representative to co-sponsor HR 1136! Click Here

    Posted Mar 6th

    PA VapeWarriors! It’s time to fight once more! Your 40% tax can be fought…write your lawmakers now!

    Posted Feb 24th

    HR 1136 – Modernizing the predicate date for vapor products is a vital first step

    Posted Feb 19th

    NEW congressional BILL: H.R.1136 – To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for a certain effective date with respect to deemed tobacco products, to provide for the establishment of product standards for vapor product batteries, to provide for regulation of vapor products, and for other purposes.

    Write or call to Ask your state lawmakers to support this bill

    Cole/Bishop bill in it’s entirety

    Arkansas Call to Action – Take action to oppose an indoor vaping ban (SB 285)!

    Posted Feb 3rd

    Arizona – Take action to oppose a 95% tax on vapor products

      A 95% wholesale tax (SB 1517) on vapor products has been introduced in the Arizona senate. Such an outrageous tax rate is bad for both businesses and consumers. Not to mention the damaging public health consequences of taking smoke-free alternatives away from former smokers. It is vital that you TAKE ACTION by urging your Arizona senator to REJECT SB …

    A bill (SB 119) has been introduced that would ban online sales of vapor products in Maryland. Supporters of SB 119 are promoting this as necessary to control youth access to vapor products. But, rather than prevent young people from making purchases, such an extreme regulation will actually limit adult access to vapor products. For those who live in areas …

    Older but current posts

    Posted Jan 4th

    The new year is here, but responses to ECigIntelligence’s consumer survey are still needed.

    Your participation in this survey will help inform regulators, advocates, and commentators as we all work to build policies that benefit consumers.

    If you haven’t already, please take a moment (5 – 10 minutes) to complete the survey.

    Click here to take the survey

    Thank you!

    Alex Clark

    CASAA Legislative Coordinator

    Posted Jan 4th

    2017 State Taxes affecting vapers throughout the country

    Posted Dec 8th

    Sign the Petition! —->www.atr.org/tell-trump-fire-us-surgeon-general

    Fire This man
    Fire This man

    In a new report by the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, is calling for the inclusion of vapor in smoke-free policies and PRICE AND TAX POLICIES. We, at #notblowingsmoke, consider that a violation of the hippocratic oath he took since it will most certainly encourage youth and adults BOTH to go back to smoking instead of an alternative that has been proven to be, conservatively speaking, 95% safer than smoking. Dr. Murthy’s report ignores years of dramatic reductions in youth cigarette smoking and instead MISLEADS THE PUBLIC into believing that a much less harmful alternative presents “major health risks”. It seems obvious to us that Dr. Murthy has no objections to reversing the years of progress that have been made in curbing the use of combustible cigarettes.

    As the nation’s senior public health official his term doesn’t expire until the end of 2018. With President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp” however, we’re calling on Trump to deliver a simple message to Dr. Murthy: YOU’RE FIRED!

    Sign the petition by ATR, which will be delivered to the president’s office, asking President Trump to FIRE the Dr. Murthy and REPLACE him with someone who actually CARES about tobacco harm reduction and saving lives. The petition link is in the profile!

    Note: NOT Blowing Smoke generally does not support petitions. However, in this case as the administration is in a transitional period (and appointments and seats are still being made) there is no way to direct the messages to specific targets. The petition will be HAND DELIVERED by ATR, though, at some point in the next month. Let’s make this a message that can be heard loud and clear with the new administration.

    Posted Nov 7

    Lookup your LawMakers before your vote

    FIVE THINGS TO DO TODAY TO SAVE VAPING

    IVapeIVote Crowd Shot

    (1)  Send a Message! Support a change to the 2007 “predicate date” which could save the vapor industry from total destruction.

    (2)  Join CASAA! It’s easy, it’s free, and we will keep you up to date on information and opportunities to take action to protect your access to vapor products.

    (3)  Register To Vote! Millions of vapers, including YOU, have the power to influence government decisions by electing candidates who support vaping!

    (4)  Tell your story! Visit CASAA’s Testimonials Project and tell us about your experience with low-risk, smoke-free products like e-cigarettes and snus.

    (5)  Support CASAA’s work to promote tobacco harm reduction policies and keep the diverse range of smoke-free alternatives available.

    Answer Ron Johnson

    Seal-of-Wisconsin

      (Please note: if you live outside of Wisconsin, please follow the directions below to print and send your letter.) Senator Ron Johnson (WI) is taking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to task over the impact of the “deeming rule” on small to medium vapor businesses across the country. Sen. Johnson, Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental …

    Read More »

    FDA Call to Action: Submit Comments on FDA’s Proposed Regulation of Safety Packaging and Labeling for E-Cigarettes and Dissolvable Smokeless Tobacco

    Update August 21, 2015: The comment deadline has been extended to September 30, 2015. DEADLINE for Comment is August 31, 2015 September 30, 2015. I. Background The FDA recently published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) requesting comments on rules about “Nicotine Exposure Warnings and Child-Resistant Packaging for Liquid Nicotine, Nicotine-Containing E-Liquid(s), and Other Tobacco Products.” As is obvious from …

    Read More »

    Call to Action! Support HR 2058 which would change the grandfather date for vapor products

    The FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act of 2015 (HR 2058), introduced by Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma, would save the U.S. vapor industry from being decimated by improper regulations by the FDA. This bill would amend the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act to change the grandfather date for “deemed tobacco products.” This change would allow for all vapor products currently …

    About CASAA

    The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) organization with an all-volunteer board and a grassroots membership of more than two hundred thousand individuals from all walks of life, and we are growing daily. We are a consumer organization, not a trade association. We are dedicated to ensuring the availability of reduced harm alternatives to smoking and to providing smokers and non-smokers alike with honest information about those alternatives so that they can make informed choices.

    The timeline includes links to articles, patents, court decisions, and many other resources to give a comprehensive history of this revolutionary alternative to combustible tobacco.

    CASAA Call to Action for ALL VAPERS

    CASAA Call to Action for ALL VAPERS

    www.august8th.org
    www.august8th.org
    CASAA
    CASAA

    SUPPORT COLE-BISHOP!

    VapeWarriors!

    Even if you’ve reached out to your lawmakers in the past, we need you to do it again. We have received word that the Cole-Bishop amendment is being seriously considered for inclusion in the FY2017 US budget.

    But, this is not a guarantee. There are strong forces working against anything that might be perceived as a “Republican rider” in the budget bill. Even though Cole-Bishop is a bipartisan effort in support of what should be a bipartisan issue, the effort to modernize the predicate date for vapor products has been stripped out of the budget before.

    We need your help to keep Cole-Bishop in the budget bill!

    Nevada only published..find your state lawmakers at :

    congress.gov/members: Contact your state representatives in Congress

    House Reps by State:  Contact your state representatives in the Senate

    Please take a moment to call your representative and senators

    • Sen. Dean Heller (R) – (202) 224-6244
    • Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D) – (202) 224-3542
    • Rep. Jacky Rosen (D) – (202) 225-3252

    Points to discuss on your call:

    • Urge them to support the Cole-Bishop language in the 2017 US budget bill
    • If the predicate date for vapor products is not modernized, nearly all vapor products will be wiped off the market in 2018. Many businesses will start closing down this year.
    • The FDA will still have the authority to regulate vapor products and common sense regulations like no sales or marketing to minors will remain unchanged.
    • If you have time, briefly, tell your story about how vaping has helped you.

     

    When you’re finished with your call, visit www.august8th.org and send an email.

    Please share this URL with everyone. EVERYONE!

    Thank you,

    CASAA Legislative Team

    VapeSling® VapersArmy.org

    New Send & Sling Customize

    New Send & Sling™ Customize

    Send_n_SlingAs of March 23rd 2017, New Send & Sling™ Customize is released.

    (only available for V3 slings)

    Now you can personalize your V3 Sling type with any fabric print you desire. Sling your Sports teams (NFL, NBA etc), car/bike brands (Harley), TV show (TWD, GOT, etc), or a favorite pattern print (Stripes, polka-dots, etc…).

    Step 1: Go to any fabric store and select your favorite printed fabric. Copyright material such as Disney® are fine to use. Our legal team assures your purchased copyright fabric can be used legally for your OWN* Sling customization. The sturdier your fabric, the better. Tee shirts can be sent in, however, the material may not be long enough for a MODster for instance. Please keep this in mind when selecting your fabric for your Sling type. Please send at least 2 yards if possible, to avoid seams.

    Step 2: Shop VapeSling.com and add your V3 Sling type to your cart. Immediately after, add the Send & Sling FREE option to the cart. Checkout and done on the site.

    Step 3: Send your fabric to:

    VapeSling LLC

    Attention: Send&Sling

    10624 S Eastern Ave

    STE: A-838

    Henderson, NV 89052

    We suggest using the most economical method: USPS “Thick/Padded envelope” rate. Using any clasp envelope of 9×12 or larger, your rate can be as low as $2.61 (1-4oz) and up to $4.30 (1 lbs).

    Step 4: 3-5 days after we receive your fabric, you will receive your new custom Sling.

    Note: The VapeSling® VS® Logo accompanies your sling and custom fabric. Therefore, we forbid fabric with hate lettering or symbols. These will be discarded and money refunded. Profanity is ok as long as it is directed at the FDA 🙂

    Reminder: Please add your Sling choice to the cart as well as the complimentary Send & Sling option.

    *NOTE: You are not re-distribute any of the S&S slings.

    HR1136 – A new push for Cole/Bishop

    HR1136 – A new push for Cole/Bishop
    U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, President of the United States: Reject the FDA’s Deeming of Vapor Products as Tobacco Products
    by Les Leung · 60,413 supporters
    Petition update

    A new push for Cole/Bishop

    Les Leung
    Les Leung
    Sacramento, CA

    Mar 21, 2017 — Cole/Bishop have drafted legislation to accomplish what the amendment proposed last year would have done, to change the grandfather date so that existing vapor products would be exempt from the PMTA process. HR 1136 has already gained some support, if your representatives are on the list, send them a message and thank them for their support. If your reps are not sponsors, send them a message and let them know you want their support.

    We have to keep fighting, any and every way that we can.

    HR 1136 gains early co-sponsors. Take a moment to say THANK YOU! | CASAA
    If you are not a resident of one of the districts listed below, please Take Action here. Don’t know who your representative is? You can find…
    http://casaa.org

    A Billion Lives Film is available on iTunes

    A Billion Lives Film is available on iTunes 
    They said we wouldn’t finish it.
    They said we shouldn’t wait for film festivals.
    They said it wouldn’t win awards.
    They said the media wouldn’t pay attention.
    They said nobody would come see it in theaters.
    They said we wouldn’t get it out to the world.
    They are wrong.

    At every turn, we took the necessary time to do things the right way. We did what we said we’d do.

    We made an award-winning film. We were on national news. We showed the movie to politicians & thought leaders. We brought 100,000 people together.

    Now it’s time to show the world.

    The Plan
    It would have been nearly impossible to fight against the massive river of election and post-election coverage. Nobody in government was listening.

    Now the US elections are finished and it’s back to business. There will be a new leader at the FDA. New legislation is pending. Changes are happening in Europe as well.

    It is clear that the masses are upset. They are tired of being ignored.

    We have friends of the truth in high places, such as my Senator in Wisconsin, Ron Johnson. He continues to fight for this, as do others around the world.
    However, in a sea of issues like terrorism, the economy, and immigration, we need to make the case that this topic is vital…that people like you care about it.
    Here’s how we’ll do it:
    Step 1) With your help, we’ll rise to the top of the iTunes movie charts, drumming up interest to release the movie wider, and broadcast it on major TV networks and streaming sites.

    Step 2) Use proceeds from sales to properly market the movie to the public.
    Step 3) With your help, we’ll use that momentum to gain awareness and give our friends in Washington, Brussels, and around the world more credibility.
    #1 Movie on iTunes is about Vaping?

    Can you imagine that?

    Along with the awards and press we’ve gotten so far, having the #1 movie on iTunes (largest market for digital media) will be a way for this topic to break the credibility barrier for the key people who can make a difference in this fight.

    People like to watch and recommend popular movies. Sites like iTunes use sales data to suggest popular movies.

    It just takes an initial push to get there.
    There are documentary films on the Top 10 charts and we’ve timed this to fall on a slow day for movie releases. All of your pre-order sales will hit the charts when it goes live on April 12th.
    Please support the #ABillionLives movement and order it. Now is the time. This is our last chance to make news.

    If we are successful, we will give our high level friends the social credibility they need and provide a small army of supporters with an anti-propaganda weapon in their pocket.

    But it all starts with you.

    Google Play, Amazon, and Others
    Of course we won’t stop with iTunes. That’s just the beginning.
    We’ve also received word that we’re about 98% finished with the approval process for Google Play and Amazon. Other platforms are in the works as well.
    We’ll keep you updated.
    Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray
    We know that most people prefer to consume their media digitally. We also know that many have asked for physical copies they can send to skeptics and local leaders.
    Shops:  We are now finalizing bulk wholesale orders for stores and online retailers. Reply to this email if you’d like more information. We’d invite you to help us get our physical products out to the masses.
    Consumers:  Once we have the final list of retailers, we’ll send it to you to order your personal copy of the collector’s edition Blu-Ray.

    Netflix, Hulu, HBO, & More

    Ultimately, we’d like to see the movie on more streaming services. It’s been tricky.
    In the meantime, we’re excited for the movie to be broadcasted so the truth gets presented in front of the general public.

    Our new broadcast distributor has been discussing A Billion Lives with HBO, AMC, MBC, YLC, MediaLaan, RTL, ProSieben, Telefilms, Bell Media, and Turner. In addition, they plan to bring our movie to Cannes next month for meetings with more key people.

    This could be huge.

    Next Steps:
    1. Order A Billion Lives on iTunes
    2. Share the trailer we just posted
    3. Join the movement on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram
    Take part in our three week march to #1. We’ll be releasing new videos, sharing special highlights, and gearing up for our final push to get this in front of as many people as possible.
    It all starts with you. We need our base to support us and drive the first wave. Once we show the power of this movement, the public will follow.

    There is a battle for attention at the top. Leaders are being elected around the world to make change. We just need them to hear us.

    You are a storm. They will hear you if we act together. We cannot let our neighbors fall prey to fake news and propaganda.

    This is too important.

    Talk soon,

    Aaron Biebert
    Director

    Follow us on Twitter

    View on Instagram
    View our videos on YouTube
    Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.

    Vapor News and Views – New FDA Head

    Vapor News and Views – New FDA Head

    scottGottFDA
    Scott Gottlieb

    March 13, 2017

    Vapor News and Views
    News and views on vapor tax and regulatory issues from across the United States. The best way to stay up to date with what’s happening in Washington and in your state capitol.

    President Trump has nominated Scott Gottlieb to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an agency mired in red tape and bureaucracy. You may recall, Gottlieb was first on my list of options under consideration and there are plenty of reasons to believe this is a good thing for the vapor industry and its consumers. More below!
    Paul Blair
    Strategic Initiatives Director
    Americans for Tax Reform

    Who is Dr. Scott Gottlieb and is he on our team?

    Nearly all of what you’ll read about Gottlieb relates to his belief that the approval of medicines and medical devices must be sped up. While many of you reading this may have an interest in those topics, I’m going to avoid commentary on the subject (other than to say it’s great) and focus on two issues of relevance to this newsletter.

    First, read this 2013 Forbes piece written by Gottlieb, “FDA’s New Tobacco Scheme, and Its Legislative Underpinnings, May Go Up in Smoke.” In the piece, he outlines the two dominant forces at play in the aftermath of the Tobacco Control Act, which brought tobacco products under regulatory control of the FDA. Those two forces were the anti-tobacco crowd (activists) and current and future manufacturers of reduced risk products, like vapor products. In 2013, he concluded that “only one party can win.”

    To date, the activists have won. Absent immediate changes, the FDA will oversee the prohibition of vapor products in less than two years. But, if confirmed, Gottlieb can put a stop to that. The question becomes, will he? I’ve got good reasons to believe there’s going to be a culture shift at the agency in a way that’s more helpful than the status quo.

    Second, a bit more on his background. Gottlieb served as Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs at the FDA under President George W. Bush, is a clinical professor at NYU’s School of Medicine and a venture partner at New Enterprise Associates, and is currently a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI).

    As I often point out, they’re as big a fans of the concept of harm reduction over at AEI as we are at ATR. A few pieces of commentary from AEI’s Sally Satel:

    “What the US Should Learn from the UK’s Wisdom on E-Cigarettes;”
    “Congress, Save E-Cigarettes from the FDA;”
    “How Vapers Can Help Smokers Quit;”
    Where does this leave us? This nomination continues a significant opportunity for advancing a stated goal of the Trump administration: Big League regulatory reform. Gottlieb is a cancer survivor. He isn’t some out-of-touch public health bureaucrat with little to no understanding of the real impact that bureaucracy can have on saving (or destroying) lives. I remain optimistic that this good, very good for the goals of the vapor industry and its millions of consumers who are living healthier lives as a result of market innovations.

    New Cole-Bishop Stand Alone Bill Dropped: Broad Coalition Support
    Mid last month, House Resolution 1136 was filed by Congressman Tom Cole (R-Okla.). The “FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act of 2017” accomplishes the same goals as the more well-known “Cole-Bishop Amendment,” the amendment to the House Agriculture Appropriations Bill, which is still under consideration (see: alive) for the FY17 budget debate. (Reminder: the ultimate goal is a modernization of the February 2007 predicate date).

    No surprise; the first co-sponsor of the bill was Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) and to-date the bill has 14 co-sponsors. It’s been assigned to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

    There’s a real consensus on this effort. Leaders from the American Vaping Association (AVA), Smoke-Free Alternatives Trade Association (SFATA), Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association (CASAA), and Vapor Technology Association (VTA) sent a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Pelosi urging support for the common sense legislation.

    Center for Tobacco Products’ Mitch Zeller Out?
    Mitch Zeller, the director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products is not a political appointee. He’s under no obligation to leave the position and could theoretically stick around for a while. But, there are some rumors that he’ll leave this year. He’ll have two choices when confronted with an FDA more supportive of harm reduction than he is: head back to the private sector or change course. My money’s on the big retainer awaiting him at any of the large pharmaceutical companies. Fingers crossed.
    Upcoming Event Alert: Tobacco Control in an Era of Vapor Products
    This Thursday, March 16th, Americans for Tax Reform is co-hosting an event in Washington, D.C. at the Heritage Foundation, “Rethinking Tobacco Control in an Era of E-Cigarettes and Other Alternatives to Smoking.” I’ll be joined by AEI’s Sally Satel, National Center for Public Policy Research’s Jeff Stier, and Heritage’s Daren Bakst.
    Details: “This expert panel will discuss [smoking] alternatives, the latest research, the current harmful meddling of the federal government, and a new approach to tobacco policy, “tobacco harm reduction,” that recognizes that reducing the harm from the delivery of nicotine is not an all-or-nothing proposition.”

    For those of you who live in real America and are unable to attend the event in person, that event can be viewed at 12:00PM EST on Heritage’s website. More info here.

     

    If you think this was informative please do forward to friends or colleagues who might be interested in Vapor News and Views!

    And if you can’t get enough… Get your premium content subscription to Vapor News and Views Pro by emailing me at [email protected]
    Paul Blair | Americans for Tax Reform | 202-785-0266 | [email protected] | www.atr.org