This was my letter to Tennessee: To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Kristin Mosley. I am a resident of Elmwood Park, IL and am writing you in protest of the proposed bill to make electronic cigarettes illegal. It is a new product that certainly needs research and regulation, but this seemingly government wide reluctance to do so by the very legislators that are supposed to protect my freedom is very offensive to me. Every argument in regard to their being dangerous to one's health could also be applied to tobacco cigarettes. If electronic cigarettes are to be made illegal for that reason, then by that logic tobacco products should be illegal as well. Every 8 seconds a person dies from smoking tobacco, yet they are perfectly legal. Tobacco companies put dangerous toxins into cigarettes just to make them more addictive and that is just fine by the lawmakers of this country, so why should electronic cigarettes be made illegal? Electronic cigarettes are certainly not as healthy as not smoking at all, but they are certainly less dangerous than tobacco cigarettes.
My father died at a very young age from emphysema. I have been a smoker for 20 years. Since using the electronic cigarette, I have been able to cut my nicotine intake and my energy level and overall feeling of health has increased. Could children become addicted to electronic cigarettes just as they could to tobacco cigarettes? Certainly. Being a lifelong tobacco smoker will guarantee their cause of death. I believe that further research of electronic cigarettes will prove that they are less dangerous than tobacco cigarettes. Children will try anything that all of their friends are doing or what their parents are doing, which is why tobacco products can only be bought by someone 18 years of age or older. Electronic cigarettes deserve the same regulation, not out and out banning.
This type of moral imposing behavior by legislators reminds me of prohibition of marijuana. It is safer than alcohol, yet banned because those in power think it is morally wrong to smoke marijuana. The war against it has just forced it underground and into the black markets. It has filled our jails with non-violent offenders that cost taxpayers money. Most taxpayers really wouldn't care if it was illegal. Many of them smoke it whether it's legal or not. It isn't easily controlled because it can be grown in someone's home and consumed without the watchful eye of the government. This will be the same case with electronic cigarettes. I am an American. It is my right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as americans have always had to fight our government for our rights, even though they were promised to us over 200 years ago. This fight will be no different. I work, pay the taxes that make up your salaries, and deserve my freedom. Good luck to you. You'll need it.
God Bless America. And electronic cigarettes.
Sincerely,
Kristin MXXXXXX
7870 W xxxxxxxxx.
xxxxxxxxxx, IL xxxxx
xxx-xxx-xxxx
