E-Cigs And New York's "They Look Too Real!" Argument
Reason Foundation's Adrian Moore tweeted:
@reasonpolicy
Nanny NYC Health Commissioner Says E-Cigarettes Must Be Banned Because They Look Like the Real Thing
My tweet back:
Tofurky, meatless meatballs, and those hotdogs made from tofu feet and snouts should be next on the "looks real" hit list.
Moore's tweet linked to this Jacob Sullum piece at reason:
Yesterday the New York City Council held what The New York Times describes as "one of the most scientifically vague and emotionally charged health committee hearings in recent memory."
He continues in another reason piece:
The New York City Council is considering a ban on the use of electronic cigarettes in bars, restaurant, and other "public places"--not because there is any evidence that the devices pose a hazard but because they look too much like regular cigarettes. Councilman James Gennaro, a sponsor of the proposed ban, tells The New York Times, "We see these cigarettes are really starting to proliferate, and it's unacceptable." Why is it unacceptable? According to the Times, "Mr. Gennaro said children who could not differentiate between regular and electronic smoking were getting the message that smoking is socially acceptable."
There is a reason why I will not step foot in many major cities. I expect at least one person can have a rational thought.
Jim P. at December 6, 2013 11:15 PM
Councilman Gennaro must think children in New York are dumb as rocks, or even as dumb as he is. When I was 6 or 7 years old there were no e-cigarettes, but I and any kid I knew would have had no trouble explaining the difference between candy cigarettes and the real cigarettes they resembled. I never did actually have to explain it to anyone because even at that age I and my peers would have considered it obnoxious to state something so freakin' obvious.
Ken R at December 6, 2013 11:54 PM
THINK OF THE CHILDREN!
an excuse for everything stupid.
KateC at December 7, 2013 7:41 AM
Kids aren't that dumb. Pols are!
Amy Alkon at December 7, 2013 9:08 AM
I don't tweet; but, if I did I would add:
Since when is it the government's job to determine what is or is not socially acceptable?
Those of you who tweet - feel free to do so!
Charles at December 7, 2013 11:11 AM
NYC has a lot of children in bars?
Next up, ban apple juice because it looks too much like tequila!
John A at December 7, 2013 11:53 AM
Government: is there ANYTHING stupid it can't advocate ?
Keith Glass at December 7, 2013 12:08 PM
I think the bigger issue with pol's is they try to look busy and are trying to "think about the children". Besides most ecigs look like steel tubes not cigarettes.
Ironic part though is the normal filler for the juice is the stuff hospitals give in massive amounts for smokers with lung problems and could be good for their health.
Of course I am not saying that none look like the real thing, a small few do.
NakkiNyan at December 9, 2013 1:18 AM
Is there any information available on what the e-cigs put into the air? How about what happens when the one "smoking" inhales, then exhales. Are there any products of the e-cigs put into the air?
Inquiring minds ... and all that.
Reggie at December 9, 2013 4:22 PM
Reggie, what they put into the air is water vapor, possibly containing trace amounts of nicotine. You'd have to stand right next to the e-cig user and suck in hard to get any measurable effect (much like secondhand smoke, another non-event much overblown by the political pseudoscience).
Nicotine is a stimulant and is addictive, but the primary harm of cigarette smoking/tobacco use is the tar and other harmful substances in the smoke that you inhale or in the juices that slosh around in your mouth if you use smokeless.
It's nicotine that hooks you, but it's the tobacco that kills you. An addiction to nicotine, in and of itself, is probably no more harmful than an addiction to caffeine as far as we now know. E-cigs just deliver the drug.
Grey Ghost at December 10, 2013 6:22 AM
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