A number of recent posts addressed concern about the behavior of some Vapers impacting negatively on our ability to defend our right to Vape. The need for a "Vapers code of conduct" has been expressed and supported by a number of forum members but we need to take a bit more decisive action to actually make this code a reality.
In order to develop such a code, the first principles (or rules) of freedom of choice (aka Democracy) need to be explored a bit. I have spent a considerable time reflecting on the true nature of freedom of choice and in my contemplation's the following rules have come to the fore:
The four cornerstones of freedom of choice.
Rule one:
An individual has the right not to participate or be affected by any activity or action he wishes not to participate in or be affected by.
Rule two:
An individual has the right to engage in or participate in any activity or action he wishes to participate or engage in as long as said participation or engagement does not impede or deny the rights of other individuals as set out in rule one.
Rule three:
An individual has the duty of sole responsibility and accountability for any and all consequences resulting from decisions made under the rights outlined in rules one and two.
Rule four:
Any person choosing to act contradictory to any of the provisions laid down in rules one to three looses the right to protection of his own rights as provided for in rules one to three.
Application to of the above in a Vapers code of conduct:
The rights of individuals whom do not wish partake or experience the side effects of Vaping should be respected at all times unless those that do not vape have by their own choice entered an area recognized as, or dedicated to, the activity of vaping.
The decision to Vape or not to Vape is a personal one and no person or body has the right to act in any way that restricts any individuals ability to make this choice for themselves.
With the freedom to make this choice, an individual choosing to Vape must accept responsibility for their choice and can not blame any other person or body for any consequences of this choice irrespective of the consequences being known or unknown at the time of making that choice.
A persons right to Vape can only be justified and upheld as long as said person respects and upholds the rights of those whom choose not to. Freedom of choice can not be demanded by those that wish to restrict the freedoms of others.
Of course the above can be elaborated on and are more an expression of the goals to be underwritten by a code of conduct than being a code of conduct in itself.
I was hoping this would serve to set the wheels turning by getting forum members to share their ideas and views thereby building a comprehensive COC as a group effort. We could then choose to adopt this code of conduct as forum members thereby strengthening our demands in terms of our own rights as Vapers.
So, How about it?
In order to develop such a code, the first principles (or rules) of freedom of choice (aka Democracy) need to be explored a bit. I have spent a considerable time reflecting on the true nature of freedom of choice and in my contemplation's the following rules have come to the fore:
The four cornerstones of freedom of choice.
Rule one:
An individual has the right not to participate or be affected by any activity or action he wishes not to participate in or be affected by.
Rule two:
An individual has the right to engage in or participate in any activity or action he wishes to participate or engage in as long as said participation or engagement does not impede or deny the rights of other individuals as set out in rule one.
Rule three:
An individual has the duty of sole responsibility and accountability for any and all consequences resulting from decisions made under the rights outlined in rules one and two.
Rule four:
Any person choosing to act contradictory to any of the provisions laid down in rules one to three looses the right to protection of his own rights as provided for in rules one to three.
Application to of the above in a Vapers code of conduct:
The rights of individuals whom do not wish partake or experience the side effects of Vaping should be respected at all times unless those that do not vape have by their own choice entered an area recognized as, or dedicated to, the activity of vaping.
The decision to Vape or not to Vape is a personal one and no person or body has the right to act in any way that restricts any individuals ability to make this choice for themselves.
With the freedom to make this choice, an individual choosing to Vape must accept responsibility for their choice and can not blame any other person or body for any consequences of this choice irrespective of the consequences being known or unknown at the time of making that choice.
A persons right to Vape can only be justified and upheld as long as said person respects and upholds the rights of those whom choose not to. Freedom of choice can not be demanded by those that wish to restrict the freedoms of others.
Of course the above can be elaborated on and are more an expression of the goals to be underwritten by a code of conduct than being a code of conduct in itself.
I was hoping this would serve to set the wheels turning by getting forum members to share their ideas and views thereby building a comprehensive COC as a group effort. We could then choose to adopt this code of conduct as forum members thereby strengthening our demands in terms of our own rights as Vapers.
So, How about it?
...Ignorance is bliss i suppose... But since i have been vaping a few years, I've become very considerate... I do think its a good idea to regulate our own behavior, before its regulated FOR US... not only behavior, but also being responsible, e.g Not selling mech's to n00bs etc and properly educating the n00b and the inexperienced.. But a code of conduct might be damn near impossible to impose or to get out or even in a awareness program kinda way... unfortunately, there are and always will be ignorant vapers with no consideration and because of that, people in general judge a group by the bad, not the good.. for the most part anyway... as long as some politicians local and abroad, Big Tobacco and the advertising agencies regurgitate false information and fear mongering regarding vaping, there will be a large number of people that.... fear what they dont understand... lets hope there wont be a need for governance... mainly because i have a massive issue with authority 
