Hello, my name is Michael Machernis, I’m writing this petition to stop the Connecticut General Assembly from banning vaping. As a former smoker, I turned to vaping because it was less harmful than cigarettes. The government does not have the right to tell the people how to live their lives, it is government overreach and all it will create is a thriving underground black market. I understand that children vaping is an epidemic

but restrictions such as raising the age to buy cigarettes has already been enacted. Residents should have the right to do what they want. Residents of the State of Connecticut should be able to do what they want without the government interfering with their lives. 

It is completely unjustified to tell people how to live. Americans should have the inalienable right to be use something that helps them. As of May of 2021 Multiple commissions have made attempts to ban something which is supposed to help people. It makes no sense as to why we should have to elect someone who is going to take away our rights as humans, I did my research and the multiple deaths in 2019 due to vaping were not caused by nicotine at all but were caused by the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Also if e-cigs are banned, many small vape businesses will shut down and for some families, it is considered their only source of income. 

It is complete government overreach and we should not have to elect an official who is trying to tell us how to live. If it is banned however, the effects will be unavoidable, as of 2021, 5 states have either enacted legislation to ban vaping or have pending legislative measures. 

Citizens should not have to pay our government just so our tax dollars can be wasted on legislation that will be protested. As a resident I should not have to give up my rights and pay your salary at the same time. Members of the state general assembly get paid $28,000 dollars a year without included taxes. No resident should have to live in fear that if they vape, they will be arrested. It is complete government overreach and we as residents shouldn’t have to give up our rights just so the government can be happy. It is up to the parents on how to raise their kids, not our government. No one should have to live in fear that they will be punished for something as simple as buying an e-cigarette. 

To put it quite simply, either stop the ban or the state might have to deal with the effects of ban such as riots and protests. We already have an incompetent governor who is trying to put tolls on our roads. We pay high enough taxes.

As stated in the Constitution of the State of Connecticut, Article One, Section 2: 

All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit; and they have at all times an undeniable and indefeasible right to alter their form of government in such manner as they may think expedient.

In simple terms, we as residents have elected you to represent us in a manner that will not intrude on our rights as humans and if our rights are interfered on, we have the right to alter our government wether Governor Lamont likes it or not. Our rights come before his wishes. No person should have to live in a state where the government is incompetent and intrusive. 

Sincerely 

Michael Machernis

266 Baker Avenue Extension 

City Of Groton