It’s easy to poke holes in an argument that has no basis, but it’s much harder to put a finger on why these arguments exist in the first place. What does an anti-smoking group have to gain from stomping out electronic cigarettes forever? Aren’t the main goals of both e-cigarette enthusiasts and tobacco opponents exactly the same? Both sides want to end the lung cancer epidemic, save our children from secondhand smoke, and generally put an end to tobacco use throughout the world. So why are two sides with identical mission statements so opposed on this issue?

Perhaps it’s because the purpose of anti-tobacco groups lies in having that one, immortal enemy. An enemy with whom they’ve battled intensely with for decades and who they envision one day destroying in all their glory. Perhaps this vision involves eliminating nicotine altogether, perhaps they imagine a world where no one smokes anything. But whatever their vision is for defeating tobacco, it certainly was not this new electronic alternative that is shaking the world. And it scares them because this is their fight.

Perhaps it’s because these groups would cease to exist without tobacco. Perhaps it’s because they oppose the idea of smoking rather than the actual effects of it. Perhaps it’s because they are desperately seeking to survive in a world that is becoming increasingly tobacco-free.

But whatever the reason, I think it’s safe to say that their fight against e-cigarettes has nothing to do with bettering the human race, improving global health, or even ending tobacco use everywhere. And that’s just not right. Here is a solution that has the potential to wildly reduce harm caused by tobacco to both smokers and those around them, and they’re fighting it with all their might.

Rather than fight tooth and nail against a possible solution, why not encourage proper studies? Why not lobby for better quality control? Why not embrace this product that has potential to do what no other similar product has ever had the ability to do? These groups are shooting themselves in the foot, fighting against a strong tide that could lead to a healthier, tobacco-free world, and it just doesn’t make sense.