I began smoking at age 15 (1976). Between then and November-2011, I consumed between 1 and 2 packs daily. Through the years I tried quitting cold turkey, more times than I can count, Chantix, gum, lozenges and patches. All, for me, were absolutely useless. To absolutely nobody??s surprise, smoking ended up raising my blood pressure and cholesterol, and also causing the arteries in my legs to clog up. In October-2011, I had a procedure to clear my right leg. It worked, but the doctor said it was probably only temporary, and scheduled me for an arterial bypass surgery. He also said that, due to smoking, he??d probably be cutting off my legs in a few years. That was enough. On November 13, 2011, I quit smoking. And I did it with electronic cigarettes. I??m still using them today, 625 days later. Since starting my cholesterol and blood pressure have both dropped precipitously, and my arteries are all clear. And I never did have that bypass surgery either. All of my doctors know that I vape. Without exception or hesitation, they all approve. My GP said, ??Just keep doing what you??re doing. It??s working.? Do I think it??s ??safe? to vape? I don??t know. But I do know that it??s a whole lot better than smoking, and all four of my associated doctors wholeheartedly agree. I have no doubt that it would be better to do nothing, but I??m not sure that??s realistic. I enjoy it, and I??d probably go back to smoking if it wasn??t for the existence of these marvelous devices. And I can only hope now that common sense prevails, for the good of all of us. Let freedom ring.