I agree that we must investigate and remedy the ills on an individual basis… But for me part of that must include advocating for rational thinking. It does not behoove us to exploit other species or the planet. When I hear that someone thinks *it’s not really that bad* I must encourage them to see the error in that POV. Everything DOES matter… And veganism does address so many levels of social, spiritual/physical health and planetary issues.

Finally in answer to “why are we killing ourselves”? I think Will Tuttle in The World Peace Diet summed it up like this… Because we are ingesting violence and suffering at every meal, the harm done manifests throughout – in our wars, unhappy lives, ill health, and lack of connectedness to the world. Peace really does begin on your plate.

I just wonder though, about being patient or “nonjudgemental” with those who just haven’t cared to look at the “problem”… Would we be so tolerant if these beings that were being enslaved, tortured, killed – were of our species? Doubtful.

I think the underlying “problem” is rooted in speciesism… And permitting it to go unchallenged does a great disservice to our moral progress; Not to mention the billions and billions of sentient beings.

What you say makes a lot of sense. Here’s my take: eating animals isn’t the “problem”, it’s the symptom on a culture that is, for the most part, innocently unaware of how animals are treated. Some of the nicest and most loving people I know eat animals. Let’s help people see the “root” of the issue. Let’s help them understand how animals are treated in America. THEN.. maybe.. they, one their own, will decide to stop eating meat. I find this way much more potent that criticizing anyone for eating animals.

Blessings!!

The reason I see that someone who eats meat can be criticized more than one who does not is very simple… There is no direct, intentional killing involved in the latter. What’s to admonish? The “slaughter” of plants?

And the other comment about what would happen to all the “livestock”? I think it’s reasonable to assume that as our culture adopts gradually to a plant based vegan diet, less and less animals will be bred. Until finally, there are just the “refugees” from the industry, that will be adopted out to sanctuaries and “forever homes”.

The thing is… If you really want a better world – Eat like you mean it! Go Vegan :)

For everyone, eating isn’t a personal, introspective decision, and to assume that everyone will be that way is foolish. Not everyone wants to or is able to spend time researching what they eat, reading labels, trying countless recipes to approximate a comfort food from their past, and proselytizing about their food decisions. I really think that proselytizing part is something that vegans do more than is necessary. Sure, there are some people who want that information but I daresay they will seek it out themselves if they do. There are also people who are coerced into watching “Meet your Meat” or something of the sort who simply don’t want that shoved in their face. That is their own right to be ignorant of how they eat their food (that’s one of the benefits/evils of modern culture), and really, people in the vegan and vegetarian community need to respect that as their own decision.