why I don't eat meat

[Guest guest]

> a) revulsion to carrion eating,

> b) diet/health,

> c) religion

> d) generalized animal rights, [hence TVP mock-meat products]

> e) veggies and soy products just taste better

> f) environmental [veggies (vs meat) as food represent more effective

> use of land resources]

 

F for me, mostly; I'm in it for human rights, not animal rights.

 

I'm not anti-meat and certainly had no revulsion at eating

it; quite the opposite. And though after 10 years away from it the

thought of eating beef isn't appealing to me now, I still sometimes

miss chicken, turkey and pork, especially when my downstairs

neighbors are grilling out and the smell wafts up.

 

Nor do I object morally to killing animals to eat; predator vs. prey

is the order of nature, and as I see it, we're part of nature, not

separate from it. I do wish we raised and killed our meat animals

more humanely, and even when I still ate meat, I didn't eat veal.

 

But the core of it for me is that the West's consumption of meat is

simply out of control. The World Health Organization stats I've

seen say it takes 15 to 16 pounds of humanly edible grain and

soy, 1000 gallons of clean water and the energy equivalent of

a gallon of gasoline to raise one pound of beef to edible age.

Multiply that by the average American's annual consumption

and it becomes plain staggering. So in a world where around a

fifth of the planet's people are clinically malnourished, I find I

prefer to stick to the grain and soy without sending it through

a cow first.

 

Yes, I know food supply isn't the only issue in world hunger; politics --

 

and plenty of plain theft by tinpot dictators -- also play a part. But

in a hungry world, I found I no longer wanted to hog that many

resources just because I had the blessing to be born in a rich country.

 

 

Is that a religious decision for me as a Wiccan? Yes and no.

We don't have a rule about being vegetarian, and a lot of us

aren't, but mindfulness of the interdependence of life and

care for the rights and welfare of others is certainly part of

our faith.

 

And health is certainly a factor for me. My cholesterol levels are

great,

the muscle ailments I have give me less pain when I don't eat meat, and

last but DEFINITELY not least :-), staying away from meat and poultry

gave me what has to have been the easiest menopause in the modern

history of my family. Mom and her mom and all the aunts and great-

aunts went through hell; I pretty much sailed through, and my internist

suspects that has at least something to do with not suckin' up all

those artificial cowmones every day.

 

And I do love soy. I even bought myself a soymilk maker, which

worked great for a few months and died. I want another, but

can't afford it. :-/

 

As a confirmed tofu junkie I tried making my own tofu. It was

tasty but came out way too soft, and I want to try again when

I'm up to it. Meanwhile I buy the good fresh kind from Asian

groceries, or Spring Creek brand (which is wonnnnderful!) at the

healthfood store. The Asian markets are cheaper by as much as

50 percent, especially if I buy a case of 12 one-pound packages

and freeze most of it; I've gotten a case for as little as $11.

 

Rain

 

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[Guest guest]

> I'm not anti-meat . . .

> Nor do I object morally to killing animals to eat; predator vs. prey

> is the order of nature, and as I see it, we're part of nature, not

> separate from it. I do wish we raised and killed our meat animals

> more humanely . . .

 

And that is what many non-vegetarians say to justify their eating meat, isn't it

;=) That argument - even from a vegetarian of ten years' standing - isn't really

a good one to use here. Please remember this is a vegetarian list, and

whatever *your* reasons for being a vegetarian, there is no reason to argue

against other excellent reasons for vegetarianism.

 

What you say about the waste of resources in producing animals for

consumption is pertinent, and your reason for being a vegetarian - World

Hunger is what I'd call it - is good. It is not so unusual that it needs to be

argued among vegetarians.

 

> Yes, I know food supply isn't the only issue in world hunger; politics --

> and plenty of plain theft by tinpot dictators -- also play a part. But

> in a hungry world, I found I no longer wanted to hog that many

> resources just because I had the blessing to be born in a rich country.

 

With respect, not everyone in America is rich, nor can they all afford a healthy

diet - which is why the availability of cheap fast and unhealthy food is so

devastating to the health of American people. It is not unknown in Canada

either, I hasten to add ;=) But let us not open the door on tinpot dictators

etc. -

politics has no part on this list, no matter how well intentioned the remarks

and how sympathetic some members may be to the position taken or

potentially to be taken.

 

So, not just for the person who posted this message to which I respond, but to

anyone else about to respond, I suggest that care be taken. By all means

respond - this kind of thing is fun and informative ;=) But remember that in

answering the original question and opting for one primary reason for your

vegetarianism, it is not necessary to debunk other reasons. It's not a contest.

All are excellent reasons and we must respect them all.

 

Best,

 

Pat ;=)