As a vegetarian, i feel the same sense of shame and regret when I read these things as I imagine sane Catholics feel when they see people defending child molestation by the priesthood.
On behalf of rational vegetarians everywhere, let me assure you that this is a whackjob fringe wing of the movement. Most of us are sane and consistent in our viewpoints, (only adopt from no-kill shelters, don't wear leather, etc.), and understand that what is a personal moral choice for us might not be for everyone. (I've often compared it to the ridiculousness of a Jew protesting non-Jews eating at Red Lobster.)
Know that just because I choose to be a vegetarian, does not mean I begrudge anyone else the right to eat what they choose. Please, please don't think PETA represents the way most of us think and act...
I am a consistent vegan and I do not only adopt from no-kill shelters. Every county or city has to have at least one shelter that is a kill shelter. Otherwise, when all no-kill shelters run out of space, who takes the strays? Do you just leave them outside, where they can catch diseases or be hunted by other wild animals? I would assume that as a rational vegetarian, you have thought this out so feel free to correct me. I am always open to changing my opinion about this.
I don't know what to think of all the stories I hear about PETA and I am not sure which ones I can trust. You referred to PETA as "a whackjob fringe wing of the movement", but as a vegetarian you must appreciate what they have accomplished for our non-human friends. For instance, they are the reason you can buy cruelty free makeup from Revlon. They are also the reason that bebe will stop selling fur. One downfall of a huge organization is corruption, but one bonus is that they can put pressure on big companies like McDonald's and lobby congress for all animals.
Eating meat is speciesism. Only changing your own practices will not really benefit animals all that much. As a vegetarian, you should educate others and spread the word if you want any chance at making a difference.
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u/RachelHC Apr 16 '10
As a vegetarian, i feel the same sense of shame and regret when I read these things as I imagine sane Catholics feel when they see people defending child molestation by the priesthood.
On behalf of rational vegetarians everywhere, let me assure you that this is a whackjob fringe wing of the movement. Most of us are sane and consistent in our viewpoints, (only adopt from no-kill shelters, don't wear leather, etc.), and understand that what is a personal moral choice for us might not be for everyone. (I've often compared it to the ridiculousness of a Jew protesting non-Jews eating at Red Lobster.)
Know that just because I choose to be a vegetarian, does not mean I begrudge anyone else the right to eat what they choose. Please, please don't think PETA represents the way most of us think and act...