Why I'm a Vegetarian Part I 07/19/2008 06:29 a.m.
I have been a vegetarian for just over a year and a half now, knowing just from the inside that this is one way I can DO something for the good of all creatures. I know I've been lame in the past. I know my life has mostly been a nonsense life. But this, being vegetarian, is one way I KNOW I'm at least NOT contributing to the cruelty of other creatures. And I ate meat for what? To fill my belly? Well, apparently, given my overall lack of progress toward significant weight loss, I'm filling my belly JUST FINE without any meat, plus my cholesterol is down and so is my blood pressure.
I know, though, that I can't speak for others. Folks are certainly free to choose to eat what they like. But, some things may be worth (re)considering.
Years ago, when cattle roamed free and raising animals for food was not an "industry", they were not raised in the cruel conditions that exist today as the demand for meat and meat products skyrockets. These animals know so much suffering. And I have to wonder. When we're feeling well cared for as humans, endorphins are released into our systems, into our blood stream and can be found in our muscle and organ tissue. What must be going into these animal's muscle and organ tissue, the MEAT in the grocery stores, as they suffer during the process of raising them, filling them with steriods and antibiotics, and then slaughtering them as they are still conscious? Even if I didn't have moral and ethical issues with this process, I would have to concede, at least, that the chemical composition of the meat couldn't be too good for anyone.
I know animals are considered fit for consumption by many humans, and even I used to buy the least expensive milk straight out of the grocery store refrigerators, reasoning that cows do not have to be harmed in order for us to partake of the goodness of their milk.
However, after watching this video, I will give up drinking milk and eating milk products altogether if I can't be certain that the animals were not treated this way during their lifetimes -
P.S. Immediately after viewing the first video, two of the triplets (Steven and Amanda, the ones that live with me) decided to become vegetarian, while I promptly threw up.
I am currently Pissed Off
I am listening to the echo of those animals screaming
OMG. How can there not be any comments on this? I admit, I almost thought about NOT watching (the easy choice). But I forced myself. It was hard not to vomit. It was impossible not to cry. Another moment in which I am ashamed to be of the human race.
I already have 1 child who doesn't like meat and has chosen to be a "partial" vegetarian. For those of us who do eat some meat, we have to consciously purchase free-range and organic. It's hard to know where the meat comes from though when we eat at a restaurant. This was really hard to watch. Thanks for sharing this thought-provoking video...I just may forward it. MFS
I haven't written a poem in a long time, but apparently immense anger and sadness is some kind of muse because you got me to write one and post hahaha Seriously, it's no laughing matter. In fact it's sadistic. We no longer live in a world where eating meat is a matter of survival, but pure hollow pleasure. Nothing can ever make me go back except the former need, which I doubt will arrive any time soon. And by the way, without having done any preaching whatsoever does any other vegetarian ever get rolling eyes or condesending smirks and questions when a meat eater realizes you don't eat meat because you don't like hurting animals? Not everyone does this, but I have had this experience on several occassions. (And by the way, I grew up a meat eater).
