quote:
Originally posted by Cowgirl Jack:
A lot of the problems I see in the meat, fur, and research industry is that its too...industrial. Seriously, its too mechanical. What would happen if more individuals were in control of smaller, better managed farm and labs? Granted, there would need to be laws enacted to make sure corruption doesn't occur (it would still be an improvement since the current way ain't exactly perfect). Like I said before, it would be a step backwards historically. But still, I've seen small family-owned markets do well. Imagine the marketing -- why buy beef from some grocery store from a farm you've never seen, pumped with steriods and what not, when you can buy a true free-range cattle that's been certified by both the USDA and the breed (Agnus is the common meat breed, there are about four more in the states)? But it would be better on the surrounding land, better for the animals, and better to consume. And it can be done with the fur industry. The big thing is to provide mental stimulation. Do that and everything will be easier. And since fur animals are not eaten, euthinasia can be injected with no risk. The lesson is, bring the animal industry back to the small famers and managers to increase competition between groups (hence, keep prices low).

As far as it being a fact the a vegan diet is healthy, I wont deny it. However, I will admit I did not to any reading prior towards the diet change. You say it does not involve crackign open a book, but I personally go nuts if I don't read up on a subject. I just relied on what my roommate made. However, huge diet changes are a garantee to mess up your GI track. Its just like trading dog meal brands--a quick change kills off the GI bacteria. Also, females are almost always low in Iron, and that fact that I was anemic did not help. My protien intake varies on days I do cardio or wieght lefting (I rest on Sundays and don't eat much that day or on Fridays). And don't get started on fast food -- my heart is clogging just thinking of it. So, health nut that I am (much to the annoyance of the roommates and the pets -- two of whom I've place on a diet), I still have no issues with meat consumption. It's basic biology at its best. Now, I personally think eating carnivorous animals is a little 'odd', but I respect people's culture that allows it. From an engery intake point of view, that's inefficent consumption. But then again, me sitting here on the computer instead of taking up the piano might be seen as inefficent, so to each his own opinion.

BTW Matt...while we both seem to have different opinions on this, we both share a common affection for 'all creatures great and small' which I can respect. I often get real beef (get it? get it? hahahahaha) from those on the opposite side of your coin that slam me for being so 'soft'. So it seems like I am hated by everyone. The bonus of being an independent, I suppose. However, I love a good debate. Dakota can get away with more begging when I'm tired after typing all this. Time to pull out the banana treats...
The smaller farm method you propose WOULD be a vast improvement over modern factory farm methods in terms of lesser suffering for the animals, that's true. I just don't see it ever happening, sadly. A very noble goal, though. See, I am a realist: I know that the vast majority of people (in the nations wealthy enough to enjoy this "treat", of course) will always consume intensively produced meat. But it's all about "never giving up the fight", as Bob Marley said. It's all about educating people to the horrors of the factory farm and the slaughterhouse. It's about giving people the particulars and details of what happened to their "food" before it wound up on their plates so that people can make informed choices. It's all about trying to make people think about their relationship with the so-called lesser animals. When you get right down to it, it's about asking people to question and ponder their moral/ethical responsibility to the universe.

And it's also about just how damn cool a giant soysausage would look running around along with the other giant faux weiners in the Brewer's Stadium weiner race, of course. [wink] :lol: