I certainly don’t want to belittle anyone’s compassion for animals. I would never want to downplay compassion at anytime. I'm also not against anyone being vegetarian/vegan however:
If you don’t like the inhumane treatments of animals at factory farms/slaughter houses, then you should work toward making them better.
The fact that YOU feel sad or guilty, or just can’t bear the thought of eating animals is fine. I certainly have no problem with how you feel. I even appreciate your compassion, an admired trait. But do not assume that because others do eat meat, that they are less compassionate. Please do not project your choices as supreme justifications.
Please see following link that discredits Gail Eisnitz group (HFA), about the editing of videos etc.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/news/2001/humanestatement.htm
In contrast, many farmers and ranchers applaud and appreciate Dr. Temple Grandin, in her efforts in finding better humane treatments of farm animals.
http://www.grandin.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_Grandin
Speaking from a cattle ranching family, we do not advocate animal torture for the sake of sadistic pleasure, but also, because stressful deaths of the animal creates an inferior quality of meat. Which is detrimental to our business.
These are links that would better support your humane animal treatment for human consumption. Rather than telling everybody they are terrible people for being meat eaters. If you are a vegetarian, that is your right and choice. Stick to what is good for you, is for you.
This is an example of a more constructive advocacy to more humane animal treatment. Note the “funding” link if you really want to be involved. If you do, it reads that Whole Foods started it, and another option to buying meat that hasn’t been tortured or raised without compassion.
http://www.animalcompassionfoundation.org/about.html
The first link is from Illinois. Going to one of them might be a nice drive in the country. Also, it would give someone the chance to actually witness how animals, not in slaughterhouses, are living. Some of the farms listed do also have deliveries in the city for those who just can’t make it to the country. I have only listed some. Anyone in any state I’m sure can find something like these, or just go to Whole Foods.
http://www.eatwild.com/products/illinois.html#jordan
This is from Wisconsin.
http://www.reapfoodgroup.org/atlas/farms/index.htm
This is a list of farms in Michigan.
http://www.sweetwaterlocalfoodsmarket.org/farmersgallery.swf
This is in Oregon.
http://www.siskiyoucoop.com/meat-grass.htm
Lastly, that cows are worse than an SUV in polluting the environment. Other large methane producers are: horses, elk, deer, elephants, termites and VEGANS, but NOT necessarily in that order.
No Romeo
Really good post Hart ... the news and special interest groups often will use pathos to sway opinion unfortunately they do so in way that makes those who dont follow suit look like the lowest of the low.
We have to look at all sides when making a statement. Meat eaters do not endorse animal cruelty that is obsurd.
Look at PETA they endorse Euthanasia.
1I am with you too Hart. I grew up on a farm too.
2Betty, don't they push Euthanasia for Pitbulls?
Absolute power, corrupts absolutely.
3Thanks guys. I tried to not sound like I was growling at anyone but it still reads that way doesn't it?
Betty, I'm actually for euthanasia too. But more for mercy for an animal or person. It's just my own view. I'm not pushing it on anyone. I just would agree with it if say for instance my dog could no longer eat or something like that. I don't want my own life prolonged with suffering and so I wouldn't do it to my animals. But, that's just my own views for myself. I know others still have a hard time letting go. I'm only speaking of it cause we're here talking about it.
4The whole euthanizing pittbulls thing is sick. Or, ok IF an animal actually attacked someone then, I'm for euthanizing THAT animal.
Iloved your essay, you really know your stuff and you even had websites to back it up. I agree with everything you wrote. Your cows, or most cows in this county only have the best of lives, what more can you ask for? Grazing in beautiful green pastures, mountain views, fresh air!!! I do not agree with animal cruelty and choose to not eat 2 certain meats, lamb and veal, that is just my preference. If I could live off the land I definitly would but unfortunatly my lifestyle does not support that. Until then I have to hope that the cows or chickens or pork I eat are treated humanely.
5jeninco69
I agree with what you have to say. I am absolutely TICKED when someone tries to force their beliefs down my throat - don't they want the right to believe what they want? Guess what, so do I. Back off! Y'know something else - I wear leather!! I have leather shoes, leather wallet, leather purse ... uh oh, I eat meat and wear their skins! God provided 'em for me! Jen - I don't eat veal or lamb either - I boycott them because they grow up w/o being able to move around or play & frolic - at least here in the States! Over in Europe it's a different story.
6I love your avatar Schaianne. I have a little video on my computer that my brother sent me a long time ago. It's called "Funny Cats". That little scit on your avatar, you have there is on it. The whole thing is so funny! It's really cute too.
7Thanks Harts ... it's been one of my favorites since I found the gif ... I have seen the entire thing, too. I'm just mad because I can't change my avi - something's wrong with the site again, lol.
8Thanks for the links hartsfull. I only eat organic, and free range animals, so this will come in very handy.
Absolute power, corrupts absolutely.
9I wish I could only eat organic and free range, but the grocery stores here don't offer that stuff... I wanted to get a heritage turkey for Thanksgiving because I heard they were so much better... a 25lb bird would have cost over 200 bucks!!!
That turkey must be living a better life than I do!!
10Cabaker I know a company that will ship you organic meats. I will find the name and let you know.
And $200 for a bird is just ridiculous.
Absolute power, corrupts absolutely.
11I read in Cooks Illustrated that they don't even taste better to the point where you would notice... they actually recommended plain ole Butterballs!
12Ha! This is was really funny when I first opened my email and you know how the last comment is what you see first? Well, I haven't looked at stuff for a bit so it was last Cines comment of "Thanks for the links hartsfull. I only eat organic, and free range animals, so this will come in very handy.
Absolute power, corrupts absolutely."
Then, I just got back home and read, "I read in Cooks Illustrated that they don't even taste better to the point where you would notice... they actually recommended plain ole Butterballs!"
I thought, Oh my, what on earth are they talking about? LOL! I just had to tell you all that.
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