Why I am not a vegan

[Diana]

Monica,

If you can't look in the mirror, why would you expect anyone else to? Are you trying to say that you are not guilty of supporting violence , unnecessary killing and suffering?

If that's where you are coming from, I am totally done trying to converse with you. Because it's not a conversation, it's an agenda.

That's all I have to say.

Strictly speaking, we all, if we pay taxes for example (in the U.S.), support violence, unnecessary killing and suffering.

But does that mean we shouldn't minimize the suffering we cause, in any way we can to the best of our ability and awareness? There are some things we have no or little control over (such as paying taxes to a huge bully system, to which we don't mind paying money for the services that help the people, but detest supporting war and the like).

We do have control over whether or not to eat meat and support the system of cruelty. Notwithstanding addiction, which is a monster to tame, one makes a choice to simply not do it. It is difficult to do nonetheless because it is swimming upstream, but it is doable.

Eating meat and supporting the system simply isn't necessary.

And why not set the example then, if you wish Monica to look in the mirror and you do it? I'm not saying that with any animosity. How about I start with my own self-reflection within the context of this thread?

I admit to keeping much at bay. There is so much more I could do to help the world in general if I wasn't so cowardly. At one time I wanted to join the peace corps and help third-world communities. But I knew the suffering, of both human and animals—because that's one thing people don't always see: the animal suffering. I have been to a few third-world countries and have seen a lot—would do me in. I wouldn't be able to handle my own pain. So I didn't do that. I agonize every time there is an oil spill and the sea life and birds are coated with oil. I want to go with the animal rights groups and clean them and alleviate their suffering, but I'm too cowardly to do it.

So, I don't do SO much that I am aware of and that I could absolutely contribute help to, because of my own selfish reasons.

In this, I commiserate with all here who really want to stop eating meat, like Icaro, who are finding it difficult. I support everyone's efforts to alleviate suffering.