Why I am a Vegan

[Monica]

Surely but the choices of others are the exact same you'd be making as them.

Of course. Each other entity is you, is me, is all of us, in different timelines, because of different choices. But that doesn't negate the importance of choice now, by each of us. Else, what would be the point of the illusion? Just because it's an illusion doesn't mean it isn't important, or that it's meaningless.

You and others seem to indicate that choice cannot coexist with Oneness. But it does. There are 78 references to the word choice in the Law of One.

You asked me whether I can see love in the person eating meat. A more appropriate question might be whether I can love the person eating meat. Of course I can and I do. Most of the population eats meat so if vegans couldn't love meat-eaters we'd be very lonely indeed. Loving the person who eats meat isn't the same as perceiving their actions as loving. Nor is it even relevant, for it isn't our place to judge the motivations of another. This is why I have steadfastly refused to evaluate anyone's personal level of polarity, despite being asked to do so repeatedly. It isn't my place to do that and it's impossible anyway.

I can only speak in concepts, in generalities, and with the use of analogies. Everyone can take from my words as they wish, just as we all take from everyone's words, and perceive according to our biases.

The man who kills an intruder out of necessity to protect his family has different motivations and polarizing potential than the man who enjoys killing the intruder for the thrill of bloodlust, while saying he did it to protect his family only as an excuse.

Likewise:

The Native American killing the weakest deer in the herd, out of necessity to survive and feed his family, has different motivations, and correspondingly different polarizing potential, in his meat-eating than the modern person who is well aware of the suffering of farm animals, is well aware of the disastrous effects of the meat-dairy industry on his family's health and on the environment, but chooses to eat it and serve it to his family anyway, because he likes the taste of bacon.

The illiterate mother on welfare who buys meat, milk and white bread for her children with her food stamps because she doesn't know any better has different motivations and polarizing potential than the educated, computer-savvy woman who is well aware of the suffering of farm animals, is well aware of the disastrous effects of the meat-dairy industry on her family's health and on the environment, but chooses to eat it and serve it to her family anyway, because she's too lazy to bother learning new recipes.

This isn't a conversation between illiterates. None here is ignorant. Everyone here is computer savvy and knows how to use Google. Some may find it easier than others to transition. Obviously, someone who is independent has an easier time changing their diet/lifestyle than a teenager still dependent on his/her parents, or someone on welfare. But generally, it's far cheaper to eat vegan than to eat meat, so even cost really isn't a factor. It does, however, require the choice to CARE, and the choice to change.

I don't judge any of you. And for the record, I actually do love and forgive all of you, regardless of what you may think. I can simultaneously do that and still stand firm in my assertion that to knowingly choose to support the needless suffering of sentient beings who have pain receptors, is an inherently STS action.

If you (any of you) feel threatened or judged, that is coming from within yourself, Not from me. Again I say: If you were truly comfortable with your choice, it wouldn't matter what I or anyone else says or thinks, just as it would be impossible to make me feel guilty for eating a tomato, as was demonstrated in the Tomatoes are STS thread.

It is a psychological defense mechanism to lash out at the one who triggers one's conscience. I understand that and forgive all of you. I really do. Peace and Blessings to all.      

...