re: #554 Jadespring

Sounds like you know exactly the types I’m talking about. :)

I can at least understand people that argue for veganism on ethical grounds related to killing and using animals. I don’t see it that way but I can get it. What bugs me more and more though is the ecological arguments and while I wholeheartedly agree that if one is talking about the current industrialized factory system then sure. However taking that and saying the overall ecological solution is no livestock whatsover in agricultural systems is quite argubly just as wrong from an ecological stand point or at least in terms of long term ecologically successful (sustainable) farming practices especially when looking at different regions. This whole idea that just because it’s vegetables and plants means automatically ecological sounds and sustainable is pervasive. Historically even before the industrial farming system developed with it’s very high levels of meat production societies farmed themselves into breakdown as well. It’s just not a meat or no meat issue.

So I end up sitting in this murky middle ground where lots of pure veggies end up hating me and lots of meat eaters end up hating me when I talk about less meat eating overall. :) Environmental veggies tend to be the worst though.

Re: the bolded bit: OY, do I ever!

It’s really hard to deal with fundie evangelicals of any philosophical cant, methinks.

I’,m real fortunate to be involved with a group that believes there are many “right” ways to eat — our concerns are the process. We’ve got a list of banned additives, we carry exclusively organic produce from (primarily) local farmers, our seafood is in full accordance with the Fish Wise recommendations (a GREAT program, IMO), our meat producers, all local, must meet feed/environment/sustainability/humane treatment standards. The emphasis is on cleanly-produced food of all types, without judging dietary style.

This is a sane approach to food, to me. But like with anything, I’m a huge proponent of TRYING to see the big picture, whenever possible….

In short, I’m nuts.