I do not object to other animals eating or killing meat much like I do not "object" to anyone eating meat. eat whatever you want to eat. The reasons I became a vegetarian are varied, but here goes. I will not eat what I won't kill. I know for a fact that if I were in a situation where only meat were available, I would eat to survive. I would eat anything to survive - like most creatures would, IMO. I have a deep respect for hunters who hunt for food (not for sport) because they know what it's like to kill, to skin their food, to "have the blood on their hands." This is something that I can't do. There's a big difference between a hunter and driving to the supermarket to buy packaged beef products. I am totally opposed to the meat industry (or would that be meat market? ;) ) and the ways in which animals are treated, stuffed with hormones and steroids, and then slaughtered with no respect. Environmentally, this is hazardous, and ethically I simply feel that this is wrong. For many of the same reasons, I try and buy only organic produce - I believe vegetables can "feel" and having pesticides dumped on them is cruel, destructive to this Earth, and harmful for human consumption. However, central Texas is not the best place to be a vegetarian :) I am also a vegetarian for health reasons. I realize that fish and poultry are not bad for a person if prepared the correct way - but then again, pollution in our rivers, lakes, and oceans doesn't tempt me to eat seafood, and as many know, chickens are tortured more than most animals. But, i don't go around trying to "convert" my meat eating friends to being vegetarian - I'll share my views, but it's not my place to judge their eating habits. Oh, the cat. Forgot about that. Cats are predators and I have utter love and respect for them for killing their own, in fact I find it a beautiful experience to watch nature running its course. If humans respected the food/life they eat/kill, perhaps I would have this same admiration for our own eating habits. If humans were merely players in the food chain rather than attempting to rise above and control it, I would probably be eating meat myself. Til then though, pass me some spinach Tj.
