Brian Luke writes:
>1) For most of us there is a undeniable moral difference between
>killing a carrot and killing a pig;
>
>2) If one is concerned about plants, it is apparently possible in many
>ecological niches to feed oneself without killing anything, plant or
>animal.
pig. Why is that? Is it that we can empathize with pigs but not with the pain
of carrots? Is it because pigs feel but carrots don't? What if carrots do
feel a certain kind of vegetable pain? After all, plants do respond to
stimuli, such as light, water, being talked to (or so I'm told). The important
point is: they live, and what right do we have to take the carrot's life?
I don't know how humans can live without killing anything, plant or animal.
I'd love an explanation.
A Modest Proposal
For those who want to live without destroying anything, plant or animal,
because all living things have rights, I suggest eating only what
doesn't have rights, is not "alive" and is completely expendable for the sake
of increasing human utility: the human fetus. It's the only thing we can kill
with a clear conscience, knowing that our benefit more than compensates for its
death. All other living things, animal and plant, are more important, and
worthy of our deepest respect. Anyone want to join me?
H.C. Ellis
