05-25-2008, 12:26 PM
I got exposed to this truth 19 years ago and went vegetarian then vegan 6 months later. I can't watch this stuff anymore and I know that I no longer am personally responsible for such suffering. I simply could not block this reality from my heart without killing a part of my soul. I can't really even discuss it without getting worked up so I rarely do. My friend a couple years ago went to the PETA site and happened to watch some videos there. He hasn't eaten meat since. I donate to animal causes when I can and hope by being a living example I can do my part to reduce suffering. But it never feels like enough. I can certainly understand why some people become such militant activists over this issue. On the whole I am glad my level of empathy is stronger than is my ability to block out unpleasant things.
I think also Oink, that not everyone knows these things. Most people don't realize that they take pigs and break off their teeth, for example. If most people saw their neighbor doing this to their dog, they'd turn them in and that neighbor would do jail time or pay hefty fines. The vast majority of people in this country would say that is cruel and should not be allowed. A pig has no biological difference in the ability to feel pain and to suffer than does a dog, so ultimately there is no difference. But do it to a pig, and not only is there no penalty, but the industry is actually subsidized by your taxes and brutality is encouraged if it is more "efficient." If you think it is ok to do to a pig, go break your dog's teeth just for fun, in front of all your neighbors. If you feel ok doing so, I feel very sorry for you. If you don't feel ok doing so, please question why it is ok to pay someone to do the same thing just without you seeing it. Not seeing something that you cause to happen doesn't mean it doesn't happen, or that you aren't responsible for it.
I think also Oink, that not everyone knows these things. Most people don't realize that they take pigs and break off their teeth, for example. If most people saw their neighbor doing this to their dog, they'd turn them in and that neighbor would do jail time or pay hefty fines. The vast majority of people in this country would say that is cruel and should not be allowed. A pig has no biological difference in the ability to feel pain and to suffer than does a dog, so ultimately there is no difference. But do it to a pig, and not only is there no penalty, but the industry is actually subsidized by your taxes and brutality is encouraged if it is more "efficient." If you think it is ok to do to a pig, go break your dog's teeth just for fun, in front of all your neighbors. If you feel ok doing so, I feel very sorry for you. If you don't feel ok doing so, please question why it is ok to pay someone to do the same thing just without you seeing it. Not seeing something that you cause to happen doesn't mean it doesn't happen, or that you aren't responsible for it.