I do not seek out meat-eating people so I can somehow remind them that I’m superior because I don’t eat meat. But here’s what I do: when I attend a function where the main topic of discussion is how to bring about a more just or humane world, or how to live more environmentally responsibly, I mention that there is nothing an individual can do that will have more impact than ceasing to eat animals. I attended a meeting last night at our local library held by a group calling themselves Planet Home. We watched a movie about the death of the electric car, and then afterwards, with heads shaking about the shame of an irresponsible, even criminal, series of events that removed the option of the totally electric car from ways to cut fuel consumption, we were invited by the leader to enjoy the delicious food being served–even some vegetarian! But the main dish contained meat. Huh? When I mentioned, in private so as not to embarrass the whole crowd, this contradiction to the leader, she became very defensive, embarrassed, and reminded me she wasn’t “getting paid for this.” Again I say huh? This is the dead cow in the living room that everyone steps around so as not to make anyone else feel bad. I’m not OUT to make anyone feel bad, but it’s kind of hard to ignore this major contradiction: the group asked us to bring our own utensils to the meeting (a great idea), so we didn’t have to use paper plates and plastic forks. But, then, to serve food that is grown and processed in such environmentally damaging and unsustainable ways is just to conveniently ignore reality. I’m not talking about what each of these people eat in their homes–I’m just aghast that they cannot come together to talk about these issues for one meeting a month without serving meat. Even committed carnivores don’t eat meat at every meal! It all just rings a bit phony.

Thanks for YOUR thoughtful an exciting work in this area, Mike. It has been such a pleasure to work with you on the GS committee.

Much peace, EG

My daughter and her family are not strictly vegetarians but do not buy meat or prepare it in their home unless it is by chance given to them. They do have 5 chickens, all named, whose night quarters are moved over the vegetable gardens to capture the quano and whose eggs the family eats. Her best friend has a herd of goats on her organic farm and makes organic cheese to sell. These two families work extremely hard to lead environmentally responsible lives. They are such a source of hope and inspiration to me that I can not begin to criticize them for consuming dairy products so sustainably and kindly raised and produced. And I hope you too would include them in your circle of good people.