I'm sick of being preached at
Am I the only reader who is sick and tired of reading your letters page regarding our meat-eating habit?
The latest offering (Mailbox, May 28) is from Sue Daniels of the Leicestershire Vegetarian/Vegan Group. Why do vegetarians and vegans need to belong to a group? Perhaps they feel marginalised or embarrassed about the fact that they don't eat meat and have to assemble in dark corners to indulge their passion.
As a meat-eater, and proud of it, I don't need to be told by the likes of Ms Daniels about the number of animals slaughtered to satisfy my omnivorous eating habits. As I understand it slaughter houses are regulated and inspected by the Government so I'm sure any impropriety would soon be spotted. Of course, we hear stories about various incidents in slaughter houses when an animal doesn't die at the first attempt but these things, whilst being regrettable, occasionally occur.
I have in the past been persuaded to try some of the "alternatives" to meat and in all honesty there really is no comparison to a juicy, rare to medium steak with just a hint of blood running through it.
So, Ms Daniels, and all of the other Veggies, let's get on with our lives, you eat what you like, I'll eat what I like and maybe we can live together in harmony.
John Wood, Glen Parva.
9 Comments
by AlisonC, United Kingdom
Tuesday, June 02 2009, 8:42AM
“I can't see why providing statistics about the impact of meat-eating constitutes "preaching". If you think meat-eating is perfectly OK then you can just read (or not read) and move on. For people who are interested in the wider implications of what they eat, though, information like this can be food for thought.”
by David Conner, Somerby
Tuesday, June 02 2009, 8:38AM
“Vegetarians do not 'get away with' eating fish and chicken. Anyone who eats these is not a vegetarian and should not call themselves a vegetarian. Sharks eat fish, does that mean that sharks are vegetarian?”
by C, LFE
Monday, June 01 2009, 2:57PM
“Is chicken not meat anymore then?? And do fish not matter cos vegetarians seem to get away with eating them? Give me a bacon sandwich any day!”
by Alexandra, Wigston
Monday, June 01 2009, 11:20AM
“Eating vegetables to 'feed a need' is different to eating animals(meat). The human body does not need meat, it can do very well on vegetables, fruits, nuts, pulses, etc. Vegetarians are all prove of the fact.”
by Sue, Leicester
Monday, June 01 2009, 10:37AM
“A Vegetarian does not eat Chicken and Fish and I do not wear leather.
You cannot compare a vegetable to a living animal.”
by David Conner, Somerby
Monday, June 01 2009, 10:19AM
“It's also an excellent letter from Sue.”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Monday, June 01 2009, 10:16AM
“What about the amount of vegetables that you kill Sue to feed your need?
I always wondered how a Veggie could eat fish and chicken and wear leather? An interesting position!!!”
by Sue, Leicester
Monday, June 01 2009, 10:10AM
“I hear what you say John but my letter was stating a fact about how many animals are killed for meat each year.Take it or leave it I believe people have a right to know what goes on behind the slaughter house doors.
Our group was first formed to be able to help anyone wanting to eat less meat and we have been a great help to those people. Why shouldn¿t we have a group? There are groups for young farmers,gardeners,wine clubs etc.
We are not the ones embarrassed about not eating meat we find it¿s usually the other way round. I mention to someone that I am Veggie and the answer is usually oh I don¿t eat much meat these days or I only eat chicken and fish.
I dare say there is no comparison with the alternatives to meat except that it can be eaten with a clear conscience knowing that no animal has suffered to get that food to your plate.
Whilst animals cannot stand up for themselves I will continue to speak for them.”
by Kulgan, Crydee
Monday, June 01 2009, 9:48AM
“Excellent letter that sets the right tone. Well done.”