Is it moral to eat meat? ***Constructive Discussion ONLY***

[greyfields]

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No you're not.

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This is the crux of the vegetarianism/vegan argument.

IF

I can remain healthy and not eat meat or animal products;

AND

The use of animals for meat causes at least some pain and fear in the animal, even in the most humane instances (let alone industrial farming)

THEN

Why not elect to not eat meat to reduce the number of animals who suffer in pain and/or fear?


I think it's good ethics. But, I only made it 100 days in my college ethics course until I caved to Taco Del Mar.

 

[greyfields]

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The consensus among the Mods is this thread would become WWIII.

I still have my finger tightly on the ban/nuke button, so don't give anyone any ideas.

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Unfortunately, in order to protect any profit margin (to pay for their home or food), too many farmers have to skimp on living conditions for their animals. I believe, firmly believe, that a vast majority of all farmers would improve living conditions for their animals if they simply could afford it.

I honestly think that many (probably not all) owners of egg batteries would switch to free range operations if it were profitable. Unfortunately, food is so cheap here, it leaves little margin for extravegance.

 

[greyfields]

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Well, let's say well looked after people should suffer no ill health effects from being a vegetarian. I probably wouldn't stretch the argument to vegans, though.

You simply can be a healthy vegetarian.

Now, let's reverse the argument. In the USA, we are addicted to cheap meat. We have meat with every single meal. Even scant bits of low quality chicken are dropped into deep fried burritos at the gas station because we believe it's not a meal without meat in it.

The USA has epedemic obesity and heart disease. We lead the World in these categories.

So, really? Who's unhealthy? The vegeterian, or the vast vast majority of us who eat too much meat?? Over consumption of meat results in the leading cause of death for Americans.

 

[farm_mom]

Really? Overconsumption of meat is the leading cause? I thought it would be overconsumption of sugar and corn-based sweeteners. Interesting!

 

[greyfields]

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Again this is really a weak weak argument. All these animals came in existence due to human meddling, breeding and domestication (i.e. genetic modification). It's our problem to deal with if we stopped eating them; and over time you'd see the numbers dwindle to pets.

Our livestock in the US (feedlot and otherwise) consume more of our grain than humans do. If anything, removing the animals from the system would help end hunger worldwide.

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

"There is no logic in exempting the meat of some animals on customary grounds while not exempting all meats". This statement rings true to so many cultures, including the developed world. How often people cringe at the sight of people eating insects, turtles or rats but then sit down and eat a chicken or beef dinner. When you examine the logic, the food choices make no sense. They are all animals, if one looks gross or disgusting to eat, then the thought of eating any animal should look disgusting.

 

[greyfields]

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I agree that some people do project human emotions onto animals; but at the same time I believe you are way underestimating the fear, anxiety and stress an animal endures under even the quickest, most humane slaughter... let alone how they are treated.

All animals have the potential to be tame and very bonded with humans. We just don't see it often in livestock.

 

[greyfields]

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Problem with donating the venison is some people think like Nupine (no insult intended), and even if they were offered the venison they wouldn't take it.

I do my absolute best when hunting to get one shot, one kill. Most humane for the animal and the meat tastes better

less adrenaline, which produces the 'gamey' taste some people complain about. I actually don't like hunting with some of my husbands friends because they can be a little trigger happy and not wait for the good shot. Plus then I gotta track the poor animal to kingdom come, and of course they always decide to stop in a briar patch

downhill from the car

I would argue if you eat any meat at all, then you ought eat ALL meat put before you (raised or gathered humanely) regardless of beast, organ or part of the flesh it comes from. Otherwise, you are not being a conscientious meat eater.

 

[mom'sfolly]

An old book advocated becoming vegetarian for just those reasons, Greyfeilds. It advanced the idea that being a vegetarian frees up more food for people; and that the ethical choice is more food for people. "Diet for a Small Planet" is the name of it. I believe it came out in the 1970s. This is one of the concerns with China's growing economy and policy changes; that food formerly going to people is now going to animals to provide a luxury market in meat. One of the marvels of modern China is that it feeds its population; diverting grain to animals may change that.

 

[mom'sfolly]

Boy, I type slow, I'm about 3 entries behind.......