Why Vegetarianism Isn't Enough

I want the world to be vegan. That's my vegan agenda. I don't pretend that I don't have a goal or that my choice to be vegan should be personal and private. I don't believe that while veganism might be right for me, it may not be right for you. I'm radical, and that pisses some people off. It isn't easy to hear and people feel judged. But I ate meat once, too, and I know that getting to veganism is a journey that often takes a lot of preparation and education and change to accomplish. It's a lifestyle and should be a lifelong commitment, and if people aren't ready to quit the meat and the dairy and the eggs, it won't stick.

I was pescatarian for about a year before I became vegan. I didn't stop eating meat because it grossed me out and I never really liked it anyway. I probably ate meat every day. I did it because I felt guilty eating meat. I knew I couldn't be an actual "animal lover" if I ate dead animals. It always pisses me off when people say, "No, I get it, I'm a huge animal lover, too!" but they are meat-eaters. Oy vey.

I encourage everyone to stop eating meat. That is the first step. I have the utmost respect for people who take that huge step. BUT--and here's where I'm going to offend people:

If you are getting comfortable in your vegetarianism or pescatarianism, it's time to go vegan. Put down the cheesecake. Tofu scramble it up for breakfast and throw out those eggs. It's time.

If you went vegetarian because you care about animals and think that it is wrong to kill them, consider this: veal is a direct byproduct of veal. Male chicks are thrown into mascerators LIVE in the egg-laying industry. Even free-range hens generally have really shitty lives. Over 50% of dairy industry cows suffer from painful mastitis. Most dairy and egg farms have animals who have never seen the sunlight, can't be with their children, have never stepped on grass, and live in concentration-like condition. And most importantly, almost all of these animals are eventually slaughter, FAR beyond their natural lifespan. Hamburger comes from "spent" dairy cows. Dairy and egg farms still contribute to global warming in a major way. And they are still not healthy for you.

It's time. It'll be okay. Food is still delicious. You will not lack protein or iron or calcium or anything else. No one will hate you. Your family will not disown you. You will live and the suffering will decrease because of it.