Why I am not a vegan

[Shemaya]

Monica, I am not judging you on your activism. I guess I sure did hit a button there. Hopefully you will eventually forgive me, I know I don't feel harmed or hurt by "being rubbed the wrong way" as Diana put it.

Initially, I had a few points that I wanted add to the discussion that I thought were missing out of the whole picture. And of course I am coming from the point of view that veganism (no animal products for sustenance ever) is not for everybody at this moment in existence.

My hope, my prayer, my dream is that enough people on this planet can join forces and change the oppressive, enslaving, food system that we have. That somehow as a species , we , together can create a nurturing, sustaining, and compassionate system to provide sustenance for the multitudes. Even Christ himself gave people fish to eat, but that is beside the point. Even Ghandi drank milk, he felt he needed it to recover from illness.

You being the passionate, compassionate powerful woman that you are could be like Ghandi, a leader in such a social movement. However mostly what I hear from you, and I know you have written thousands of words here so I am not disregarding that effort at all, is the message " Stop eating meat". I just don't agree that the answer is that simple at this moment in time, and obviously it is divisive. True, rich Americans have access to whatever they need for nutrition, but there are many limitations with regard to the developing world.

I understand distress and deep grief and deep sorrow. I know what that feels like. I know this has been a challenging road to follow for you and others.

If my viewpoint or thoughts are not heard or unwelcome, such is life when interacting with others. I joined the conversation because there was something I wanted to say. And I accept the catalyst for myself to work through my distortions, as well as hopefully being catalyst for others. That's it. Be well.