Giving up RED MEAT – who’s with me?

[JoB]

KatherineL,

Did you know that the deer population in our state is kept in balance largely by people who eat meat?

In fact, local populations determine the number of tags issued each hunting season. There are still people whose main source of meat is the deer and elk they shoot during hunting season.

I don’t disagree with you that the agribusiness of meat production is problematic… and i sincerely hope one day it will become a luxury.

however, i have to question your assertion that the nutrition provided by using land to raise animals is inferior to that of raising vegetables… providing the animals are raised organically.

You assume the nutrition from animal protein and that from vegetable protein are equal. Although it is possible to get adequate protein from a vegetarian diet, it is not the same protein as that found in meat… and some people have to supplement to get adequate brain nutrition on vegetarian diets.

For some of us with malabsorption issues (for whatever reason) supplementation is not enough. Some of us really do require animal protein on a regular basis to maintain health.

Also you assume that land which can be used to grass feed animals is also land that can be used to raise food. And that is often not the case. Grass fed animals are often grazed on land that is not suitable for the production of vegetables of any kind.. including grains.

This isn’t an issue that has to be an either/or issue. Sustainable farms have long successfully raised a balance of both animals and vegetation… with benefit to and from both.

By paying more than lip service to sustainability, we can satisfy both the needs of those whose bodies require animal protein and the wants of those who will pay for the luxury… without endangering global food production.

There is a real problem with this idea of deciding what the “best” way is and then legislating that for everyone (whether through the use of legislation or coercion).

A good example is the current legislation to make incandescent light bulbs illegal. Aside from the toxic waste issue.. there are many who can’t use the compact fluorescents without triggering migraines and seizures.

Since i am one of those who has to be very very careful which compact fluorescents i purchase to avoid headaches.. and limit my use… this legislation is not in my best interests… and i am not alone.

i would prefer legislation which gives financial preference to both those who manufacture compact fluorescents and to those who use them.. but not legislation which bans incandescents…

there is always a middle ground that meets the needs both of the few and of the many…

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