Oh gosh SweetC! I can't even look at those films. I know what's in them. I've been a veghead for a long time. I joke about it here (umm....tofubutt, eh?), but I do avoid serious discussions for the most part with meat eaters. When people ask, I explain - however they ALWAYS ask during meals! And how can I explain while they are eating steak? It's not exactly polite...me mum would not approve. So I just say that's it not appropriate dinner conversation, and if they are really interested, we can talk about it later. Then I try to forge on to some other witty banter, as they stare at their plate of cow.

I first became a vegetarian as a teen, because of the death and abuse of animals. I'm a BIG animal lover. I grew up near farms, so I had a clue what went on. Later in life, my spiritual choices added to my interest in remaining a vegetarian for life.

I love most of the work that PETA does, BUT I'm not a big supporter of their marketing choices. I've cooresponded with them regarding some of their ads. I wish they would put some effort in simply asking people to do three things:

1) Lobby for humane treatment of animals during their life on farms, during transport, and at the processing plants

2) Start a campaign asking people to eat less animal protein. There are so many great alternatives. If farmers and meat processors felt the pinch in their wallet, perhaps they'd understand they we mean business. We demand they stop their abuses.

3) Support small farmers who raise animals sanely. You can actually visit these farms and see for yourself how the animals are treated. Farmers like this encourage you to visit!

But what PETA does instead is have a billboard blitz telling people to stop drinking milk. Huh? Like that's going to happen?? Start smaller folks.

Anyhow, I'm not going to lecture anyone. I've managed to survive without eating animals or using leather. It can be done. And soooo much more easily now since there are so many more products available. It was NOT easy in the 70's!

If you are just starting out....forget about being a vegan for now. It's too drastic and too difficult to eat healthy. Just try cutting down the amount of animal protein you consume. Try some of the soy based products. See how it goes. Small steps, it's a journey.

Take care.

Moooooo...emmy