[dexterandalana]

Originally Posted by gemy

I too tried to watch, and will have to take it in sections. The numbers quoted in the first part (pets) are rather astounding; and I'd like to review again the stats. some scenes I'm pretty sure are not from North America. Not that it matters all that much.

no, many scenes are not from North America in the film, but that does not mean these animals suffer any less. And for something like the fur and leather industry, the cruelty goes on mainly in other countries, but is sold here. the section on leather was particularily eye opening for me as the Indian leather trade is not only an animal rights, but HUMAN rights situation. the chemicals they use to prederve the rotting flesh (which is what leather is) is destroying drinking water and soil for many communities.
(side note that most of the puppymill and factory farm footage IS northamerican)

Originally Posted by gemy

if every single North American embraced the outlawing of animal mass production, a whole lot of belts will need to be tightened. The cost of meat, will likely go up (a whole lot).

not too sure if you meant the "belts tightened" comment to be tounge in cheek, but it totally is. the fact is that North Americans eat far more processed meats than the rest of the world is contributing to the high obessity rate.

the cost of meat likely will go up, yes. that is something that I personally would be willing to accept. If i do not accept this fact than I am saying that me saving a few extra dollars a month is worth more than the suffering of hundreds of thousands of animals ever month. If I could give up a latte or two a month to help the overall well being of these animals, you bet i would do it. We live in a very selfish society and I know many people would not be willing to sacrifice superficial and materialistic items for the wellbeing of others, let alone a different species.

Originally Posted by gemy

I do remember oh 25-30 years ago or so, most mainstream folks, thought vegetarians were beyond weird, that we were shouting hysterically about what growth hormones are doing, antibiotics in the food chain, pesticides in the vegetables, the danger of pollution, the ozone layer, etc.

yup, it happens all the time...when my mom was pregnant with me there was ashtrays in the delivery rooms! until we know the actual dangers in something, we want to convince ourselves that it is ok becuase we enjoy it...

Originally Posted by gemy

I would like to point out, that being a vegetarian requires more forethought and planning to get the nutrients the human body needs. We (the human species) are omnivores. While our diet doesn't need to be as heavily meat based as it is currently, meat protein does have it's place in the development and maintenance of healthy bodies.

funny as it may sound with what i have said so far, i am not a vegetarian or a vegan. I eat meat and believe the human body was designed to eat meat. I do, however consider myself a "conscience carnovoir" I only buy meat, milk and cheese, etc directly from farmers that i have researched their farming practices and some i have even been to their farms. I know that the animal i am eatting are raised well and live happy lives. I am, however, a vegan when I eat out at restaurants or anywhere I don't know where the animal products came from. I also do not buy leather or fur.

again, yes it does take more time and thought to eat vegeterian, vegan or to research where your meat is coming from, but to me it is worth it to know that I am not supporting the unessisary distruction in videos like EARTHLINGS