Meat madness

One big news story this week is the recall of 143 million pounds of beef. What amazes me is the 'advisory' message early in the television or radio segment warning listeners that the news to follow could be disturbing. WTF? Do we need to shelter people from the knowledge of where their food comes from? Wake up people...educate yourself and take responsibility for your actions!

It doesn't bother me that people eat meat; what bothers me most is ignorance. Meat-based diets are based on factory farming, which is nothing but cramped and inhumane conditions for millions and millions of unfortunate animals. Not to mention that livestock operations are a top groundwater polluter, that it takes an incredible amount of resources to produce a pound of meat, and on...

I'm amazed that people choose to consume food coming from utterly squalid conditions. I suppose it's easier not to think about it, which is part of, if not the main problem. It extends past food to the SUVs we drive, the disposable products we throw away, the electricity we waste...most Americans don't seem to think past their own little bubble. What type of world (resources or society) are we leaving for future generations?

Living beings should never be viewed as commodity. What does it say about our society when no one really cares about improving the welfare of these animals? When no one cares about letting them live an at least respectable life? When no one cares that thousands of animals were killed and are now being thrown away? What a waste.

Addendum: To keep the argument practical, I should have said that I know most people will not consider a vegetarian diet, but I'm hoping some will realize the benefits (their health, the health of animals, and the health of the planet) of a plant-centered diet and attempt to add a meat-free meal to their diet every week. Every bit helps!