Letter to the Editor: Nutrient from first source are the best

Dear Editor,

I’m writing in response to the article that was published Wed. Dec. 7, 2005 on the topic of vegans. I think that it is great that the vegans and vegetarians got a chance to let everyone know what they stand for and why they choose to do what they do.

I am a little concerned however, that Jennifer Moss-Holmes was the only person that was quoted. I know that there are many vegans and vegetarians that would love to have their say on what they stand for.

I would like to also answer some questions that were brought up. The person quoted was right in saying that you don’t suffer nutritionally without animal products, but it is better to get the nutrition you need in its first form. Our bodies are programmed to utilize the food we get from animals and their products. Supplements and vitamins work but they are not best.

She commented that it takes less land to feed a vegan or vegetarian than it does to feed a meat-eater. This could be true, but what about all the land that is not fit to grow plants on? Sheep, cattle and other animals can live on land that otherwise would go wasted.

Many people think that killing animals is cruel. How they kill can be cruel, but the fact that we do kill is not cruel. We are depriving them of life, but what life do they have to live? They could be let free to live like they choose, but they would be harried by predators and would have to find their own food. We could set up facilities to keep them until they die of old age. They would likely have to have shots and experience the pain that comes with old age.

I support the vegans and vegetarians for wanting to stop abuse from happening. I think that sometimes people get misinformed and join a group just because it is a good cause.

I only wanted to correct the misinformation that some people may have picked up about animals and ‘meat-eaters’.

Anthea Jones