I'm writing this report on animal rights for my writing class right now and doing all the research has been almost a joy because it has taught me even more and reassures my choice of vegetarianism. Not that I'm saying everyone should be one. I'm not trying to tell anyone that they should be; I have loads of friends who aren't and I could care less. I think it's an incredibly personal choice, much like religion, so it annoys me when people try to force it on someone else. But when people find out that I am a vegetarian the first question they always ask me is "So why did you decide to do that?" I always get a little uncomfortable, stare at the ground, and usually answer with a mumbled "oh...ummm...i like animals." I never really know how to answer. Just knowing even more about the incredibly horrible treatment that animals receive in the united states has given me a lot of facts to answer with. The egg industry is disgusting. They stick 7-8 hens in a 19x20x14 inch cage with wire mesh for a floor and often times hens get stuck in these giant rollers and die. The cattle industry is no better where they keep young cows (for veal anyway) elevated in cages with their legs immobiled for the entirety of their lives so that their meat stays in a tender, undeveloped stage. I won't write down the other stuff cuz its really violent. So if any of you reading have asked me about it and all Ive said is "ummm...animals are good?" this is a tiny glimpse into my reasoning. I'm sure people have loads of comebacks for me...animals are here for us to eat them, there's no alternative way of treating them, you'll never be able to get rid of the meat industry so you might as well join the band wagon,etc. But really, learning all I can about it has helped reaffirm my own decision that Ive been practicing for the past 4 years and I think will keep me going for a long time if not the rest of my life. In fact, Id love to cut out eggs as well...it's really difficult in college but we'll see how it goes.

i really hope i didn't piss anyone off with this, it's just my own opinion and you are welcome to do what you like.