A Recipe For a Family Fight

That's the point bryan2369, animals can not talk to us to express how they feel about things, so instead of us assuming anything, they should be respected and left alone to live out their natural lifespans on their terms in their own environments.

Sorry, that last post made little sense because it was supposed to be a reply to Spuds' remarks in another post about why vegetarians introduce themselves by immediately announcing their vegetarianism. Someone gave an in-your-face answer, and Spuds decided that all vegetarians behave that way. "Is that what vegetarians do call names and point fingers. . ." I mean, really. Just because some do, that means we all do?? Several meat-eaters have been very rude to me, but I wouldn't ask "Is that what meat-eaters do?"

I think some people who are Vegetarians think too much of themselves. Noboby really cares if you eat the turkey or not...just don't give me the speech about how the birds are raised and slaughtered.

I usually keep my mouth shut while reading these comment boards, but I can't tonight. I was raised near farms and helped butcher chickens at my friend's family farm. Usually I couldn't eat chicken for about two weeks after. But these are domestic animals were put on earth to feed and clothe us. I have a problem with abusing them, but I also have a problem with the way most of the people here that jump on a band wagon about issues they know very little about. My 15 year old daughter is a vegetarian and I would have to say she has been one for most of if not all of her life. She is one not because of the animals, she is one just for the plain simple truth that she doesn't like meat. My future daughter in law is a vegan for the same reason, she just don't like the taste. At our family dinners we each bring something so everyone has something they enjoy. I sware most of you people have no lives other than to sit here and argue about something so stupid. Thanksgiving is for what you are thankful for not what is on your plate. And thank you sexieveggie for stating the obvious, it's a lifesytle not a cause.

All I asked last night was a simple question I did not attack anyone. It was a simple question, why is it that vegetarians feel the need upon first meeting someone they must tell them they are a vegetarian? Hi so and so meet so and so. Hello nice to meet you I am a vegetarian. You might as well tell me how your bowel movement was yesterday as well. I dont really care, and I really dont need to know either thing. If and when you or I are invited to either ones house for a meal then yes say something then. but for a casual first time meeting? That is too much information please keep it to yourself.

shigahdeebah , I never attacked you I never called you names, is that what vegetarians do call names and point fingers to make themselfs feel better? I quote (In the future, people will look back in horror & disgust at these dark days where humans actually ate the cut up insides of dead animals & drank their body fluids.
There are just some things civilized people don't put in their mouths.) Ya that is just how my last meal was, we took a goat and hung it from the rafters and slit its throat and filled or goblets with ist blood. Then we disemboweled it and ate heartally from it. Then we tossed the carcass on the dinning room table and ate the flesh!.................................. come on! I at no time and ever will put anyone down for the eating habits is this how you all make yourself feel better, or is that reserved for talk among yourselfs?

We are entering the time of Thanksgiving, cant we all just be thankful for the bounty of food we have to share with friends and family without the finger pointing and name calling? I can eat my turkey right next to you as you eat your tofu, I will not shame you or call you names for doing so.

But can anyone answer my above question in a civil manner?

I usually keep my mouth shut while reading these comment boards, but I can't tonight. I was raised near farms and helped butcher chickens at my friend's family farm. Usually I couldn't eat chicken for about two weeks after. But these are domestic animals were put on earth to feed and clothe us. I have a problem with abusing them, but I also have a problem with the way most of the people here that jump on a band wagon about issues they know very little about. My 15 year old daughter is a vegetarian and I would have to say she has been one for most of if not all of her life. She is onemot because of animals, she is one just for the plain simple truth that she doesn't like meat. My future daughter in law is a vegan for the same reason, she just don't like the taste. I sware most of you people have no lives other than to sit here and argue about something so stupid. Thanksgiving is for what you are thankful for not what is on your plate.

I have step-daughter who's decided to be a vegan, which eliminates butter, milk, eggs and cheese, on top of the meat. It makes organizing the holidays tough, especially when you add *step-family sensitivity around holidays* into the mix. I admit to initially feeling secretly challenged -- and annoyed , almost offended -- by her choice. I didn't feel she should disrupt our family traditions -- and I still think vegans might work to mitigate any disruption.

But soon, I settled down, thought it through, and settled on the policy that follows. It's all about striking a balance. Just as one would never serve an invited guest a dish that we *knew* she/he couldn't/wouldn't eat for religious reasons, I make sure we serve a selection of side dishes that we're sure she'll eat. I help this along by serving butter on the side or by substituting olive oil here and there -- small modifications. I ask for general family contributions, so that either she or her (Indonesian) father can help me with the cooking by whipping up something with tempeh or tofu -- enough to share.

On my side, I don't think I should be expected to throw out my excellent holiday foods because somebody hauls off and becomes a vegatarian -- I think that would be rude to me -- but I don't want to be rude to any guest by starving them at my table, either.

Vegans can help matters by being a good sport about small amounts of ribbing, and hosting carnivores can back up their guest's right to eat what they want. Light-heartedly defend your guest, when called for. Vegans, however, should refrain from proselytizing, sanctimony, or lectures.

Who knows what may evolve? On Christmas two years ago, instead of lunchtime chicken soup, or even the previously popular corn and cheese chowder, we tried making *chestnut soup* -- high in protein, red wine ... and brandy -- very festive ... It's become part of our holiday routine, by popular acclaim. Happy-happy!
*Liz, from NJ

Vegetarians and vegans can help out by bringing a (protein) dish to share -- just call the host/ess first, to inquire about the menu and discuss complimentary possibilities. To me, this very helpful to hosts, who should remain open to considerate vegetarian overtures, so they can get on with the business of having a nice visit and a happy meal together.

i'm a vegetarian,
but not because of animal rights, or because of the environment or anything.
i'm a vegatarian because of the health benefits- its been proven that vegetarians have less risk of heart disease/ colon cancer/ brain tumors/ stomach cancer/ etc.
so- thats why I'm a vegetarian. :)

I am a vegetarian, but I do draw the line at amino acids and take my share of milk and eggs, call me a food facist or whatever. However, all decisions we take have consequences. Brazil is the worlds largest producer of soya, yes even bigger than China, driven by the vegan demand for soya products, everyday thousands of acres of rainforest land is reclaimed to soya farming. I think vegans should consider, the more abnormal you keep your diets the less you adapt in your natural surroundings, there is always a balance. So pull that stick out of your ass, eat healthy and stop destroying the rainforest.