Childhood indoctrination

[Something completely different]

True, but what does this say about our supposed right to kill and torture other species? Nothing as far as I can see.

The way I see it.
We have the right to kill those who threaten civilisation, which doesnt apply to animals since they do not threaten civilisation.

Other than that, the simple answere to why we have the right to eat animals is survival - we eat animals.
If one argues that we no longer need to eat animals to survive, then I can still say that I have the right to eat animals and that this right is given to me through the fact that I am part of a supirior species.

There are quantitative differences, of course, but no qualitative differences that would allow us to do whatever we please. And killing and torturing for our pleaseure really does require not only "less" moral responsibility toward the victim but absolutely none!

How ould that in any way allow us to behave as we please???????
Our civilisation is not based on the principle that we a re a species which is supirior to animals, it is based on principles of progress and debate.
Again you are arguing that we as a species are inflicting harm as if it were already established fact that animals are equals, when in fact this hasnt been established by neither one of you.

I'm glad to say that Forb is not my laptog but my brother in arms and I'm glad (s)he's here, it's often times a lonely position to argue for the victims.

Being on the same side of a debate doesnt justify dishonesty!