Veganism - the other OTHER religion

[Zen Badger]

The fact is, we have evolved as omnivores and we require meat as well as vegetables.

They seem to have this idea that in nature animals live in some sort of happy co-existance where no really gets hurt.

One suspects they've watched "Bambi" one too many times.

It's an ethical choice, simple as that. Noone's denying that we're omnivores and that there's a great deal of cruelty in the wild, but that argument simply isn't comparing like with like.

We are animals, after all, and I personally think that we have a moral obligation to minimize the suffering done to our fellow creatures, no matter how lowly they are. As long as they suffer, I think it's wrong to turn a blind eye. I'm sure a philosopher like Shelly Kagan can be more eloquent about it, but it's a simple and fair ethical stance. Comparing it to a religion is rather insulting, especially when coherent arguments can be made by both sides, and I fucking hate it when people think veganism for moral reasons is some form of "extremism."

Could you please clarify whether you are against eating meat or cruelty to animals.(there is a difference)

If it is the latter then I agree with you, there is no need for animals to suffer in domestication or when they are slaughtered.
I take no pleasure in the death of an animal and I don't kill for sport.

But having said that I have no problem killing to eat. But I would make it quick and painless.

Something I might add that a animal in the wild would not grant. A lion does not care if the antelope it has just killed has suffered or not, and would not understand the concept if you tried to explain it.

But I like meat and I feel no guilt in eating it.

Just remember that all that is born is destined to die(usually in pain and suffering) and all life will be eaten by other life.