In reference to Nate Rushing’s Thursday column, the cows we eat don’t actually eat grass.
They are fed corn because it is so cheaply produced, causing them to form E. coli, which is what leads to the foodborne illnesses that kill about 60 people a year, mainly babies and young children.
And, while colon, breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, obesity and heart
disease are significantly more likely to affect meat eaters, that’s worth the taste of meat too, right? And even though vegetarians and vegans can get sufficient amounts of vitamin B-12 from vitamin supplements, I’m glad Rushing used the excuse so no one will have to change his or her lifestyle.
Even though there are other issues that could be alleviated with a vegan diet, like human rights, animal rights and environmental issues, I’m glad Rushing focused his argument on his own well being. The rest of the world can deal with itself.
Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Ben Franklin, Steve Jobs, Mort Zuckerman, Russell Simmons and, recently, Bill Clinton and other highly successful people are or were all vegetarian or vegan.
However, I’m glad Rushing didn’t consider the fact that maybe being vegan is healthy and intelligent. Maybe, just maybe, a vegan diet is good for the planet, alleviates suffering in both humans and animals and makes positive change in the world.
I’m glad Rushing doesn’t care about any of that.
Editor's note: This letter refers to this column.
