WHY VEGAN?

i've wanted to write a "why vegan" manifesto for a long time. i didn't feel i had enough facts and statistics, or counterpoints to your arguments. but months have passed and now i am a walking library of sad information.      and you know what? it doesn't mean anything more drastic or fucked up that what i knew before. if anything, it dulls the meaning. i shouldn't have to tell you this percent of this horrible thing happens this percent of the time! as propagandhi said so elegantly- you're not stupid you're just selfish.      behind all the hidden horrors of slaughter house gore there exists the simple fact that animals are considered less than worthy to receive basic god-given rights. for whatever audacious reason, non-human animals are largely thought of as our possessions to experiment with, eat, confine, torture, and use for any other idea we come up with. now rationalize any way you will, but an educated vegan could undoubtedly prove wrong any reason you give. no argument exists that could justify the wretched way we treat animals.      and even after finding out the gruesome facts and statistics, the majority of people still eat meat, eat dairy, go to the circus, wear leather... it comes down to comfort. it comes down to one's selfishness over a million lives. i've heard more than once a vegetarian who has the conviction for veganism, but claims not to have the will power to go vegan. and they think they've done enough. poor vegetarians having to give up their scrambles eggs and ice cream! i am perhaps more contemptuous of these self riotous vegetarians than the standard omnivore. they know best of all what violence and cruelty they facilitate, but continue on their path.      look- vegetarianism is great, but it's simply the lesser of two evils. if vegetarians continue to think they've done their part and refuse to make the final step to veganism, it just sets a worse example for the rest of the population.      and this is where vegan rage comes from. seeing the selfishness that creates such suffering. it's why i speak so candidly about this- it angers me. i am not timid or tentative in my beliefs and conviction. if you want facts, go to peta.com, or any one of the hundreds of sites that details the horrors of an omnivorous diet. if you want to brag about your great intentions, and your sympathy of the plight of mistreated animals, take a number. the half-hearted "there in spirit" vegans will always exist, but why be one of them? it is no more difficult to give up animal products than it would be to abandon any personally disgusting habit. looking at a carton of milk becomes repulsive pretty quick when you know what's behind the production of it. and so it goes with all animal products...      my prayers go out to everyone- that we become a people not so addicted and dependent on the suffering of animals. if you need support, or suggestions, or a sounding board on your way to veganism, for pete's sake, write me! if you fancy yourself smarter than the average herbivore, and have some bloody genius argument to veganism, write me and let me prove you wrong. [i will, you know.]      and much love and kisses to my fellow vegans- i am proud beyond words that you are alive. i have written a few short pieces in support of my manifesto. my hope is to put to rest some common misconceptions and satiate some curiosity. please read on.