my reply

i think this is a good reflection of the way people rationalize cruelty. the greatest virtue of the modern american is his sense acceptance of cognitive dissonance. toleration of cognitive dissonance is also a buddhist virtue. just goes to show you how the right tool (CD) in the wrong hands (omnivores) leads to deformed morality.

i also respond to several comments others left


http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2010/07/12/a-day-two-pigs-would-die/

Notice the vocabulary change from the beginning to the end of the article. This is a perfect rendering of the transition an animal goes through being dissected and turned into a commodity. The popularity and curiosity urban and upper class people have with 'free range' and 'organic' meat is reflective of a desire to live a more sustainable lifestyle without compromising their diet. Essentially, reform without reform; a revolution that's pointless and inept instead of bloodless. As long as articles like this continue to be written the most ethical among us will look for ways to buy the right kind of meat rather than simply abstaining from meat, the right hybrid car instead of driving less. Does it really make it better to know that the animal you're eating had a name? Personally, I think it's more abhorrent. I'd rather eat a faceless nameless not-even-numbered hog than one swindled into sacrifice for a more ethically palatable dish.

Cruelty is cruelty, any way you slice it.