Just Say Nay

All this news about horse meat and the controversy over whether or not horse slaughterhouses should be allowed in our country is disturbing to me on so many levels.  Obviously, anyone who knows me, know I would be opposed to this but I am curious about where the lines in the sand are drawn, and who decides on those lines.  Many of the same people who would never consider eating horse meat, think it’s extreme that others, like myself, don’t eat cows, pigs or chickens.  Is there really that big a difference between any of these animals?  Marion Nestle, a public health and nutrition expert at New York University has an interesting way of drawing the line.  “We don’t eat animals with names,” she said.  Wed don’t eat dogs, we don’t eat cats and we are horrified when people do.  The same is true of horses.”  Well, I am certain there have been some named pigs, cows and chickens, but I say we name them all!

Please, don’t get me wrong.  I am well aware of the health issues involved in horse meat vs. the animals we currently eat in the good ol’ US of A.   Horses are often given chemicals and medications that would be toxic to humans, but that doesn’t stop people in France, China, Mexico, Russia and other countries from eating it, so ultimately it could become a staple in our country as well.   Horse slaughter is also quite inhumane for reasons I will spare you.  For the sake of the human race as well as the horse race, (ha–no pun intended) I certainly hope our government will NOT take us backwards by allowing Valley Meat Co., in Roswell, New Mexico to become the first US horse slaughterhouse to open since they were banned in 2007.   And the reason they give for wanting to open….jobs.  We all need jobs,  I understand…but employing 100 at a cattle facility that will raise and slaughter horses…this just seems like an episode of Criminal Minds.

For the sake of the horses, the cows, the pigs, the chickens and ALL the animals…whether we call them by name or not, I hope that you will consider a plant-based meal or 3, today.  Consider the bounty of fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and nuts that are available to you.   Remember that most pastas, most bagels and many breads are vegan.  A meal like pasta with tomato sauce, salad,  your favorite vegetable and a piece of bread makes for a beautiful plant-based meal…and really, there is nothing about that meal that says deprivation!  I make pasta night special by purchasing fresh pasta from the local Italian market (Doris).  It costs a couple of bucks more than boxed pasta, but it’s such an inexpensive meal, it’s certainly worth it.  Don’t mistake vegan for bland or boring.  Remember that deception cookie I posted last week?!

I can only speak from experience and in my experience, living on a plant-based diet has brought me an inner peace greater than I ever had before.  Ask most anyone who has given up animal products and they will tell you the same.

And finally, speaking of plants…a million thanks to Judy who has been sharing her garden goodies with Mitch and I.  This week’s tomatoes were the basis of last night’s salad.  YUM!

So at least, just for this day–when it comes to eating animals, I hope you will say NAY!