By Pauline Dubkin Yearwood -
[email protected]
It might seem like a stretch to make a connection
between our food choices and the mood of the country since the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks. But I believe there is one -- a strong one. For those
who are already vegetarian or vegan, for those who are contemplating
going meatless and even for those who have no more than a passing
interest in the subject of food choices, now is the time to turn to a
plant-based diet. Here�s why:
1. Eating a non-animal-based diet sends a strong message
in favor of non-violence. Gandhi said, �We must become the change we
wish to see in the world.� If we want to see an end to killing, there�s
no better place to start than with what we put in our bodies.
2. It�s well known that stress can make us sick, and
this is a time of great stress throughout the country. A vegetarian
(preferably vegan) diet is far healthier than a diet based on animal
products, and is a good way to stay healthy during a difficult time.
3. Experts agree that one of the root causes of
terrorism is poverty. In many countries of the world there is widespread
starvation. A meat-based diet wastes precious resources. In the United
States, 90 percent of the country�s agricultural resources goes to
feeding animals used for food. If Americans reduced their intake of meat
by just 10 percent, 60 million people could be adequately fed by the
grain saved.* By switching to a plant-based diet we can help conserve
those resources and make sure that there is enough food for all the
peoples of the world.
4. Since the terrorist attacks, many Americans have
found comfort and hope in their religion. Virtually all the world�s
major religions teach that killing is wrong (even if their followers
don�t always practice that teaching). By refusing to allow animals to be
killed for our diets, we are adhering to the broad tenets of our
religion, whichever one it may be.
*Statistics from American Anti-Vivisection Society.
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