Because as human beings we evolved by eating plants and grains and not killing the cute fluffy animals! Oh no wait we DID'NT. There are profound problems with the livestock industry in this country and others, but extremism based on sentimentality makes little sense. Sure, I love animals too. I don't personally own a pet chicken or Tuna, and live in reality. For someone with your qualifications this is a bit sappy, but hey whatever works for-and thanks for perpetrating the myth that animal products cause acne or weight gain. I mean hey, I've only been studying nutrition and exercise for 15 years but shockingly I have uncovered little evidence of this. Oh and I have consumed meat etc for almost 40 years and have never had any skin problems or ever been above 13% bodyfat.

I firmly believe and stand up for the right for every individual to make what ever choices they wish-as long as they are not harming other human beings. This included 2 tours in the military, during which I was deployed on several humanitarian relief missions (among others). I was happy to help those in another culture, because I am" intolerant". I have dated several vegetarians-I have zero problem with their choices.
Follow whatever lifestyle you want-just be informed before you preach it
Science and fact impact, not fuzzy logic. Hey I just watched "Food Inc". Disgusted? Very. But suggesting you become a vegan because its "mean" to kill and consume animals is poor logic. Incidentally you arrived at your current status in evolution because your ancestors did just that. Do what you wish but don't leave faulty logic and science to defend it

There is an ethical argument to be sure. Don't confuse that with logic. It's "not right" to kill the cute bunny. It's "not right" when you encounter a 10yr old girl, dieing of starvation, and have to run a half mile through the streets of a foreign land, whilst being shot at. All 50 ibs of her(at best). To then have her die in your arms. Nothing you can do about it. I have killed the cute bunny(matter of survival, did'nt enjoy it at all) and tried to help the child. I am glad you live in a world where we can strive towards this utopia where everything is great for all. Reality much? I agree we must move past the current animal "farming" system. But if that is the only take home point you got from my post, then I can't help you much. There are bigger concerns around us and in the world........if I need to explain this too you, well............Nice that you can make this a pivotal point for your world.

Incidentally, I do agree with the overall point of the piece. And many of us are aware the current system is very flawed indeed. Would you like it to change? Be active! Petition your congressman or senator to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Will you ? Probably not. You will do what most do here, which is to "make a choice not to support it and change your life" Which does nothing to assuage the situation, but it does give you a platform for your self righteous, self serving bullshit. Your "choice", while it may stem from noble intentions will not impact the current situation. Jesus Christ...just go read some Ayn Rand already. I'm starting to feel sick

I understand that it is never "kind" to kill any farm or wild animal, but I am curious how it is unkind to eat the unfertilized eggs that fall out of chickens' butts or the milk that backs up in an udder. And if it is, what is the rationale for any farm animal's continued existence?

Wow lola nice reading comprehension . A few points for you
-the rabbit analogy refers to the Marine Mountain Training Survival course (why...real life conditions, this is what you have to eat for three weeks, but hey thats never happened to anyone..oh wait it has. Sheltered much?)...but maybe you are anti military, so lets not dwell on that
-yes I do value Humans. They are my species. I also belong to WWF among other wildlife and Animal Rights organizations. Nice Humanity fail
-Thank you for trivializing the life of a child to make your point...tell you what, lets trade. I'll enjoy "My Choices" and a cush life in "PDX", you go to Somalia in "93....oh wait, you can't. And likely would epically fail at helping anyone there.
-There are more than a few people in this state alone who don't have "access to ample selections" at grocery stores or likely the budget you do. But that is a typical stance from
people who really only see their peer group or those with the same ideals for comparison.Nice logic fail
Vegetarianism has several important factors relating to human survival. Although I find it odd that you listed that last while asserting it's importance. I am to infer that you don't care for your own kind much?
-Making a personal choice has a small impact, changing the system has a large impact...but you don't have any faith in the Government, so clearly it's up to You and other forward thinkers like you who "Have Choices" to change the world. Comical if it was'nt so stupid
-I love animals, and I want the current system of "farming " them to stop...OR DID YOU JUST SKIP THAT PART ? We probably share many ideologies, put people like you prevent me from wanting to be part of it
The weight thing.....epic funny. You do realize scale weight is one of the least reliable parameters for health....oops, obviously not
You may want to investigate body compositon...oh never mind. half the vegetarians I have met look awful, smell horrible and have bad skin. Investigate vitamin deficiencies some time. Have fun existing on Carbohydrates and Soy products. Yum! Personally I rarely eat meat and prefer free range despite the expense. Also dairy is no problem...but it so wrong to milk cows and make cheeses and stuff......good luck consuming 40 grams of protein a day, if that. Many vegetarian diets I have critiqued for clients are inadequate at best. Not to say It can't be done. But I am just be rational. You of course have loftier ethics, or at least you assume so

No thanks, I have already expressed my opinions. Ours differ somewhat, but that being said you have every right to express yours. There is merit in some of your points but it still coming off a little holier than thou to me at least. I apologize if my tone was offensive to you. That is how I communicate in real life at times. This is not a college debate class, it's life. Speaking of which, despite the fact that you are clearly very intelligent, I can't shake the feeling that your life experience is limited. You seem to speak largely for those like yourself, at least that's how it comes across. Finally, again there is nothing wrong with vegetarianism, it can lead to better health for some. But I put to you that you are a bit naive if you feel killing an animal or fish for food, is an unethical or "dirty" act. So far I have'nt heard a logical stance for this

That is an intelligent and thought provoking response, thank you. To OP,prior comment-it is a known fact I am in fact a huge internet troll on EVERY SITE. Thank you for appointing yourself the monitor of this one, asshat.