Animal Agriculture Virus, Flu, Pandemic History -

Some of the time I wonder... when it is said that "the meek will inherit the earth"... What could be more modest than these simple, microscopic viruses? After all... billions of billions can fit on the head of a pin. And I also wonder often... how very far we might have progressed - If not for the encumbrances of animal agriculture? Go vegan

Kindness and Compassion Through Vegan Choices

I know what kind of person we were all taught to be... yet, it's so odd that when we attempt to live that way we are considered radical or "fringe". Being consistent and compassionate is the right thing to do... our parents had it right all along - they just forgot to follow their own wisdom - Go Vegan

Animal Agriculture Stinks! Eat More Plants - Go Vegan

Go Vegan

Swine Flu H1N1 Pandemic Potential - Pork is NOT VEGAN

So you take a little bit of pig poop - Alright... so you take a lot of pig poop... Store it in huge lagoons and reuse it to "clean" the pig barns... ...add a fly and you have: The illness started in Mexico - and many are attributing the outbreak from flies which frequent hog CAFO's (concentrated animal feeding operations). The disease vector is a type of fly that reproduces in pig waste and breeds in manure lagoons on pig farms. Mexico's health minister says the disease has killed up to 86 people and likely sickened up to 1,400 since April 13. U.S. officials say the virus has been found in New York, California, Texas, Kansas and Ohio, but so far no fatalities have been reported. In response to the developments in North America, countries around the world planned quarantines, tightened rules on pork imports and tested airline passengers for fevers as global health officials tried Sunday to come up with uniform ways to battle the outbreak. Nations from New Zealand to France reported new suspected cases and some warned citizens against travel to North America, the AP said. In Mexico, the government has ordered schools closed and all public events have been suspended for the time being, including more than 500 concerts and other gatherings in the city of 20 million residents. Even churches stood empty Sunday, the AP said." Because of the situation, the World Health Organization planned to consider raising the world pandemic flu alert to 4 from 3. Such a high level of alert — meaning that sustained human-to-human transmission of a new virus has been detected — has not been reached in recent years, even with the H5N1 avian flu circulating in Asia and Egypt, and would “really raise the hackles of everyone around the world,” said Dr. Robert G. Webster, a flu virus expert at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. "Is Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork packer and hog producer, linked to the outbreak? Smithfield operates massive hog-raising operations Perote, Mexico, in the state of Vera Cruz, where the outbreak originated. The operations, grouped under a Smithfield subsidiary called Granjas Carrol, raise 950,000 hogs per year, according to the company Web site—a level nearly equal to Smithfield’s total U.S. hog production." "The article goes on to say that area residents have long complained of “fetid odors” in the air and water, and swarms of flies hovering around waste lagoons. Like their counterparts who live in CAFO-heavy U.S. areas, they also complain of respiratory ailments. Now, with 30 percent of the area’s residents now infected with the virulent flu bug, people are demanding that state and federal authorities inspect hog operations there." WASHINGTON -The U.S. declared a public health emergency Sunday to deal with the emerging new swine flu, much like the government does to prepare for approaching hurricanes. Officials reported 20 U.S. cases of swine flu in five states so far, with the latest in Ohio and New York. Unlike in Mexico where the same strain appears to be killing dozens of people, cases in the United State have been mild — and U.S. health authorities can't yet explain why. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, "roughly 12 million doses of the drug Tamiflu will be moved from a federal stockpile to places where states can quickly get their share if they decide they need it. Priority will be given to the five states with known cases so far: California, Texas, New York, Ohio and Kansas." "We're preparing in an environment where we really don't know ultimately what the size of seriousness of this outbreak is going to be."

The current WHO phase of this pandemic alert is 3.

"This virus has, clearly, a pandemic potential," says Margaret Chan, director general of WHO. Why? The new strain spreads quickly and efficiently from human to human. It's "a completely novel virus," says the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This latest variant is a mixture of human virus, bird virus, and pig viruses from all over the world. Experts say it's particularly worrisome because people are getting sick without any encounters with pigs. Even worse, young, healthy people (ages 20-40) are dying at a striking rate, a telltale sign of the worst flu epidemics.

So... perhaps we may come to learn that pigs inside of buildings are a bad idea? That storing millions of gallons of manure (thousands of times over again) isn't a good thing either? Perhaps indeed some may come to realize the animal agriculture is just not sustainable and is a potential threat to human health in more ways than we can realize of yet? Perhaps it is time to Go Vegan

Further reading: David Kirby Huffington Post

Pet Friends - Cats & Dogs - Please Spay & Neuter

Of course we all know to spay and neuter our beloved friends... so they don't make more - that will need a home... Or tragically, will not find one at all. And no one would suggest to buy and animal when so many fine ones are in shelters awaiting a thumbs up or down according to the fates... And just in case you know someone who hasn't vigorously attempted birth-control for thier pets - please encourage them to do so... It's the kind thing to do for animals.

Happy Belated Earth Day - How Soon Do We Forget - Go Vegan

And a happy belated Earth Day... or did everyone already forget and go back to leaving the lights on in an empty room? Back to letting the water run endlessly while brushing their teeth? Oh yeah - and consuming a food that produces 18% of global warming gasses? Question is... there are 363 more days till the next Earth Day - will we heed the warnings? Will we and our planet be any better off next year? We will... if we decide to Go Vegan.

Visit a Virtual Factory Farm - Meet Sanctuary Animals - Go Vegan

Farm Sanctuary launches the Virtual Experience: Explore... and meet first hand the ambassadors of Farm Sanctuary... Investigate and learn of factory farms from breeding to slaughter.... Some images are graphic and painful to see... Of course there's no need to do so if you've eliminated animal products from your life... But if you haven't and don't think consuming meat & animal products contributes to cruelty and violence - you're obligated at least least to be informed of what the animals have no choice but to endure every day... Farm Sanctuary opposes the slaughter, consumption and commodification of farm animals. I think you'll find there are many wonderful reasons to Go Vegan.

FBI VEGAN TERRORIST - 23 OMNIVORES STILL AT LARGE

An animal rights activist is 3rd on the FBI's most wanted list right after Bin Laden, one other, and is among 2 dozen men who's crimes all include threats to bodily harm and acts involving serious injury. DANIEL ANDREAS SAN DIEGO who just like nearly every animal rights activist abhors destruction to property, and who with certainty would never harm life, is wanted for allegedly blowing up an animal testing facility... But if the suspicion is valid, it's obvious that he made sure that the building was empty before doing such. He made sure no persons were in danger during such an act. Yet, on this FBI list, one after another are hardened violent criminals - who are charged with MURDER, CONSPIRACY TO KILL U.S. NATIONALS, ATTACK ON A FEDERAL FACILITY RESULTING IN DEATH, AIR PIRACY RESULTING IN MURDER, HOSTAGE TAKING; INTERFERENCE WITH FLIGHT CREW; AND PLACING EXPLOSIVES ABOARD AIRCRAFT, CONSPIRING TO PROVIDE MATERIAL SUPPORT TO A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION Treason, Aiding and Abetting, Providing Support to Al Qaeda, . USE OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION AGAINST U.S. NATIONALS... and the list goes on and on with grave and valid threats to national security. But there is Mr. SAN DIEGO... third on the FBI most wanted list... An odd thing too... he's the only man amongst all others who is described by his dietary choice... "He is known to follow a vegan diet, eating no meat or food containing animal products".

Hummmm.... that leaves the other 23 men as omnivores. And of course it would be ridiculous to say that because of this, that they are of any greater threat than the vegan... so why mention dietary decisions at all, if not to incriminate the one as "deviant"?

And of note as well... he's also the only one listed as "known to possess a handgun"... whereas, the others - well, they have access to jets and possibly WMD - but the FBI is going to worry about the guy with the handgun. Interesting.

It's wasteful and dangerous when the FBI focuses it's efforts to a suspect, that is to any reasonable person, not on par to more serious, genuine, dangerous "terrorists". To include an "Animal Rights" activist, whose offense is trivial in comparison to the other suspects makes a laughing stock of the whole National Security effort. It confirms a paranoia rooted in a "Green Scare" mentality and is of peril to our freedoms and indeed to our safety.

And I'm not saying that this charge on San Diego is not serious or should go unpunished if found guilty... but what needs to be done is for the FBI to put this misdeed in perspective in relationship to the truly horrific acts of "terrorism".

Veganism is rooted in peace... in harmony with life... and in the respect for all living beings. In fact, one is more inclined to promote "violence" and physical harm if not following vegan practices. Please... FBI and U.S. Government officials - get priorities in alignment... before you do us some serious harm... And in alignment with mindfulness... Go Vegan

Hey Barbie! Horseracing is Not Vegan - Animals are Not Toys

Barbie is going to the Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs is teaming with Mattel to create the Kentucky Derby Barbie.

The plastic-fantastic babe will be dressed for the occasion. Of course, the Derby is where fashion meets horse racing.Kentucky Derby® Barbie® doll commemorates the 135th “Run for the Roses!™” Ready for the winner’s circle, Barbie® doll wears a pretty floral summer sun dress. Accessories include faux pearl necklace, spring sandals and stylish white hat to protect her from the sun!

And what a stylish gal she is!

But considering, there's 3 fatalities everyday on the racetracks, thousands of disappointing foals that are bred for the "sport"... and countless horses that cease to earn the winning purse - That sends these guys right to the glue factory for sure.

And for this occassion Barbie will not to be caught out of vogue with her matching kill floor ensemble that is to die for!

The smart print apron should catch those nasty spills... never soiling her pretty blue frock underneath. Rubber boots and matching blood bucket sold separately...

Putting childish frivolity away, we know that horses, like all living beings are not toys for our amusements. Whether it's the thrill of the track, that playful delight to our tastebuds or the touch of dead fur upon our skin. All animal slaughter is wrong. All of it is needless and all of it... no matter what fashion, style or culture may dictate is ugly, cruel and unnecessary.

Three stages of truth:

• Ridicule
• Violent Opposition
• Acceptance

Respect Life... End speciesism - Go Vegan

For the Planet - For the Animals - For Health - Go Vegan

So this is good news - since I've been vegetarian for 7 years (vegan for 1.5) - I've saved 1960 animals by choosing a vegetarian diet! And by sticking with it, I'll save over 7280 more! And in my lifetime I'll save 85800 lbs. of CO2e from polluting the Earth! Meanwhile in St. Charles, Minn, a fire broke out in a meat packing plant. Due to concerns of a potentially toxic chemical fire ensuing, the entire town of 3600 people were safely evacuated... None of the animals survived - (of course). A healthy planet... and compassion to animals. Time and again, we can see that animal agriculture and eating meat just don't aspire to these goals. Be kind... Be green... Go Vegan

Stop the Slaughter - Empty the Cages - Go Vegan

From Stephanie Ernst at Animal Rights Change.Org

"As I'm writing this, and as you are reading this, thousands of animals are dying. In the one minute it takes you to read this paragraph, 19,000 animals will be killed in the United States alone—so that humans can eat them. Thousands more are waiting their turn in line. Some of them are squealing, squawking, or bellowing and straining and fighting for their lives. Others are terrified but too dejected, weak, and injured to fight. But each of them—every single one—is feeling something, something awful. They don't want to die, not now, not like this."

Cross Posted at Vegan Soapbox

Kids & the Humane Myth - There are No Happy Meat Meals

In this age of instant gratification... and touch screen technology, it's no wonder a fast-food parent opts for the quick and easy: Child: Mom... what's a vegetarian? Mom: Someone who doesn't eat meat. Child: Why don't they eat meat? Mom: Because they don't like how it tastes... Would you like some more bacon dear? It's obvious most parents don't want to slow their child's brain with thoughts that might sway them from the burger patch mentality. Especially if doing so might might cause them to confront their own (unpleasant) demons as well. Yet, I am society's child... and I'm burdened repairing the many shortcuts conveniently taken. Could you not have spared the time to divulge an awkward truth? Could you not have had the courage to battle this ancient wrong? Or are you to be pitied too... for you inherited the lies as well? Kids of all ages... time to grow up. There's no such thing as a "happy" meat meal... and we don't "need" to eat animals at all. Go Vegan

AVMA - Vets are NOT Friends to Animals

You'd think that animals would have a friend in a veterinarian... That all animal doctors would be a Dolittle of sorts...

Sadly, it's not the case at all... According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the first of "Eight integrated principles for developing and evaluating animal welfare policies" is: The responsible use of animals for human purposes, such as companionship, food, fiber, recreation, work, education, exhibition, and research conducted for the benefit of both humans and animals... Do we need to go any further to the importance of "welfare", "science"... food and water, etc.?

It's already stated that the primary duty a vet has is to insure the "use of animals for human purposes"... As tasty sausages, burgers and nuggets, as furs, leather and woolen mittens, as circus amusements, rodeo toys, as greyhound racers, as zoo specimens, as Triple Crown contenders, as carriage pullers, as 4H spectacles, as hunting things, as dog, cat and pony show personalities... Oh yeah, and as guinea pigs -

But wait! Number 7 did intrigue me:

Animals shall be treated with respect and dignity throughout their lives and, when necessary, provided a humane death.

"Respect and dignity"? Not hardly in a zoo, sea-quarium or puppy mill. No dignity for a chimp wearing a wig and skates either.... And then there's the "food animals" that are crammed in cages all their lives, dehorned, castrated, raped, stolen babies... blah, blah, blah... we know all this. But according to the AVMA it's respectful and dignified enough... humm. Then there's that word I hear over and over again, when we all try to justify the use of animals - the word "necessary".

Four dictionaries give me this: necessary: 1) Absolutely essential 2) Unavoidable

Now, either the dictionaries are wrong... or the AVMA is. Indeed maybe our whole culture is under the wrong assumption?

It's not "absolutely essential" to use animals for any of the afore mentioned purposes - is it?

We certainly don't "need" to eat them... nor wear their skin, nor use them for transport, nor watch their bodies for entertainment, nor test them to see if nicotine is addictive or not...

But yet... we ask them to be our friends - and with friends like us - who needs enemies?

Don't be foe... be vegan!

Easter Joy & World Peace Expressed through a Vegan Diet

Jesus Christ, son of God - Some believe this is true.

Or Jesus as a historical figure, who spread a philosophy of wisdom in his travels...

And some think it's so that Christ is a fictional character created by talented writers to weave him through an epic tale.

In any case, whatever your beliefs about Christ this much is certain, he's always represented as person of peace and nonviolence.

Said to believe that not only must we put down our swords against one another, to truly create peace on earth, but to hold all life sacred. And thus by embracing a plant based diet we can forgo the brutal and needless slaughter of billions of animals, we can move toward greater wholeness as spiritual beings, while at the same time ending world hunger and preserving the environment.

Spring, and Easter is a great time to re-evaluate our course towards creating a benevolent and just world. And everyday we can remember that peace begins on our plates. Go Vegan

"For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed he who sows the seeds of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love." Pythagoras - 582-507 BC

IMMORAL VEGAN TOFU LICENSE TAG - give me a break!

What better way than on your car to express how happy you are to be vegan? Here's my old Tracker... since replaced with a little Suzuki X90...

I've toned down the bumper stickers a bit (for now). Anyway, a vegan woman in Colorado applies for a tag to say "ILVTOFU". The DMV rejects her request because it may be "offensive" to some...

Meanwhile there are others of us that are offended by "Beef it's What's for Dinner" tags or stickers like this:

And what about the billboards every quarter mile advertising some dead animal body part... Each alternating which "species" is on the menu? "Life's short have seconds"... Well it was pretty damn short for the cow wasn't it? After her worn out body was drained of every last bit of life to be profitable - Her body parts wind up on a plate, next to the cheese made from her sister's blood. Now that's vulgar!

Oh yes... hit the highways and there's lots to be offended disgusted by:

I think for a moment we could stand in this woman's shoes... (I know I can). She's living a nice peaceful life... Wishing to harm none in the world, yet can't even say she loves tofu without the flack of disjointed moral standards!

So what pray tell dear folks is really obscene here?

Go Vegan

Human Might vs Animal Rights - Vegan Abolitionism

There is no doubt that nonhuman animals have rights...

A dog, chicken, elephant, all animals have a right to live free from harm by man. But we live in a culture that ignores these rights... and we use force to deny these rights. However, just because we have the power to enslave animals does not mean we do so justly. Simply because we can remove sea creatures from water by hook or net, does not mean we are ethical to do so. Just because we can bind a chimp to electrodes does not mean we have moral sanction. And because we possess the guns to shoot wolves, deer or rabbits does not make the act correct, valid or virtuous. It simply means we have the physical or technological might, (and arrogance) to ignore animal rights.

Being vegan is more than a dietary choice, it's about respecting the rights of all sentient beings. And for those who choose to ignore these rights, those who wear leather, fur or feathers, those who patronize circuses, zoos, rodeos... those who condone animal testing and experimentation... or those who think little sausages are their claim on earth, do so with disregard to others. Those who know the issues but discount them for personal trivial pleasure - are just wanton brutes with big (legal) clubs.

Meat is the Problem ~ Veganism ~ The Solution ~

This video has nothing to do with cute, fuzzy animals... there are no sad cow eyes or images of brutalized chickens. The video also says nothing about diabetes, obesity or other human health implications of eating flesh. It's just about the ecological issues - just the fate of the planet if we continue our meat eating habits... that's all - "just" the planet.

And to avoid this peril, all we have to do is just go vegan. The solution is that simple.

Tidy Thinking - Animals Aren't Food - Go Vegan

April showers bring spring cleaning... at least that's the way I know it. This time of year we open windows... and dust winter's dreariness from our homes. I have a top to bottom method, which makes sense to me: first ceiling fans, cobwebs, sills (everything in between) and finally floors. This process works itself to a point of manageable containment. Eventually I'm left with finishing the job, or hiding things under the rug. Now, if I were to hide the offending matter I would do so from laziness. And in this way, cleaning is much like thinking; it's a deliberate act. The decisions are ours, and making a thorough effort is it's own reward. But there are those who would do otherwise, believing the task too difficult. Both bad housekeepers and atrophied thinking have similar reasons for shortcuts: it's easy. While sweeping debris under a carpet is harmless. The same can't be said of refusing to think things through when it comes to the hurt of living beings. I'm referring to the way in which we cause unnecessary injury and death to animals by eating them. Because of cultural indoctrination, most people never question the practice. Through no fault of theirs, a person who eats animals may not ever have thought about why they do such, or been given reason to change. But once presented with an idea of a better way, they are required to think things through regarding the merits of a vegan diet. Lest they be a slovenly housekeeper regarding their better judgments.

Slaughterhouse Rendering Sausage Spill in Savannah Georgia

There's an absolutely disgusting story about a rendering truck in Savannah, Georgia that spilled its load of dead pig flesh in the form of sausages all over the road... These sausages as well as other slaughterhouse waste goes into making animal feeds, pet foods, soaps, cosmetics, leather, fertilizers and other nonvegan products. One woman who was interviewed, found the sight repulsive and said she thought it was very "unhealthy". We know she won't be eating sausages anytime soon... I wonder how she feels about her personal skin care products as well? Go Vegan.

Dairy Cow Teat Dip - Great for Pools and Spas!

Stonyfield Farm "Organic" is recalling their 32 ounce plain yogurt product because it may contain food grade sanitizers. And even though I don't eat things made from cow's milk, I got curious about what a "food grade sanitizer" is and what it is used for. Here's what I found: Food grade sanitizers are used by the dairy industry as teat dips. These are germicidal solutions which helps reduce the rate of mammary infections caused by staph and strep pathogens. Because bacteria from cow feces enters the teat canals, it's a breeding ground for these pathogens which cause mastitis. Mastits or mammary infections, cause high levels of somatic cells in the milk. Somatic cells by the way, (if you're still eating dairy products), are leukocytes, AKA: "pus". (sorry)... And thanks to a powerful dairy lobby, if you're in the U.S., you might want to know that the amount of cells the USDA permits in milk is almost twice as much as the European Union will allow. In an effort to minimize somatic cells, dairy cow's udders are treated with this food grade sanitizer solution either as a pre-milking dip, a post-milking dip or both. This teat dip treatment is usually sprayed on before the machine milk cups are placed on the animal. Of course residue remains on the animal's body and contaminates the milk, as in the case of the Stonyfield Farm Organic Yogurt . So what exactly is in this food grade sanitizing teat dip?

• iodophor (iodine)
• detergents (soap)
• Chlorine (an oxidant disinfectant)
• Acidified Sodium Chlorite (an antimicrobial)
• Sodium hypochlorite (laundry bleach)
• Chlorhexidine (a chemical antiseptic)
• Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonic Acid (a pesticide)
• Alpha hydroxy acids (a skin exfoilater)
• Nisin (a preservative)
• Glycerol Monolaurate (an antimicrobial)
• Quaternary Ammonium (another microbicidal)

Any combination of these ingredients are found in food grade sanitizers... in teat dips. You know... these chemicals bear a close similarity to the stuff we treat the algae in our pool with. I think rather than using the Green-Out Powder, next time I just might try milk or a "food grade sanitizer" instead. And all kidding aside, dairy cows live awful lives, and an adult drinking secretions from another species is also a horrrible idea. Won't you consider going Vegan instead?

Horrible Cruelty is Standard Practice in Animal Ag - Go Vegan

A new Mercy For Animals undercover investigation reveals shocking abuse at New England's largest egg factory farm - Quality Egg of New England (QENE) in Turner, Maine. The hidden camera video shot in early 2009 gives a startling glimpse behind the closed doors of one of the nations leading egg producers, exposing the rotten truth behind battery cage egg production heinous cruelty to animals. I can only call practices like this a sin. But we've seen it time and again on other egg farms where dying birds are left to languish. Or where it is common practice to slam baby pigs against the wall as a method of killing them... or even the familiar scenes of newborn dairy calves being left in wheelbarrows to starve or perish from neglect. This abuse to "food" animals is industry standard, not the exception. The only lives of any "value" are the ones that stay alive long enough to reach the slaughterhouses. And basically two kinds of people work in these sorts of places that treat living beings as garbage. Those who enjoy it and those who hate it. In either case, if you're purchasing animal products, you are supporting a monstrous situation. Indirectly you are hiring such people (who either enjoy animal abuse or who are repulsed by it) to do deeds no civilized person would condone. Thankfully, consumers hold enormous power in ending the exploitation of egg-laying hens. Every time we sit down to eat we can choose kindness over cruelty by adopting a vegan diet.

Don't be Fooled! All Meat = Harm * Deer, Dog or Cow * Go Vegan

Yeah... I agree! All you hunters out there stalking little Bambie and Thumper! Bad, bad people! Using your big guns on these innocent cute critters! That's just awful! And such actions deserve public admonishment!

Don't be an April fool. Make the connection. All animals wish to live - the pretty deer, the lovely cow, the cute pig and precious pup! It is not necessary to harm any of them - Go Vegan