Yes, I understand sarcasm quite well, and I have a decent sense of humor. The topic of AR, vegetarianism/veganism, ect. are very emotional topics on all sides, because it calls into question centuries old human-centric view points.

Plant Neurology is a very new science. Depending on how conservative the biologist is, will depend upon the answer. I do not agree with senseless burning of forests or the clearing of so much land to feed livestock or to create biofuels. I find the degradation or destruction of any living thing reprehensible.

As someone mentioned above most meat (especially in North America) comes from factory farms, where cows, chickens and pigs are fed on corn/soy diets. The feeding and watering of these animals takes more resources then if the humans ate the product directly. Pasturing helps, but currently with the high human populace on the planet it is not sustainable or affordable. I have yet to read a reasonable solution to this problem on either side.

I did not imply the ending of all animal industries would solve all the problems of humanity. Humans after all are the problem. We are animals who no longer fit within the environment we evolved from. We are too successful, and thus we have overpopulated and wreak havoc through out the world. I would like to believe humans will learn to self-regulate better and clean up their act. However, I am not much of an optimist.

The problem with the domestication of animals is that we have taken away many of their basic instincts that allow them to survive on their own. We cannot truly communicate our intentions to one another, so the relationship will always be one of animal=asset and humans=master. I absolutely detest this relationship, and with our current technology we no longer need animals for the purpose of transportation or food. Companion animals are nice, but they end up being commodities. Any creature that can feel and act of its own will is not a 'commodity' in my book.

I am not going to 'make' anyone be a vegan or veggie or omni or cani. Hell, I live with an omnivore. I am woman enough to admit that veganism does not have the answers to all the problems in the world or to animal rights.