Never Asked Questions 

Why did you become a Vegetarian?

I don’t like the way the animals are treated, aside from not liking the idea of having to eat another living being.  I know some say it’s the natural order or the food chain or what have you, but who am I to say that I’m above a cow?  As far as human superiority to cows, cows didn’t elect George W. Bush, so they already have the upper hand in this country. 

When did you stop eating meat?

Had been thinking about it for over 15 years.  Finally decided to phase meat out in 2007 after reading an autobiography by His Holiness the Dalai Llama (don’t know if they are connected or not or if the decision and last word on the page just happened to coincide).  April 29, 2007, I had my last piece of meat, some beef grilled at my brother-in-law’s house.

Strict Vegetarian?

I’m not really into labels, and I haven’t joined an organization or anything, so I don’t know if it really matters.  I don’t eat meat because of the cruelty to animals.  If I really wanted to eat meat, there’s nothing stopping me.  I just don’t think I could eat meat again.

Ever be vegan?

Interesting question for which I do not have an answer.  Is anyone truly vegan?  I don’t think I have enough time to find out exactly how everything is made.  I mean, most people think Jell-O would be animal friendly, but it isn’t.  I already substitute regular milk with Soy, could do without cheese (I think – sometimes, I really want it), use butter made from flaxseed oil, and I think I could make the leap from ice cream to sorbet on a regular basis.  I think my biggest obstacle would be eggs.  I love omelettes, and I don’t know if there will be a substitute.  Still looking forward to trying the scrambled tofu recipe in Vegan with a Vengeance.  That may change my mind.  Who knows?  Maybe one day I’ll make the switch.