Okay, you know what?

[friesianrider]

I have a request of the Lounge and DU in general: these incessant posts basically poking fun at those of us against cramming baby calves into pens the size of a postage stamp and feeding them a horrible diet then slaughtering them at a young age are SO not cool, and they are NOT funny.

I understand many of you think it is great fun to make fun of my (and others') beliefs with regard to meat and/or veal. But to me this is EXTREMELY serious, and NOT something I appreciate being made fun of for. I work for an animal shelter, and I swear to God, if half of you saw what I see on a daily basis on factory farms, euthanasia rates, cruelty/neglect seizures, and the insane amount of animal suffering at the hands of people, you'd never eat meat again either - and if you did and still thought nothing of it, then I'd seriously worry about your capacity as a compassionate human being. Not trying to insult anyone, just my own feeling about the reasons why so many think it's just so hilarious to poke fun at someone who thinks killing animals in the way we do for mass slaughter is morally wrong.

I also realize many of you would eat a human fetus if it tasted good, but there are MANY vegetarians, vegans, and anti-veal people here on DU, myself included, who think factory farming and mass slaughter of animals is wrong - whatever our reasons for thinking it do NOT matter - WE THINK IT IS WRONG. That belief should be respected, not made fun of. I wish, that as progressive thinking individuals, people on here who think eating a creature which has suffered so tremendously is just a-ok with them, would have a little class and tact, and respect for others viewpoints who think it is abhorrent and wrong. Being a vegetarian is something I take EXTREMELY seriously out of concern for all the animal suffering that happens on a daily basis but below 90% of the population's radars - but those of us who are against it feel deeply that it is wrong. I know I do - to me, I know eating misery is wrong to the core of my soul.

So, please stop making fun of those of us who feel the same way I do and lay off with the veal/vegetarian jokes - please. I'm really not interested in conversing with some viciously carniverous DUer who wants to start to start a debate and attack my beliefs - trust me, I've already heard your argument and am still passionately against eating anything tht was raised and slaughtered like all animals are today...so please don't even bother trying to debate me in a reply, I won't respond to it. All I am asking for is some understanding and respect for many DUers viewpoints on the issue of meat/veal, and lay off making jokes about something many of us feel very, VERY strongly about. Please.

Thanks in advance.

[Bouncy Ball]

1. Hon, I hope you have your asbestos undies on, but I

just wanted to say thanks for saying that.

I've been ignoring those threads.

I have plenty of meat-eating friends, but they don't make fun of me for how I feel. Nor do I pass judgement on them.

Hide those threads. And prepare to be flamed for this. I hope you're not, but....

[friesianrider]

2. I really don't care about that. If someone will flame me because...

I ask for some respect for vegetarian's viewpoints, then maybe I don't belong on this "progressive" message board, and I'll leave. It would be sad, that's for sure.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

3. I appreciate your beliefs and practices

I hope you did not take my posts as a poke in the eye...although I do occasionally eat free range veal, it isn't something I would chide you over.

I do think mass produced meat is cruel...but I tried being a vegetarian for four years and got sicker than I've ever been in my life...so my doc said eat meat!

[friesianrider]

8. I don't know whose posts was whose...

But I've seen several today being very insensitive to vegetarians, and speaking for myself, it is something I feel vert strongly about.

I don't want to force anyone to become a veg, I only am asking for respect for those who are :)

On a side note, I became veg 3 years ago and have never been healthier - lost 12 pounds the first year and have had many health benefits from a meatless diet.

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. So?

:nopity: :nopity: :nopity: :nopity: :nopity: :nopity: :nopity: :nopity: :nopity:

[friesianrider]

13. Touching.

:eyes:

[Rabrrrrrr]

38. Well, you know, if it bothers you to hear people talking about eating meat

then you need to close off your ears and stay home.

To expect the entire world to shut up and never mention meat again, because it makes you feel bad and personally attacked shows a severe lack of maturity, and a severe lack of recognition that every other human being in the world has constantly to filter out things that they disagree with.

[friesianrider]

43. I never said don't mention meat.

I asked to stop making fun of those of us who think it is immoral.

[Rabrrrrrr]

54. Stop calling meat eaters unethical pieces of shit who would just as soon

eat a fetus as a soybean.

Respect begins at home.

Sorry. But it's true.

[friesianrider]

56. I never called meateaters pieces of shit.

YOUR words pal, not mine.

[Catherine Vincent]

5. I ate veal once years ago.

I didn't find out until after what it was. I'm sorry.

[friesianrider]

9. No one needs to say apologies or anything...

All I ask is for understanding and respect for other's viewpoints if you disagree. Vegetarianism to many people like me is something I take very seriously, so all I ask is a little understanding and for those who think it's funny to poke fun at others to lay off a bit.

[evlbstrd]

6. I'm in agreement with Bouncy Ball.

You can't go around expecting all of your beliefs to be validated by other people. Grow thicker skin, and you'll be just a little happier.

edit for meaning.

[friesianrider]

11. I never said I needed my beliefs validated...

Believe me, I don't need anyone on here to hold my hand and tell me what I'm doing is right. I know I am right in what I'm doing.

I'm just ashamed that for a progressive message board, so many people are so insensitive towards differing viewpoints. Has nothing to do with a thicker skin, it's about being a decent, respectful human being and Dem.

[evlbstrd]

60. #1, you are posting in the Lounge.

#2, a lot of us carnovores think we are decent, respectful human beans and Dem. We don't like Mad Cow Disease, either.
I faced a lot of militant vegetarians in college, and that was 25 years ago. Don't get me started.

[Maddy McCall]

7. Who made fun of you? I've only seen you flaming people who have...

different diets than yours. Maybe it's you who should give it a rest.

[friesianrider]

14. Um, gee.

Let's see...YOU?

[Maddy McCall]

17. Maybe you need a little protein to help that brain function.

In no thread have I said a freaking word to you. I don't even know who you are!

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[progmom]

your loss

Maddy rocks.

[friesianrider]

27. I'll live.

I'll be deeply saddened, let me tell you.

[Maddy McCall]

23. Those horses in your sig. You don't keep them captive and ride them...

do you?

Hypocritical, don't you think?

[friesianrider]

26. How?

Riding horses is not slaughtering an animal. Don't even try to pull some BS comparison on me...it's really pathetic.

[Maddy McCall]

32. YOu keep pointing out that calves are confined...

as one of the reasons to oppose the eating of veal. But you confine horses, put saddles on their backs (GASP!) and RIDE them (Double GASP)!

Pick you sin and don't demean others by throwing rocks. Your own glass house just might be vulnerable.

[friesianrider]

37. How the fuck is caring for horses the same as slaughter?

Your argument is total and complete BS...argue with yourself. Go.

[Rabrrrrrr]

47. How is penning up horses and forcing them to entertain you ethical?

No difference between penning forslaughter, or penning for a life of slavery.

Either way, you are denying them life.

[friesianrider]

LOL, please

I am denying my horse life? By riding him twice a year? Yeah, okay.

[Rabrrrrrr]

Is your horse free to go where it wants?

If the answer is no, and I know it is, then yes, you are denying your horse the fullness of its life. You are doing slightly better than the veal penners, but only slightly.

Slavery, whether for slaughter or entertainment, is still slavery.

Now, you might want to say, "Oh, but I feed and take care of my horse!"

And I can say, "Hey - slave owners fed and took care of their slaves, too, so long as they remained helpful."

No matter how you spin it, caging an animal is caging an animal, whether it's a calf for veal, a horse for your personal entertainment and travel needs, or a house pet.

[progmom]

10. many of us would eat a human fetus if it tasted good????

no....
you're the one who wants to torch children. :shrug:

[friesianrider]

12. I've had TWO people on DU say that to me...

I asked "would you eat a fetus if it tasted good?" Both said yes, in all seriousness.

Spare me the crap about that little monster....I'm not even getting into it with you.

[progmom]

18. I just think it's touching that you have so much compassion for animals

and none whatsoever for human children.

[friesianrider]

25. Why the hell would I?

There's plenty of sheep like you to worry about them. You care about sociopaths, I care about innocent animals. Sue me. :eyes:

[progmom]

29. why would you have compassion for people?

if you don't know the answer, i have a lot of pity for you.

and...nice sheep comment. :eyes:

[friesianrider]

46. Trust me...

The feeling of pity is mutual.

[progmom]

49. ok.

i am done here.

[friesianrider]

50. Thanks.

You were so very helpful and understanding. :eyes:

[progmom]

64. heh

i tried.

[Susang]

24. How do you know they were serious?

Do you honestly believe those DUers would eat a fetus? Do you really?

BTW, I don't. Personally, if they did actually say what you claim they did, I think they were probably just fucking with you.

[friesianrider]

31. Because they said they were serious...and why wouldn't I believe them?

To me, there isn't much difference, but I can already see his is becoming great fun to attack me so go right on ahead.

[progmom]

36. the sad thing is that you make very valid points a lot of the time

but you present them in such a confrontational way... :shrug:

[Susang]

51. Because this is an internet discussion board

And it is impossible to ascertain subtlety and nuance in a two sentence post. Or sincerity for that matter.

However, defensiveness with a dash of snarkiness seems to comes across quite well. Though perhaps this post was just an elaborate joke?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

I would eat a fetus

I mean think about it...veal is a baby cow so fetus meat should be really tender...I mean...if I were with the Donner party...they'd have made me the chef!

[Susang]

63. What wine would you serve?

:shrug:

[CubsFan1982]

15. Can someone say "flamebait"?

nt

[progmom]

16. is that the same as "looking for a fight"?

[CubsFan1982]

20. I think it's similar to "desperate for attention".

:P

[Rabrrrrrr]

33. Add in "whiny" and "immature" and "self-important" and

"thinks anyone who feels differently is intentionally and viciously attacking the very core of her being", and I'll agree.

Lots of things offend me, but just because someone like green peppers (which I hate) I don't take their posts saying "I like green peppers!" as being an intentional and direct insult aimed directly at me. Which is what I mean by "self-important" - to feel so important that you are sure, fucking SURE, that any time any one says anything that you disagree with, even in threads you aren't in, is being done intentionally to insult you, specifically and personally (or, people like you, spefically and personally).

[friesianrider]

21. Why, because I asked for understanding?

Please. :eyes:

[Susang]

34. Do you get understanding

When you ask with a sneer and a shove? You hardly made a case to those you were trying to convince by insulting and berating them.

[friesianrider]

41. Oh I'm so very sorry.

Maybe I should have been nicer to the people who are telling me my moral beliefs are total bullshit. Excuse me for being testy in my OP.

[Susang]

57. You said you were asking for understanding

Obviously, that was utter bullshit. You didn't want understanding at all. You wanted to lecture and berate.

Sure, that'll work. You'll get lots of sympathy and understanding by accusing the people you say you're trying to convince of being potential cannibals.

[friesianrider]

65. Well if the shoe fits.

Sucks being made fun of for your beliefs doesn't it?

[KitchenWitch]

22. My guess is most of the carnivores on this board

would stop WAY short of eating a human fetus....that's fucking cannibalism...and can cause disease...

Give us all a break.

[Catholic Sensation]

30. not to mention difficulty in finding a recipe for fetuses

and figuring out which color wine goes with them. Jesus talk about a hassle!

[RevCheesehead]

:spray: :rofl:

[friesianrider]

35. Oh right!

And eating meat never causes disease either...

[Catholic Sensation]

40. that's why i autoclave my meat before cooking

and give my entrees immunization shots before serving.

[KitchenWitch]

48. Eating vegan can cause diseases too

I am talking about mad cow disease, a correlation has been made to mad cow when species eat themselves.

[Catholic Sensation]

53. eating vegan causes LUSS

(Looking Unbelievably Sickly Syndrome), and more often than not accompanies PHBFWD (Probably Hasn't Bathed For Weeks Disorder)

i kid because i loathe

[hippiepunk]

28. "I also realize many of you would eat a human fetus if it tasted good"

:wtf: take a step back dude. Eating cows and cannibalism is NOT the same thing. :eyes:

[biscodawg]

42. if you were a cow it would be cannibalism to eat a cow

bet you didn't think of that one did you.

[hippiepunk]

61. Dude you blew my mind, I never looked at it that way!

but I'm not a cow. :shrug:

[Swede]

39. Hide the thread if it bothers you.

If you can't do that,then maybe you are too sensitive for an open internet board.

[friesianrider]

62. Talking about it isn't the problem, it is the MAKING FUN of others...

Because they feel strongly about the morality of something. I think that is not cool, is all.

[REP]

44. I Rescue and I Eat Meat. Back The Fuck Off.

Oh, and I can spell, too.

[yewberry]

45. Seriously, why bother?

They don't care.

So far today, I've been mocked, ridiculed, and accused of all kinds of interesting and festive shit. And I don't talk about the veg thing unless asked. Some just enjoy harassing "the vegans." I mean, really, if you can't mock someone's sincerely held beliefs, what fun is it?

[friesianrider]

55. Well at least ONE person understands..

As you can see, apparently not only did I deserve to be made fun of, but I also don't deserve respect for my viewpoints because I didn't make my OP "nice" enough. :eyes:

I think it seriously may be time for me to leave DU. I never thought I'd be in this position on a progressive message board.

[progmom]

59. this has nothing to do with being progressive

this has to do with being polite.

[Mojambo]

52. Sorry, nobody is off limits

Defend your beliefs all you want, but I reserve the right to make fun of anyone for any reason.

I don't really come down anywhere on the meat vs no meat debate, but I'll die to preserve my right to make fun of things.

Give me mocking or give me death!

[friesianrider]

58. So can I make fun of you if you were molested?

Can I make fun of you if you were raped?

WTF does that mean...you can make fun of anyone for any reason? WTF kind of prgressive board is this?

[Moderator]

66. Locking

Can't we all just get along? The mods are all tired. It's been a hard day. Can't we talk about something that won't deteriorate into a flame fest...Just for one night!

Please!