> Disease, starvation, predation, accidents -- you are aware that animals do in fact die outside of farms, yes?
> You are aware of the classification 'carnivore' yes?
Perhaps my first question wasn't clear enough - I'm talking about animals that proactively seek out their own death; not carnivores that kill over things - sorry for the confusion. The context was that for me, it's not okay to go killing animals because we fed them well / gave them some free space before we killed them. One of the reasons that it's not okay is that it's unnecessary because we have alternatives.
> What about agriculture? It destroys the environment, destroys animal habitats causing them sometimes to go extinct.
Yes, agriculture destroys land, trees, ecosystems. Are you suggesting that animal production is in some way less destructive? If I recall correctly something like a 1/3 of global crop production goes into animal feed.
> What about the worms in the soil getting chopped up by farm equipment? What about necessary pesticides that kill insect life?
Worms and pesticides are straw-man arguments, so I'll pass on getting bogged down on that tangent.
> It dumbfounds your family probably because they're more capable of critical thought than you are.
That's interesting - I never said I was an activist. I shared some points of view.
My family are very critical. They get all the benefits of sitting in a microcosm and ignoring the rest of the world. Ignorance truly is bliss for them.
> Like a lot of 'activists' I seriously doubt you do anything in your life that actually improves life on this plant for people or any living thing.
Nah, that's not true. I'm not overly keen to share specifics because I prefer some semblance of privacy here. I make choices in the small that, IMO, add up over time: No leather for the last 20 years (belts, shoes, car seats, jackets, etc). No silk. No meat, dairy, eggs, fish, insects etc. No international flights. Found the second-smallest small car that would fit a family of three. Commute to work on public transport. Buy local organic food that is freakishly expensive but IMO better for the environment. Provided a safe home for two rescue dogs (took them two years to feel safe and confident after their experiences).
> Veganism is about people searching for identity. It's a marginally difficult diet to follow and it gives you something to constantly complain about, thereby drawing attention to yourself.
Yes, it does seem to be that for many people I've met. It often seems to draw the type of person who likes to be on the outside, throwing stones. Now that it becoming more mainstream, this is thankfully less so. Some awesome people here on HN, too. Hi!
> If you want to actually change the world for the better go do it. It's hard. You probably don't have what it takes.
Here I am, talking to you, right?
> Stop pretending your soy latte makes one modicum of difference and stop whining about what others choose to eat.
Nah, it's too important to not discuss.
Question for you - you said it's hard changing that world? How do you know?