If we can make a difference, why don't we?

Upton Sinclair had it right when he wrote, "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it."


Have you ever had to do something in your job that you felt was morally wrong?  What did you do?  Did you do it anyway, believing (often rightly so) that your career or paycheck could suffer if you didn't?  Unfortunately, that's the plight of so many workers in today's society.  At the end of the day, our mighty corporations and organizations are made up simply of people.  The people in the top leadership positions create the strategy and the "rules", and everyone else below them on the food chain needs to execute.  Even those brave souls who protest are often silenced by the system.


This is how the animal agriculture industry thrives.  They hire workers who, for many reasons, are often not empowered to speak up.  And, in concert with government agencies like the USDA (whose mission is to protect the business of agriculture, NOT protect the American consumer - don't be fooled) and self-interested, powerful politicians, they make money hand-over-fist.  This money is on the backs of the exploited animals and workers.  And they spend billions of dollars communicating with you - the consumer - to assure you that their food is healthy, safe, and as American as apple pie.


But guess what?  Every time we choose not to consume meat or dairy, WE are making the rules.  And the more people vote with their food choices, the more pressure comes to bear on factory farms.  I believe people are ultimately compassionate, but they have been brainwashed into believing animal products are healthy and that eating animals is a normal part of a normal American life.


I believe in a future where animals once again graze in pastures, eating the foods nature intended.  Where they can feel the rain, sun and snow on their bodies and play with their animal friends.  But this won't happen unless we all stand up to what we know is wrong.  You don't need to become an animal activist.  Changing your diet is the most powerful thing you can do.  Please join me in voting for the animals!

Vegan inspiration

As committed as I am to life as a vegan, sometimes it's hard to stay motivated.  I'll admit - I stole a bite of my son's pesto pasta the other day.  And I found myself fantasizing about pizza with cheese yesterday.  I'm not in danger of falling off the wagon, but sometimes, when presented with temptations, it can be hard to remember why a vegan lifestyle is so important.


Luckily, there are books like The Bond by Wayne Pacelle, CEO of Human Society United States (HSUS) and Farm Sanctuary by Gene Baur, founder of Farm Sanctuary in upstate New York.  After immersing myself in these books, I've gotten a full-scale reminder of what's at stake in the world of animal cruelty.  These books are both written by men who clearly cherish animals and have devoted their careers and lives to defending them.  There's a warmth and sense of clarity in both books.  As the most advanced species on earth, we have "dominion" over animals; a responsibility to protect and honor them.  Both books detail the best and worst of human behavior.  They share the depths of cruelty, but at the same time offer incredible hope and tell stories of love and redemption.


My blog will be on hiatus for a few weeks for a series of family roadtrips.  And I embark on these roadtrips strengthened by pride in the small role I play to protect innocent animals.

Being vegan: Always fulfilling but not always easy

Since going vegan earlier this year, I've found that the most difficult part of being vegan is travel.  I generally have few issues when I stick close to home, but travel can be tricky.


We went to L.A. for the holiday weekend, staying with family friends.  I came prepared with soy yogurt, Boca burger and a Clif bar.  All was well until we went to the 4th of July party.  I was hungry since I had been avoiding eating animal products (which is different than my approach at home - I cook delicious recipes with foods I haven't necessarily tried previously).  I spied bean dip and chips, and had a taste.  The dip was delicious.  I must have had at least 1/2 of the bowl when I ran into the woman who brought it.  "Your bean dip is delicious!  How do you make it?"  She responded with "Beans, salsa and lots of cheese.".   


Live and learn.  Next time, I will ask before I dive into anything homemade - no matter how good it looks.  And I will always bring a dish, so I know it's animal product free.


Happy 4th!