Published Letters and Op-Eds from
COK’s Writers Group

Vegetarianism Has Ethical Dimension

Published in Carolina Morning News on February 8, 2003.

Thank you for dispelling the many harmful health myths associated with vegetarian and vegan diets in Bob Guinn's column, “A Closer Look at Vegetarianism” on Jan. 31.

Indeed, there are many health benefits to adopting a diet free of animal products. There are also, however, important ethical considerations.

Nearly all animals involved in meat, egg and dairy production are forced to live in factory farms where they endure severe stress from overcrowding and lack of sunlight, fresh air, or room to exercise or even move without discomfort.

Many people reject animal products upon learning that starvation, burning, beatings and mutilation are just a few of the unimaginable atrocities forced upon farm animals before they are violently slaughtered.

Adopting a vegetarian diet means taking an important step for both you and the animals: one neither of you will regret.

Suzanne McMillan
Alexandria, Va.