The Daily Post received a couple of letters to the editor this past weekend. We explored the economic and environmental issues around, especially, beef-eating, in a Daily Post editorial series last December. The discussion continues.
Dear Editor,
MeatOut was launched 37 years ago by Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) and has since grown into the world’s largest annual grassroots educational campaign to remove meat, from our plates. On March 20, the first day of spring, we encourage people to turn over a new leaf and explore a plant-based diet.
As Executive Director of FARM, I am grateful to Governor Polis for proclaiming March 20 “MeatOut Day” across Colorado. His decision will clearly benefit the health and well-being of his constituents.
As someone who used to live in Golden and whose own father was appointed to the Colorado House of Representatives, 56th District, I know the Mile High State and I understand the concerns of Colorado livestock growers. However, America’s food system is changing, and I encourage Colorado food producers to adapt gradually to the inevitable shift from a meat-based to a plant-based diet, with continued assistance from state and federal government.
Eric C Lindstrom
Executive Director
Farm Animal Rights Movement
Bethesda, MD
Dear Editor,
The Colorado meat industry’s alarm over the global observance of ‘Meatout’ on March 20, offers a splendid opportunity to discuss the merits of eating animals.
Consumption of animal products is associated with elevated risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Major viral epidemics, including Covid-19, originated with animals raised for food.
Meat and dairy products are laden with saturated fats, cholesterol, hormones, pathogens, and antibiotics. They lack complex carbohydrates and fiber and many essential vitamins and minerals.
Animal agriculture is the chief culprit in global warming, responsible for weather extremes plaguing our nation. And, never mind life after death. On today’s factory farms, animals have no life before death.
Fortunately, the shift toward healthy, eco-friendly, cruelty-free plant-based foods is everywhere. Every supermarket offers a rich selection of plant-based meats, milks, cheeses, and ice creams, as well as the traditional vegetables, legumes, grains, and fruits. Even fast-food chains offer plant-based meal options. Major publications and popular websites tout plant-based recipes.
Rather than cursing the inevitable evolution from animal- to plant-eating, the Colorado meat industry and state officials should focus on helping farmers and ranchers adapt to the food system of the future.
Shemirah Brachah
Westminster, CO