After reading fyrestarter's comments on vegetarians and their 
nature, i'd just like to add a few words. I have been a vegan for 
two years, and i consider it to be a fulfilling and more
harmless way of living.

Logically, according to conservative estimates by David Pimentel, 
professor of ecology and agricultural science at Cornell
University, a pound of beef requires over 12,000 gallons of water
(net) to produce, compared to 60 gallons for potatoes. 80% of all 
deforestation is also directly or indirectly related to animal 
agriculture. (EarthSave International figures).

I could go further on, but the basic point is clear. Additionally, 
even more so in recent years, study after study study has pointed 
to a properly balanced vegetarian or vegan diet as having 
substantial impact on reducing diseases such as cancer. Of course
no single factor is responsible for causing cancer, but we can now
say with increasingly overwhelming scientific support it
certainly is a factor in causing cancer, as you may have found
 yourself if studying in the field.

Scientifically, animals have highly developed nervous systems and
neural development, and show sensation, intelligence, and the 
capacity to learn and grow.But I don't rate people on the level of 
intelligence they possess and the amount of emotion they show, so
I see no logical reason for excluding animals as they do, too.

If people wish to shut their eyes to findings and 
knowledge, then of course I must respect that choice. But I beg 
to differ that the vegetarian and vegan agendas are neither
 "cute or fuzzy." Each choice we make must have consequences in
the end, and we each have a responsibilty to make the most 
beneficial we can.

I hope this helps,

Barry