Oh right, I didn't HAVE a summer vacation (and summer seems forever ago, now that winter is just around the corner has arrived), but here are three highlights anyway. :)
- Ate a burger from A&W.
Which is something I hadn't done in years. Not even before going vegan. In fact, if memory serves me right, the last time I went A&W still brought your meal on a tray to your car. Yep, it was that long ago.
But having seen an A&W commercial that didn't offend me to the core (they're usually filled with self-congratulatory "all of our beef is raised without any added hormones or steroids" prattle as if that negates torture and death), I decided to check out their Beyond Burger. I wouldn't say it was Beyond good, but it was good enough indeed, and I'm pleased that sales of this product did well.
- Had a letter-to-the-editor published.
Having heard about the death of the owner of Marineland, I was quite sure that our local newspaper columnist would have something to say, and say he did. Now this is the same chap who was so derisive of vegans that it prompted me to write my first letter. Once again I couldn't resist responding:
Re: Gauche animal activists
James Culic may think he knows a thing or two about animal activists, but I knew a couple of things even before reading his latest column. I knew, for example, that he would use the word ‘hippy’ at least once.
I also knew that he would likely resort to stereotypes and insults (e.g., radical zealots, insufferable, sociopathic), lump all activists together and conveniently ignore those who urged other activists to be compassionate, ignore the numerous allegations of cruelty against John Holer over the years and his penchant for lawsuits, and somehow make him out to be some sort of hero simply by profiting from the type of animal abuse that the public is increasingly rejecting.
So no, “By any measure, he was a good man.” doesn’t really apply, despite the fact that he was loved by some. Which reminds me of the “Everyone loves Marineland” slogan that the corporation continues to use; just because you say it, doesn’t make it so.
And while I don’t mourn Mr. Holer’s death, I don’t celebrate it either, because with or without him, captive animals will continue to suffer at Marineland, which columnists like James will continue to endorse.
- Celebrated (well, acknowledged more than celebrated) 10 years of being vegan.
Yep, 10 years! Not that I feel I've accomplished much for animals in that time, but at least I haven't added to the problem. I hope.
I also hope that I'll become less pessimistic about humans improving how they behave both towards each other, and the billions of beings we treat so badly.
Soon this year will be over. In case I don't post again before that time (psst, I have a creative endeavour up my sleeve for next year), I would like to wish you safe holidays, and the strength to make your corner of the globe a better place for all. Take care, and see you again soon.
p.s. some wise words from pattrice at Vine Sanctuary on How To Talk Turkey
