Going vegan for the economy

How can going vegan help revive the economy? By putting money into everyone's pockets! American families are spending lots of money on food, more than they need to. In days of yore, families would have meat on the table only on special occasions, because it was expensive, and it still is expensive to put meat on the table. Families can save money by learning to cook using inexpensive vegetables. Dry bulk beans and grains, produce from the farmer's market, home made breads, oatmeal for breakfast. These can save money, allowing families to afford their mortgage, put money into savings, and spend on their local economies.

There are even bigger long term savings on health care expenses as these kinds of foods are healthier too. Without looming health problems and costs people will also be more productive and innovative.

EPA protecting environment from cows?

I was just watching The Daily Show and Lisa P. Jackson, head of the EPA, was the guest. They were talking about regulating carbon dioxide and Jon said 'I emit carbon dioxide..will I be regulated?' funny, she said 'EPA is not looking to reach down into individual lives and change individual livestocks(?), nor are we going to regulate cows, that's a favorite one too' that was the only mention of animal agriculture, but I was thinking, huh, if cows were polluting the environment, you'd think the EPA would have the authority to regulate them. The factory farm, confined animal feedlot operations, produce loads of waste which ends up in our water from runoff or overuse in agriculture. The vast amounts of land it takes to produce their feed at home and worldwide has pushed animal agriculture above the entire transport sector in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA could go a long way in reducing and reversing global warming by placing environmental costs into the cost chain of animal agriculture.

Exercises in imagination and empathy

Imagine how a dog experiences the world. Sniffing with so much sensitivity, they can tell much about their environment through their nose. At their height everything must appear quite tall. Meeting eyes with humans who sometimes shy away, sometimes look with love, sometimes look with disdain.

Imagine yourself as a new born calf, standing on wobbly legs for the first time. Seeking the comfort of mother. Seeing the first sunset over plains of green grass. Learning to use muscles by playing with other calves.

Remember your experience as a baby, or imagine how it might have been to be so vulnerable, so loved and comforted. Fumbling hands and sounds as you push the envelope of possibility and attempt to mimic those you see.