In case there was any doubt after my previous post:
7. I’m not giving up meat, either.
Why? Three reasons.
1. Most obviously, it’s delicious. 2. Because I suspect that’s what these pointy teeth I found in my mouth are for. At least, that’s what I’ve taken away from the 600 dinosaur books I’ve read to my kids that distinguish between the gentle and magnificent plant-eaters and the fearsome, wretched meat-eaters. (Still not convinced of the category to which we belong? I refer you to CNN.) 3. Most importantly, see Reason 1.
I have the utmost respect for vegetarians, both for their principles and the sheer amount of will power they possess (they also REALLY know how to cook vegetables). At the same time, I hold the animal kingdom in high regard. Conservation and sustainable living are important, to be sure. Nevertheless, a day is not a day in the Donroe household unless an animal product has been consumed.
I have concocted many ways to deal with this hypocrisy:
First, I have learned how to fish. In this way, I am responsible for the capture, killing, and cookery of said fish, and the full range of consequences that go with it. My sister, the vegetarian, championed this idea. How does it feel to kill your own food? Not great. But the tears of guilt I may shed while filleting said fish are soon replaced by tears of joy at the realization of just how sweet and delicious hour-old striped bass can be if properly grilled and topped with a delicate tomato and basil salsa. It’s a trade-off. Like life. That said, I’m a pretty terrible fisherman.
Second, though I’m not sure I have the stomach for hunting, I do try to make my meat as mouth-wateringly scrumptious as possible. For the animal's sake.
Third, I do my best to keep waste to a minimum. Leftover meat scraps go into sandwiches. Bones go into soups and stock. Hot dogs and sausages are consumed with glee because, really, what else were they going to do with those kidneys. Plus, they’re delicious.
Especially DePasquale’s hot Italian sausages in Newton. Mmmmm.
Comments