Rat in a Microwave....

The discussion was good today as usual. It was interesting to observe how hard it was to stay on track once comparing the laws of animal rights to that of abortion. Also, I liked the point of "ill-gotten gains." We have to admit the enormous amount of knowledge gained from researching animals as well as the equally immense damage it has done to the lives of such organisms great and small. The best example in class was from Kyle, "If I put a rat in a microwave for pleasure, it is drastically different from putting a rat in a microwave for research." Many of Tom Regan's points came up like dog in a life boat ---> save the human, and mostly the class agreed.

There did seem to be a good balance of opinions in the class and comprehension of meat eaters and non meat eaters. Many did agree that the consumption of animals and animal products may be ethical as long as the practices allowing the products to be on our shelves were done humanely and within ethical living standards. Derek started the class off by rewording the question from "is it morally right for the average US citizen to eat meat" to "is it morally wrong etc..." It is important because it captures the issue within the question. It is easier to say no to the second than to the first which is probably the best answer, if I interpreted it correctly. The key with any diet is moderation, attention to portions, knowledge of where your food comes from, and what is in your food. A vegetarian would be just as unhealthy with an improper diet as would a meat eater. The food market should take in the sacrifice the animals make for our benefit and be respectful of it by urgently providing universal, ethically proper living conditions and preparation standards.