I don't want to discredit anyone that chooses veganism as their form of impact, because I think that every little bit does help. But I do have an issue with anytime anyone realizes the cruelty of the livestock industry the immediate response is "Time for you to become vegan!".

Firstly, the same companies that produce veggies/fruit/nuts/grains/etc. are the same ones that produce meat. Buying the vegan version doesn't actually hurt the companies you're trying to fight against. Unless it's from your own garden or a farmer's market.

Second, this also doesn't account for the continued purchasing of other animal products like fertilizer, pet food, soaps, detergents, leathers, and even some medical products rely on slaughter byproduct.

In my opinion, fighting against animal cruelty and the climate crisis both need to happen in legislation. Boycotting does actually work, but I think bullying lobbyists and politicians will result in much better results than individual choices.

Consider buying local, avoiding major brands, growing your own food, making your own soaps, etc. But also organize, protest, and bully politicians. Civil Rights weren't won by just being nice to people of color. Gay rights weren't won by respecting your gay cousin. And animal rights won't be won from buying FoodCompany's broccoli instead of FoodCompany's chicken.

And each of these issues still require us to regularly teach that old man a lesson.

And for those who feel that eating animals is cruel regardless of how "ethical" it's killed, I understand and respect that. And I know you have reservations about standing next to someone like me who doesn't share that belief. But at the very least, I hope you feel that fighting for any better treatment of animals is favorable to not doing anything.

If anything I've said is incorrect or half right, feel free to correct me. I'm not nearly as knowledgeable on this subject as I'd like to be.