> > > You know what?
> > >
> > > If someone was offended by what I was eating (assuming we're not talking about, say, a burger in India), I mean truly deeply offended... I wouldn't change my dietary habits.
> > >
> > > Hey, vegetarianism offends me. Which means *I* won't go that way. I make choices for me only. I expect the same courtesy.
> > >
> > > Diane
> >
> > I was thinking of my nephew who is a vegetarian.
> > He used to have a pet pig. He is a very sensitive guy and can't stand it when people eat pork. It's kinda like Silvercup in the next post. Anyway, he is a great person and I wouldn't do anything to offend him. We all have our hangups. I don't eat veal, because I know a little too much. I don't eat mutton, because I don't like it. Beef, I like.
> > Howard
>
> Oh well hey, I wouldn't eat pork around someone who had a pet pig, either. For the same reason I wouldn't eat dog, even if I knew for a fact it tasted good (I'm not trying it. :D) Of course, I do eat venison, amidst "How can you eat Bambi?" questions. To which I usually reply "Steaks... stew... ground... want a Bambiburger?"
>
> Diane

Heh, heh. I get that a lot when people ask how I can eat raw fish and seaweed (I love sushi). Very easily - it's good, really! Just take it easy on the wasabi.

I'm semi-veg because I just plain don't like beef; no ethical hangups about it. If someone were offended by my diet, I wouldn't change it, but I wouldn't eat the offending item right in front of him/her, and expect the courtesy of not having to watch that person eat something that disgusts me.

Same as if someone were offended by my beliefs - I wouldn't change them, but I would respect the other's desire to hold his/her own without either of us having to listen to the other spouting off after the desire not to hear it has been expressed.

The only way to have freedom to believe is not to abuse it, IMHO.

::shrugs, looks down, hopes that isn't a soapbox she's been standing on::

-Fob"semi-vegetarian, mostly libertarian"ulis