Vegetarianism Will Save The World

For those of you in a hurry, here's a synopsis: Wet markets in China create viruses which threaten the whole world. Vegetarianism, which feeds more people per farmable acre, is a better alternative and can and should shut such virus-centers down permanently.

I haven't blogged in a while, which is odd considering that I've been a member of the Covid-19 unemployed since April 1st. But with other projects caught up, and yet one more cartoon completed, it's time to start disseminating information that will save the world again. This time, it's to promote the idea of vegetarianism, and yes, that is an idea that can and will save the world.

Now, I'm not a strict vegetarian. Nor will I ever be, as my wife has Crohn's disease, meaning her diet must contain meat for nutritional reasons. But I've been going more and more vegetarian as I get older, both because my cholesterol levels demand it, and because the extra calories are something I could really do without. Thus, I consider myself enough of a participant in vegetarianism to speak in favor of its virtues. I'm not the ideal spokesperson, but then again, it's my damn blog.

We were turning an important corner before the Procrastinator-in-Chief allowed Covid-19 to sneak its way into America under his very nose. Impossible burgers and Beyond burgers were really beginning to make an impact. Now, those industries, along with everything else, have taken a hit. But where others might see disaster for this new vegetarian market, I see opportunity.

Right now, the entire global economy is taking a hit. Restaurants are shutting down left and right, and everyone is cutting back on processed foods they can't go out and get anyway. But when it comes back, as herd immunity and a vaccine virtually guarantees it will someday, why not give some preferential treatment to these new and delicious vegetarian dishes? Why not allow those products to grow faster than their alternatives? And before you say that they are worse than the real thing, let me make another point:

The Covid-19 virus was undoubtedly made in the wet markets of Wuhan, where exotic animals are herded, butchered, and sold all in one area. And viruses mutate by spreading from one species to another, back and forth, until a new strain emerges which the human immune system has never had to contend with. Then, suddenly the new virus spreads like wildfire, and we have a new pandemic to deal with. Nowhere are so many different animals herded together quite like China, whose population is so large that people eat literally anything. This is the biggest reason why China is such a hotbed for new viruses emerging. Wouldn't it be nice if we could feed a lot more Chinese people without having to resort to butchering so many animals? Well, we can. And if we do, we can shut down the virus cycle in China, and elsewhere, thus making everyone safer, and more well fed.

Now to my point about the flavor of meat-substitutes: It's wonderful! People say it's not as good as the real thing, but those who say that haven't tried the new products out there. I can confidently say that I prefer Lightlife chicken strips to the real thing. Boca chicken nuggets are better than McDonald's nuggets. And I even prefer boca bacon to the real thing. Beyond burgers are amazing, satisfying, and filling, and Impossible burgers are even better according to most people, although I consider it a tie. If you haven't tried these products, I highly and wholeheartedly endorse them. And for those of you who complain the flavor still isn't there, let me point out the other things that aren't there in veggie products: such as cartilage,, ligament, bone, grease, and other crap that doesn't belong in our food!

It's time to start eating better, not just for ourselves but to save the world. I truly think that vegetarianism is as important for the world now as recycling (and we need to kick recycling in the ass too, while we're at it). A more vegetarian diet feeds more people per farmable acre, lowers our LDL cholesterol, keeps us fit and trim, and rids our food of annoying gristle that ruins our dining experience. It's such the right thing to do, for so many right reasons, both selfish and selfless.

Well, that's my pitch! Stay healthy, stay safe, and until next time, chow!


Eric

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