Can’t we all just get along?

By Dig Readers

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Dear Editor (and Braemar in JP),

Thanks for reminding me how far we have to go toward a civil and compassionate society by publishing the attack letter "Sponsor a Vegan." (Letters, 10.17.07)

That was about as uncivilized a response as one could expect, I suppose.

I do hope you'll reconsider your pledge to eat three animals for every animal I'm not eating, Braemar. As it is, your consumption of animals and their secretions harms your health, degrades our environment and contributes directly to the suffering and exploitation of every single one of those beings. Your strange notion that I should "be shutting the fuck up" in a civil, compassionate society is as illogical as your defense of cruelty.

Further, for all your suggestions that vegan restaurants are unappetizing, unexciting, and generally "uck," I have to wonder if you've even eaten at one of them, much less given them a fair chance. Besides, not all the best vegan meals are to be had at 100% vegan restaurants. The chef at UpStairs on the Square does an excellent vegan tasting menu if you call or email ahead with your request. I recommend you check it out, if finances permit.

Finally, for every loutish attack leveled at animals, myself and the Boston Vegan Association happily pledge to redouble our efforts to make Boston a more vegan-friendly place. Perhaps you'll join us at the ICC in Allston for our official launch party to celebrate World Vegan Day on November 3rd.

Entry is free to vegans and non-vegans alike, and we expect great musical performances from Retrosleeper; Evan Greer; Yes, But Slowly; and Jules. We'll also be selling delicious vegan food from T.J. Scallywaggle's, Herrell's Renaissance Café, among others.

Kind regards,

ERIC PRESCOTT

THE BOSTON VEGAN ASSOCIATION

BOSTONVEGAN.ORG

Dear Braemar, eater of "dead animal flesh,"

Maybe you've had one too many aggressive PETA members tell you that meat is murder, but I'm not sure that one letter (from Eric Prescott) warranted such a harsh comeback.

I'd also like to argue that vegan food is not in any way "unappetizing," "unexciting," or "uck." Do you even know what vegans eat? A LOT of foods are vegan, most of them quite delicious. French fries, for example. Falafel. A lot of Chinese and Japanese food. Wheat germ (no, wait, that doesn't help my argument).

Just because you're mad at one particular vegan doesn't mean you have to insult all of us or the way we eat or live. I was offended by your letter, but I'll try my best not to take it out on all meat-eaters or their choice of dinner.

PS - Dig, I heart you.

SARAH POULETTE

VIA EMAIL