I don’t think they were excusing the death threats. The comment you referenced originally described why someone might be upset with their choice to kill animals. I think they’re describing why vegans (who think killing and hurting animals unnecessarily is immoral) would be upset with unwittingly giving financial…

Well, first of all it is is definitely unnecessary. Do you think meat is a necessary part of a healthy diet? These people lived 40 years without it.

I agree that the death-threats are stupid and those people need to stop. But I wouldn’t call it ‘militant’ to be extremely against this couple’s new venture on their farm. Your analogy of an organization that later takes a more moderate stance is not accurate. Killing animals is diametrically opposite of a vegan…

A reasoned reply to a very, very frustrating argument.

Do you think that animals and plants have the same, or even similar, capacity for suffering?

Veganism is not about just food. It’s mostly about food, but it encompasses all choices that hurt animals. So things like not going to circuses, rodeos, Seaworld...not buying leather....not buying makeup tested on animals etc. If you’re someone who is eating a vegan diet because of environmental or health reasons,…

I can try to explain that perspective -

Do you understand the idea behind veganism? It’s about ethics and treating animals compassionately. Think of a principle you hold that’s important to you - maybe feminism, or anti-racism? How do you feel about those who are against those ideas?

Imagine you adopted a pet from an animal rescue. You wanted a rescue dog and wanted to give a home to an animal that needed it, and wanted to adopt a dog from a group that shared your values of treating animals kindly. How would you feel if you found out that the same rescue was *breeding* and putting down dogs who…

That would make sense if they had cows on their farms and that was the end of it. The issue comes when they KILL the cow. Imagine the outrage if someone went and adopted a dog from a no-kill shelter and then killed it immediately? The issue is with killing the animal unnecessarily. It’s doubly disgusting because of…

Do you eat meat?

Have to? Lots of vegetarians and vegans out there that don’t eat meat. Contrary to common misconception, it’s quite cheap and healthy.