Perhaps this is not the best way to start a season of writing I had hoped would be introspective and encouraging to the world at large. Yet, I have had my writing juices started and flow they must!
PCRM set a group of advertisements within/along the D.C. metro to raise awareness among congressmen of what I assume to be their platform* – requiring vegan and vegetarian options on public school systems lunch menu. Currently the stink arises from their use of the President’s daughters – a political no-no from American presidency time memorial according to the White House. I am going to offend people in this next statement, and while I do not apologize for my perspective, I encourage you to read through my thought process before launching a personal vendetta of Bombs over Baghdad.
Requiring vegan and vegetarian fare is a silly and frivolous mission.
No, I do not advocate fried foods, as well as all-you-can-eat candy and soda as the next generation’s panacea.
Yes, I encourage families that want to be vegan and vegetarian. I encourage health! If this is your healthy solution, I encourage you! I am myself groaning under a desire to own a small plot of earth upon which to grow numerous veggies.
No, I am not vegan or vegetarian, so yes I am unaware of the vast difficulties encountered when a child whom is attends a public school with no regard for their diet. Blatantly ignorant, I confess.
Yet, I still believe requiring vegan and vegetarian fare is a silly and frivolous mission.
Our country currently resides under a form of representative democracy, and even the most ill-informed constituent will tell you the government is to be for the people, and by the people. Usually they can also tell you that decisions are made according to majority rule. Vegans and vegetarians are not the majority in our school system. Families that have made the decision to eat according to those philosophies and principles are in the minority.
Furthermore, I keep thinking how desperately our public school system needs assistance from the government in so many areas....
Vegans and vegetarians should pack a lunch.
If your family has decided to live life differently than the majority of Americans – I salute you and consider myself to be one of you! When you embark on a journey apart from the crowd, however, expect things to be difficult and expect sacrifices to be made. Rather than expecting the majority to cater to your acknowledged minority lifestyle, be willing to maintain that lifestyle at whatever cost it takes.
At this point I expect some people to divert course and ask about those children in school without vegan or vegetarian parents whom will never have the option for such a meal in a public school. I have decided to leave that argument for a later date, although I have some "food for thought" (couldn't resist!). Along the same vein, what about those children in school with vegan or vegetarian parents who will never have lunchtime mystery meat? (yes, a joke, and yet I hope the suggestion of boundaries and perspectives has been clearly made).
I welcome any comments or rebuttals. I admit freely that this is an off the cuff response to an article I recently read, yet I do stand by my opinion that individuals whom have chosen to be different should be ready to champion that cause to their own discomfort.
Farewell and Vale!
* My understanding of PCRM is limited. Their purpose behind the ads mentioned is merely used as a launching pad for the discussion that follows.
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