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What’s right with America
Interesting piece by Michael Lind, who I always find thought-provoking. Despite a lot of pessimistic talk, Lind says that long-term trends–with respect to ethnic and racial integration, religious fundamentalism, and the solvency of our entitlement programs–are actually quite positive: Barring catastrophes, the US in 2050 will be much more racially integrated; will remain culturally and…
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Crunchy cons, Pollan, Scully and meat-eating
Rod Dreher of Crunchy Cons fame reflects on the morality of meat-eating, prompted by a discussion with a Christian friend about The Omnivore’s Dilemma (permalinks don’t seem to be working – scroll down to “Re-thinking the meat guzzler”). He also refers to Matthew Scully’s Dominion, an indictment of the factory farming system (and other practices…
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A vegan critique of Pollan
Erik Marcus, vegan and animal rights activist, has a review of The Omnivore’s Dilemma that is appreciative, but critical in key places. Key quote: Pollan’s book convincingly shows that animal agriculture can, in fact, operate in a way that respects the environment. For a reader who’s acquainted with the staggering wastefulness of animal agriculture, it’s…
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More on Pollan and vegetarianism: vegetarianism as vocation
I have to admit that I find Pollan’s argument that the domestication of certain animals entails a real gain both for the animals and for us pretty convincing. He points out that animal husbandry may be a necessary part of a sustainable agriculture since relying on animal fertilization is the chief alternative to the chemical…
