Alceste
Vagabond
Inspired by Kilgore's recent reference to Shaddam IV I am compelled to speak the truth, or my mind as it were. Since I wanted to reassure vegetarians and vegans in this thread that the average omnivore and carnivore, whether human or animal, whether specializing in eating or whether specializing in meat eating doesn't judge them I told Guitar's Cry the truth... every person who visits my house to eat will be offered the food they eat, they are after all guests who are welcomed.
However on the broader philosophical level, vegetarianism or veganism may or may not come from a constructive and informed agenda, just as being someone who does not avoid meat or dairy products may or may not be leading a thought out and sustainable diet.
I never as a rule ask awkward questions from vegans or vegetarians, they are not such a rare creature on the landscape... as they say: 'Some of my best friends are [insert generic class of person]'. As far as I am concerned everyone is free to make their own choices and live the best lives they can. However objectively, neither vegetarianism or veganism are a proof of such an informed way of life. It could be motivated primarily by knee jerk reactionary psychology rather than an extensive several years research (which is really what it should take). For example by the same token people who propagate for alternative fuel use may actually also promote the land grab of defenseless poor groups in foreign land who sit on areas needed to be cultivated for such alternative energy. Avoiding eating meat and attempting to promote forms of agriculture pretty much spells the death of millions of insects, mammals, and reptiles who are going to be shredded by the work done on the fields. There are of course endless factors and examples to consider here, which I doubt any lay person or even a professional is capable of evaluating fully.
As they say... the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
It's not rocket science. The raising of food animals takes up far more land than growing food, so your single objection actually supports vegetarianism over the consumption of meat.
One thing I would recommend to baby vegetarians, though, is this: learn to cook. Don't end up living mainly on pasta, sandwiches and potato products, as I did. After 15 years, I developed a mild wheat or gluten allergy that lasts to this day.