Vegetarianism is good for you

For 18 years I've been a vegetarian. I don't tell people what to do, but in light of the largest beef recall in history, I'd like to share the reasons I'm a vegetarian:

1) Cruelty. Cattle were treated inhumanely at Westland. Crippled animals were picked up and moved with a forklift; others were kicked in the face; some had water blown up their noses to force them to get up. Cows lived in deep manure until they contracted hoof disease. Cattle were injected with antibiotics and growth hormones, which end up on the dinner table.

2) Environment. Thousands of acres of rain forest are clear-cut for cattle grazing by fast food restaurants. Methane from manure contributes to global warming. Cows use huge amounts of water for drinking and to grow their feed.

3) Health. Most Americans get too much protein, which, if not used, is converted to fat. Protein is found in pasta, beans, nuts, potatoes, eggs, pumpkin, spinach, even tomato soup!

Eating primarily vegetables, grains, fruits and nuts reduces heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers. Vegetarian cooking is not only delicious, it's great for your body, soul, and our Earth. Talk about a Happy Meal!

TRACY KNOPF

Twain Harte