Image by flickr user bionicteaching

We are fighting a war. One that will only get fiercer and uglier before anyone wins.

According to a Vancouver Sun article, a recent survey by the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association showed that vegan foods are one of the top 10 food trends. But, at the same time, small, traditional butchers are also one of the top 10 food trends.

As veganism and a real respect for all life grows, we will see a fierce reaction from the proponents of the status quo.

We are often seeing “humane” meat and “traditional” butchery passed off as a solution to the suffering of animals. Actually, though, it’s just another way of covering up the unethical murder of animals for our own personal pleasure.

I know that the metaphor of battle or war is not often appreciated by proponents of nonviolence, but taken in the spirit of Chogyam Trungpa, we are indeed warriors. Warriors for what is right, defenders of those who cannot speak or fight for themselves.

Let’s push the vegan trend even further, but be prepared for an even fiercer backlash. Be prepared for anger, hostility, and cruelty. Be prepared, and fight.

Peace is our weapon, compassion is our sword.