Speak softly and carry a big stalk of broccoli?

A reader named "Jams" (perhaps a typo for James?) left a really interesting comment on this post debating the merits of calling oneself a vegetarian when still consuming limited amounts of meat. There's been some fascinating comments added from well over one hundred people, and I have to admit, I've changed my stance a bit since I wrote the original post back in 2008. Wherever you stand on the "semi-vegetarian" or pescetarian issue, what Jams had to say is worth repeating. I've condensed and shortened it here, so you may want to read the whole thing:

I wasn't always a vegetarian. I had been around a lot of vegans/vegetarians and had heard the militant, angry ramblings and it really turned me off! I felt so overwhelmed with all the rules and no appreciation for the attempt to save animals' lives that I just said oh well!

Then, I met K. She politely and quietly told me she was a vegetarian and didn't preach at me. She explained to me that she did eat eggs and milk but tried to be as cruel-free as possible with that. She told me how one person cutting out meat could save up to 50 animals' lives in a year! This so inspired me to do better and I have been a vegetarian ever since.

Please support those who are intrigued by vegetarianism! Every person who sacrifices even one meal is helping the cause! Don't be so stuck on the "titles" but the fact that a precious, innocent life can be saved!

Thanks for commenting, Jams, and thanks to your friend K, wherever or whoever you are, for knowing that sometimes speaking softly is better than carrying a big stick.

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