Vegan Presidential Candidate Corey Booker!

[mucifer]

Just had to say that put a smile on my face!

[doompatrol39]

1. I hadn't thought about that.

That's pretty cool.

[treestar]

2. lOL no burgers

for winning team visiting the WH!

[ProudLib72]

17. Damnit all, it's "hamberders"

You gots ta know how ta yuz thu vary prezudenshul spelin'

[Cicada]

3. Would Trump run into a burning building to save an elderly woman?

Mayor Booker arrived home, in the poor neighborhood he insisted on living in, to see his neighbors home on fire. He fought off his bodyguard trying to stop him, ran in, carried her out. He saved her life and had to be treated for smoke inhalation himself. Booker is a true hero. A talented football star. A Rhodes Scholar. Our line up is strong.

[Bayard]

30. Thanks for the info

I was not aware. He IS a hero.

[0rganism]

45. Sen. Booker is basically Batman

i'm rooting for him to stop the Russian Joker.

[MLAA]

4. That is a big plus in my book..I mean Booker!

Becoming vegan is the biggest single action individuals can take to help slow down the destruction of our planet and stop the cruelty of killing animals just so people can have an incredibly unhealthy diet. 😉

[MoonRiver]

5. Wow, I didn't know!

Certainly gets a check in the diet box from me!

[UniteFightBack]

6. I know I really love that VEGAN angle even though I'm only a vegetarian. But just think how

much he actually cares about animals!!

[NurseJackie]

7. I'm friends with one vegan (that I know of... because she never stops talking about it)

I'm friends with one vegan (that I know of... because she never stops talking about it) I can only tolerate her in small doses / short visits, because she's such an evangelical about her veganism. It's tiresome and annoying. Are other vegans like that? Or is it just her?

[crazycatlady]

8. I lost my childhood BFF for that reason

I use the term 'vegangelical'

I'm a vegetarian. The only time I ever talk about it is when necessary (ie asking a server if there's meat in this item) or when someone asks about dietary restrictions. I don't care if other people eat meat.

[mucifer]

9. Some are some aren't. Almost all of us ate meat before so we have to understand

others. But, for me once you know how awful the animal industry is it's hard not to mention it to people.

I don't do it everyday. But, if you ask me why I am a vegan I would tell you. If I felt you want me to shut up I would quickly change the subject.

[violetpastille]

10. I was

I don't understand the psychology of it, but I let people know, and was obnoxious about it.

The first two years were great and then I started to fall apart. When I talked to vegans about it they said, "Oh yeah. You have to have some animal protein every now and again. Your body will let you know." I had no idea that was allowed.

Now that I know it doesn't have to be such a deadly serious thing I'm tempted to go back to veganism. But I can't be sickly and tiresome and a purist this time.

[TexasBushwhacker]

20. I had no idea it was allowed either

Now I hear Pegan is a thing. It's Paleo plus Vegan, which means they eat meat, which means IT AIN'T VEGAN.

[Codeine]

24. I've managed 30 years without animal protein.

That’s absurd. Amino acids are amino acids.

[Mosby]

38. the issue is vitamin deficiencies

Which obviously can be managed, but you have to be aware.

[violetpastille]

42. +1

Even a gorilla can get all her protein from plant sources.

But even a gorilla lets the occasional bug or bird shit get through so her gut doesn't become B-12 depleted.

And she doesn't spray her food with pesticides and wash the living hell out of it.

[Blue_true]

46. The vitamins can be found in some vegetables.

A Vegan can correct me, but the most rare vitamin in plant sources is B12, there is only a handful of plants that have, Vegans have to take a supplement to get regular daily doses of it. Otherwise, plant sources have vitamins.

I am a meat eater that does not go overboard. But Vegans have influenced me to look deeper into where the little meat or eggs that I eat come from, so over a couple of years I have migrated to humanely raised animal products (I am aware that some Vegans will say there is no such thing, but my reply is it is what it is for me).

[Mosby]

47. B12 is the main one for vegans

But they also have to make sure they are getting enough calcium, iron and zinc.

I don't eat pork for ethical reasons and have tried to limit my beef intake. I can go days without eating meat, but giving up dairy and eggs, no way.

overall though a vegan diet is a very healthy way to go, but personally I just don't see the issue with eggs and dairy, provided that the cows and fowl are well cared for.

Eta - this country needs to start requiring labeling on cheese for the source of rennet.

[Blue_true]

48. The cheese processing industry will like fight rennet labeling tooth and nails.

I had dropped eggs and milk from my diet for years, except for an occasional egg mcmuffin and ice cream, or through bread or other baked goods. But I have reintroduced fresh eggs and cream to my diet, along with oatmeal. I use eggs from free range laying hens and cream from free range diary cows to assuage my concerns about treatment of the animals, the producers seem to take pride in ethically caring for the animals.

[MLAA]

53. If you are concerned for your health (vs animals' health) dairy is the worst for you

I am a vegan for ethical reasons (animal cruelty) and environmental (though it is likely to late to overcome the destruction to the planet).

If your own health is a concern I would suggest reading up on dairy on sites like PCRM. Just don’t rely on ‘independent’ studies payed for by dairy industry. Nearly all cows have bovine leukemia.

If you have any interest in learning more, direct message me and I will get the names of a couple of books for you.

[Beartracks]

57. Rennet? What is that?

I'm gonna go Google it, but thought it would also be educational if you could explain for other readers like me.



=========

[yewberry]

64. Rennet

It's an enzyme found in the stomach of ruminants that helps them digest mother's milk. People use it to make cheese but then that cheese isn't vegetarian.

US companies aren't required to disclose whether they use animal rennet, but you can avoid it if you want to by choosing kosher cheeses.

[Codeine]

55. I take a vitamin supplement fairly regularly.

But honestly, that’s probably a good idea for anyone, vegan or omnivore.

[MoonRiver]

11. Many ex-smokers are the same,

especially if someone pulls out a cigarette on their property, or has that special smell.

I am vegan, and never smoked btw, but I keep my opinions to myself unless asked, which I frequently am at dinners.

[NurseJackie]

12. That's just common courtesy and being socially polite.

but I keep my opinions to myself unless asked,

That's just common courtesy and being socially polite. My "friend" never missed an opportunity to display her encyclopedic knowledge of all things vegan. If she utters any sentence that begins with the phrase "Did you know...?" it's always a lead-in to some obscure factoid about how horrible it is to eat eggs, or chickens, or fish, or dairy, or honey, or chocolate (yes, chocolate!)

When not talking about food, she's generally very pleasant and funny... but it really has turned into a religion for her. Maybe it's because she's a widow and the kids live out of state, this is something she's glommed onto to give her a sense of purpose and/or accomplishment. Lord, who knows what she's thinking?

Just based on appearances, or still photos, she reminds me of Lily Tomlin's free-spirit character "Frankie" in the Netflix show "Grace and Frankie"

[MoonRiver]

15. I guess your friend is a true believer, as am I, except not so vocally, lol.

But, I am curious if any of her rants have made you think differently?

[Cha]

18. Vegan, too, MoonRiver.. but don't

say it unless someone needs to know.

To each his/her own.. I don't really care what other people eat.

I know it's healthier for moi.

[MoonRiver]

22. Well, I do care Cha, but only because of the animals.

If people want to eat unhealthy stuff, and probably shorten their lives, it's their choice. The poor beings in factory farms have no choice.

But I know it's pointless to lecture people. When they ask how I became vegan I tell them politely. Most of them still won't care until, like Bill Clinton, they have their first heart attack or stroke.

Nice to know you are also vegan, sister!

[NurseJackie]

40. Bill Clinton is a vegan? I didn't know that!

[MoonRiver]

41. Yes and I think he's been one for a long time.

He went vegan after his heart attack. Don’t remember exactly when but I think more than ten years.

[DFW]

68. It wasn't really a heart attack (maybe the onset). His situation was amlost identical to mine.

I felt something, was sure something was wrong, but didn't know exactly what. He has physicians at his disposal. I did not, but after both my dad's parents died of heart attacks before reaching 70, you can believe I read up on symptoms. I was pretty sure something was wrong when I sought out a cardiologist, and sure enough, he sent me up to the nearest cardiac clinic for immediate emergency treatment. With Bill Clinton, the symptoms were ever more severe--must have been since he got an immediate quintuple bypass, and all I got was two stents.

I saw him a year or two after his operation, and he was skinny as a rail, something he definitely was NOT while he was in office. Talk about night and day! And he must have stuck to it to a large degree, because he gained no weight every time I saw him after that. The mother-in-law of Chelsea was at their NYC apartment last Christmas and showed me a photo, and he doesn't appear to have gained an ounce recently, either.

[Kali]

59. surprise! he cheats LOL

eats eggs and fish occasionally, just saw some video with a keto proponent doctor that spoke with Clinton about it.

it is REALLY hard to get full nutrition without SOME animal products in the diet. almost have to use supplements for "true" vegan.

[MLAA]

54. You said it moon river! I am with you and on the side of the animals.

And dairy seems like a good idea until you get breast cancer.

[NurseJackie]

19. Not a bit.

But, I am curious if any of her rants have made you think differently?

Not a bit. I still like her though... just not when she's talking about the evils of bacon.

[crazycatlady]

31. with my friend, no

And I'm a vegetarian (not vegan). I did so for health reasons (I started getting sick when eating meat so I listened to my body).

However, the vegan rants if anything push me in the opposite direction. IMO people's diets are nobody else's business except for (maybe) their doctor.

[Merlot]

34. Seems like whenever the topic is vegans

Someone will talk about how vegans are so annoying and evangelical.

The "bad vegan" story is a staple of any thread or conversation regarding vegans.

[NurseJackie]

35. Really? Who knew?

The "bad vegan" story is a staple of any thread or conversation regarding vegans.

Really? Who knew? Maybe it's because they're so annoyingly memorable. That seems to be the best explanation. Meanwhile the "regular" vegans just go about their everyday lives without boasting or without harassing or proselytizing... and their eating habits are largely unnoticed. Makes sense to me.

[MoonRiver]

36. Yep. One reason I keep quiet about being vegan is the inevitable attacks from meat eaters.

If they ask me why I am vegan, I will reply. Then they get what they asked for. But I never lecture anyone about their food choices.

[Merlot]

37. I think you're in the majority.

The "angry vegan" trope is pulled out so often, I'm begining to think people are really frightened at the thought of any introspection on their part about the food they eat.

And no, I'm not a vegan.

Three, two, one...

[MoonRiver]

39. Here's a little tell about me.

I was raised in Texas by a prolifically meat eating family. As soon as I found out where bacon came from, I tried to stop eating meat. But in those days, especially in TX, there were no meat alternatives, just veggies. I couldn't continue, but those feelings for pigs and other animals we brutally kill for food, always stayed with me. When in high school, my oldest child wrote an essay about the abuses of chickens in factory farms (she won an award for that essay, btw). Anyway, that's when I became vegan (thanks honey!). Been about 25 years now. My husband followed suit later, but still eats cheese.

[Blue_true]

49. What foods do you typically eat? nt

[Codeine]

23. Your friend was obnoxious.

Most of us vegans are quite pleasant; if my wife and kids can put up with my veganism I can’t imagine I’m bothering anyone else. I just eat differently and have non-leather belts.

[mulsh]

25. I know only one vegan out of over twenty who never talks or evangelizes about her choice. In fact

she tells friends that her favorite meat was headcheese. Unfortunately every other vegan I've known is rather overbearingly shrill and militant about being vegan.

Mr. Booker being vegan certainly makes me question his qualifications for this office.

On a positive note that's my prejudice and has nothing to do with his political abilities which I must admit are impressive.

[NurseJackie]

26. Good words: shrill, militant. I'd also add: judgemental.

That's why I can only tolerate her in small doses, controlled settings, where no food or drink is being offered or available.

It would be rude of me if I were constantly encouraging her to eat meat. "Come on! Just try it! You've just forgotten how good a BLT can be!"

I never scrunched up my nose or rolled-my-eyes at her vegan lunch choices. But it's awfully irritating to sit across from someone who's commenting to me "OMG, I can't believe you're actually eating that! If you only knew (blah-blah-blah)"

It's also annoying having to listen to her guttural sound-effects (as if she's suppressing the urge to vomit) and then there are exaggerated facial expressions of horror that would make anyone believe I was eating a pile of dog-shit.

In all other ways, she's very nice. But in this regard, she's over the top and annoying as hell.

[yewberry]

65. Understand that that's our experience from meat-eaters, too.

Most people don't comment about our diets as we don't comment about theirs.

However, there's always a vocal minority who can't seem to help commenting about my diet of rocks and twigs, literally waving their meat in my face and asking if I'm absolutely sure I don't want any of it, making their "people eating tasty animals" joke, or endlessly asking about my vitamin/ protein intake. You might never have scrunched up your nose at your friend's choices, but rest assured, other people have.

These people are not limited to vegans or meat-eaters or atheists or evangelical religious folks or LaRouche voters: these are ASSHOLES. And yes, they are annoying as hell.

[NurseJackie]

66. That's correct...

You might never have scrunched up your nose at your friend's choices...

That's correct, I never have.

Understand that that's our experience from meat-eaters, too.

So it's "both sides" then, eh?

I've seen the folks you describe (the ones who tease vegans) but it makes more sense that this type of behavior is in RESPONSE TO the aggressive lecturing and sanctimony of the evangelical vegans. I've been tempted to do it to my friend as well, but I haven't. Instead I just avoid situations were food is involved, or I make an excuse to leave (or not attend in the first place). She's JUST that annoying!

... but rest assured, other people have.

All I'm saying is, it's extremely unlikely that the teasing you've described is a SERIOUS effort convert them into being carnivores or omnivores. Instead, it's reasonable to presume that this is likely intended to mimic their behavior in an exaggerated and ridiculing way in order to send a message.

By example, the clear and unmistakable underlying message is "Hey! THIS is how fucking annoying it is to be lectured". People who do the things you've described are probably trying to say "cut it out!". It's clearly a response, not a mission.

[yewberry]

69. Mmmkay.

So those of us who don't talk about this shit for this very reason aren't actually experiencing what we experience. Sure.

Next time it happens, I'll be sure to check in with the poor, persecuted majority so you can tell me it's for sure a result of my own behavior.

[NurseJackie]

70. I think that's probably a good idea.

I'll be sure to check in with the poor, persecuted majority so you can tell me it's for sure a result of my own behavior.

I think that's probably a good idea.

Although, in fairness to me, I said absolutely nothing about your behavior. If indeed you are one of the lecturing finger-wagging vegans... then any exaggerated and ridiculing responses you experience would make perfect sense. On the other hand, if you're more of an "eat-and-let-eat" person, then any negative reactions to you are likely a side-effect and lingering resentment that are related to any number of negative interactions that carnivores have had with other more aggressive vegans. I think it's a safe bet that their behavior probably has nothing to do with you personally, so there's no reason to take it personally.

But I do take issue with the choice of the word "persecuted". Carnivores aren't being "persecuted". I think "harassed" or "nagged" is a much more truthful and accurate way to describe it. And, considering their responses, I'd hardly consider them to be "poor" or pitiable. I get the impression that carnivores are able to handle things well enough.

Fact of the matter is this, they're BEING aggressively rude to ILLUSTRATE aggressive rudeness... and clearly, their message of "cut it out" and "stop being so fucking annoying" is getting through. Like I said before, it's a response... not a mission.

So those of us who don't talk about this shit for this very reason aren't actually experiencing what we experience.

I never said that. I'm certainly willing to take you at your word regarding your personal experiences. But I think I've been pretty clear regarding the likely reasons that people respond in the way they do.

[yewberry]

71. Of course you do.

Your intent has been pretty clear all along. Your statement that people who "tease" vegans and vegetarians are doing so in response to, let's see, what were your words?
Judgmental
Sanctimonious
Evangelical
Aggressive
Tiresome
Lecturing
Finger-wagging

I'm not one of those people. As I said initially, most people don't comment about our diets as we don't comment about theirs.

However, you state, "I've seen the folks you describe (the ones who tease vegans) but it makes more sense that this type of behavior is in RESPONSE TO the aggressive lecturing and sanctimony of the evangelical vegans." Your assertion is that, essentially, we either (a) deserve rude treatment because they're trying to illustrate OUR rudeness or (b) deserve it because some other random person made rude remarks about their choices at some point in their lives.

Yeah, so good luck with that.

[NurseJackie]

72. I'm happy to hear it.

Your intent has been pretty clear all along.

Really? What would that be?

Your statement that people who "tease" vegans and vegetarians are doing so in response to, let's see, what were your words?
Judgmental
Sanctimonious
Evangelical
Aggressive
Tiresome
Lecturing
Finger-wagging

That list pretty much covers it. Thank you for being accurate, I can see you put a lot of effort into that.

I'm not one of those people. As I said initially, most people don't comment about our diets as we don't comment about theirs.

I'm happy to hear it.

However, you state, "I've seen the folks you describe (the ones who tease vegans) but it makes more sense that this type of behavior is in RESPONSE TO the aggressive lecturing and sanctimony of the evangelical vegans." Your assertion is that, essentially, we either (a) deserve rude treatment because they're trying to illustrate OUR rudeness or (b) deserve it because some other random person made rude remarks about their choices at some point in their lives.

You know perfectly well that I never said that. I didn't say anyone "deserved" anything. What I said was that this explains their response.

It really serves no good purpose to try and twist my words to give them some imagined nefarious meanings. I've taken YOU at your word, I believe that I deserve the same courtesy from you.

Yeah, so good luck with that.

Same to you.

[yewberry]

74. Funny response.

"I've seen the folks you describe (the ones who tease vegans) but it makes more sense that this type of behavior is in RESPONSE TO the aggressive lecturing and sanctimony of the evangelical vegans."

"If indeed you are one of the lecturing finger-wagging vegans... then any exaggerated and ridiculing responses you experience would make perfect sense. On the other hand, if you're more of an "eat-and-let-eat" person, then any negative reactions to you are likely a side-effect and lingering resentment that are related to any number of negative interactions that carnivores have had with other more aggressive vegans."

"Fact of the matter is this, they're BEING aggressively rude to ILLUSTRATE aggressive rudeness"


Of COURSE you never said anyone deserved anything, but it's perfectly understandable why people might treat vegans so rudely, is that it?

There's really no need to imagine your intent at all. Your words (see your words I handily compiled for you) say all I need to know about your feelings.

[NurseJackie]

79. I know. The whole thing is hysterical, isn't it? :rofl:

Funny response.

I know. The whole thing is hysterical, isn't it?

Of COURSE you never said anyone deserved anything

They why say it? Why use those words? Why twist my words? What good purpose does it serve? I've been entirely honest with you. I think I deserve the same.

but it's perfectly understandable why people might treat vegans so rudely, is that it?

Actually, I never said that either. What I did do, however, was to explain the motivation of those who choose to make a point by responding with an equal or greater amount of rudeness. In response. To illustrate a point. Their motivation makes perfect sense.

You know perfectly well that I'm explaining it, not excusing it or advocating it. It really serves no good purpose to act as if I'm encouraging people to respond with hostility.

There's really no need to imagine your intent at all.

You're only hinting at what you believe my "intent" is... yet you never come right out and say. Why?

Your words (see your words I handily compiled for you) say all I need to know about your feelings.

My feelings are that I want to be accurate in my description and characterization of the boorish and aggressive behavior that some people engage in. Why would anyone find that to be objectionable? Why does that give you reason to assume I have any dishonorable intent?

[violetpastille]

44. Really?

Mr. Booker being vegan certainly makes me question his qualifications for this office.

How come? I'm just curious.

[Trueblue Texan]

28. she's not alone...

...but neither does she define vegans in general. We carnivores and vegans are all individuals, of course.

[Mariana]

32. Are you seriously asking whether every vegan is the same? nt.

[NurseJackie]

33. No. I asked nothing of the sort. But, here's what I actually asked... quote:

32. Are you seriously asking whether every vegan is the same? nt.

No. I asked nothing of the sort. But, here's what I actually asked... quote: "Are other vegans like that? Or is it just her?"

And based on the responses I've read, it appears that indeed there are OTHER vegans who are annoying like my friend.

[MLAA]

56. I'd like to know your friend. She is speaking up and advocating:

Against animal cruelty

The Planet

Health. Statistics are crazy about the out of control increases in diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and many cancers ...much of which is avoidable with a plant based diet. The costs associated treating all these preventable diseases.

Like many others, I wasn’t always a vegan. But I was fortunate enough to have an outspoken friend who educated me. When people tell me they can’t possibly do without eating dead animals, I say just think every time you bring the fork or spoon to your mouth there is a cuddly little furry/feathered baby on the end of it. Then I remind them that they would never eat a dog. Why then is it okay to eat other loving animals?

Anyway, I hope your friend keeps talking to you 🙂

[NurseJackie]

61. Yeah... um... no.

Yeah... um... no. As nice as she is in all other regards... when it comes to this, she's over the top, rude and cultish about it.

But I was fortunate enough to have an outspoken friend who educated me.

Oh good grief. The implication you're making, of course, is that "I'm un-educated", eh? How charming! GMAFB!

I say just think every time you bring the fork or spoon to your mouth there is a cuddly little furry/feathered baby on the end of it.

Then I remind them that they would never eat a dog. Why then is it okay to eat other loving animals?

It's cultural... in fact many people do eat dogs, and guinea pigs, and rats. I've never humanized or anthropomorphized tasty animals.

Anyway, I hope your friend keeps talking to you

I don't. It's annoying to be lectured by friends AND even worse to be lectured by rude strangers.

All I'm saying is... in the same way that I dislike and disapprove of door-to-door JW proselytizers, I also dislike "table-to-table" in-your-face vegan rude evangelicals who believe that they can "guilt" me (or gross me out) into changing my eating habits.

Have a nice day.

Dinner tonight:

[IronLionZion]

62. A vegan, an atheist, and a crossfitter walk into a bar

I only know because they told everyone within 2 minutes and won't stop talking about it

[NurseJackie]

63. Good one!

[Renew Deal]

13. How can someone that doesn't eat honey be president.

[Joe941]

14. Well the question if honey is vegan is a bit controversial...

All for the veganism but he helped railroad Al Franken - so nope.

[JI7]

16. Adam Schiff is a Vegan also. I found out about Booker when one of them sent

the other vegan food.

[panader0]

21. About 1% of the population is vegan.

In the early 70's my first wife was a vegetarian. As far as I know the
word vegan hadn't been coined yet. I tried to eat her diet, but supplemented
it with trout from the river in front of the house. When we split up I went
back to my evil bacon and steak loving ways.
My point is this: Most people think vegans are pretty far out there.
I'm not one of them, in spite of my diet.
But pushing the vegan aspect of Booker's credentials will be a loser.

[Trueblue Texan]

29. My husband is a vegan, but I eat everything.

He's not weird. He can be annoying. But he's not weird. And the man can dance.

[lordsummerisle]

52. I agree

Pushing veganism doesn't seem like a good political strategy. To middle America it could come across as elitist and holier than thou.

[Mendocino]

27. Good for him.

He has been a vegetarian since 92 and a vegan since 2014.

[NastyRiffraff]

43. I guess I can forgive him for that

Overall, he's a good candidate, but I prefer someone who enjoys a nice, juicy burger!

Seriously, I haven't made up my mind yet who to support in the primaries. I want to see some debates.

[Blue_true]

50. Last week I had a burger for the first time in 6+ years.

Wanted to see what it tasted like again. Turns out that I didn't miss anything. So I am back to no beef likely through the time that I croak.

[underpants]

51. No wonder he looks so good.

I will say that from I've read about campaigns it's going to take a lot of effort to eat vegan on the run especially in some states.

[Phentex]

73. Are there states without beans and rice?

Are you thinking about fast food or something? I can't imagine any place that would be too difficult to find food.

[underpants]

75. I just saying multi-event days hustling in and out of cars planes etc.

Nutrition on the campaign trail is notoriously bad.

[Phentex]

77. Probably true for all of them...

I eat so much worse when I travel. But my problem is finding too much food!

[yewberry]

76. Nah, but it's hard to find as an incidental.

You kind of have to go out of your way to find vegan food in a lot of places. Road food is usually heavy on the meat & cheese.

[Beakybird]

58. He can do the greet. He just can't do the meat.

[Raine]

60. Me too, I feel like I found my candidate

he gets my vote!

[Autumn]

67. I hope he's not like my sister. I avoid her because she won't shut up and

stop pushing that vegan stuff on me.

[kelly1mm]

78. His being vegan does not bother me. His calling for Sen. Franken

to resign though shows he lacks the judgement to be President.

[Adrahil]

80. As long as he doesn't lecture me, I don't care....

Like lots of folks, I have had run-ins with self-righteous vegans telling me how evil I am for wearing leather.

As long as Booker keeps his personal decisions to himself, I'm fine with that.