Hi Martha

>Let me state up front that I am not making any assertions
>about vegetarian eating promoting peacefulness, and in fact I
>don't hold this view.
>
up front is good

>Here's my latest musing:  *If* the body wants meat and isn't
>getting it, it sees this as a deprivation (n.b. Kirt:  please
>realize I, like Alan, am talking figuratively, not claiming the
>body "wants" or "sees" anything as in concious intent or
>sight).  The body's response is to increase aggressiveness
>hormones or whatever it is, "thinking" it needs to be more
>aggressive in order to get the meat.
>No flames, please.  It isn't an opinion, just a mental
>meander.
>
I've had thoughts somewhat along those lines: mostly I'm wondering if
malnutrition/food shortages can cause 'antisocial' behavior = war (as
distinct from chemicals in the diet that promote ADD, and whatever;  thru
alcohol/drugs etc.)  Based on the theory that out-of-kilter brains produce
unstable thinking and behaviors. (Whose theory you ask: why, mine, of course;).

>>As for statement "B", I believe that violence is hidden
>>somewhere in us, and it is important to acknowledge its
>>existence, not to be afraid of it (even if that violence is not
>>exteriorized in everyday's life).
>
Considering that we've decended (with all mammals) from Masterdons, that's
entirely reasonable.
( apparently Masterdons were the most ferocious animals to exist on earth ).

>OK, I'll go first.  I acknowledge that I'd like to kill Hitler right
>now for being a vegetarian (and possibly one or two other
>reasons).

You're too late. ( or even if he survived his 'suicide' he would be past it
by now).

>
>>Some animals that don't eat eat meat (bulls, horses...) can
>>injure you badly when angry enough or when their life is
>>threatened.
>
and the ones fed on meat ( beef ) can hurt in another way - illness. (mad
cow disease for eg)

>Not to mention what they do to each other during mating
>season.
>
Oh, its all a lot of fun,... really !!!

Lynton