Charles wondered if a vegan would eat ant pie. Vegans do not eat or use anything in the animal kingdom: mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, bugs, etc. and their byproducts: gelatin, honey, eggs, milk, leather, bones, etc. Supposedly they are practicing "nonharming". Some even go to extremes to avoid acciedntally killing or consuming the tiniest organisms. I've heard of people wearing brushes on their shoes to sweep any insects out of harm's way so they don't get stepped on, and wearing veils to avoid inhaling little bugs. Vegans will tell you that all the Hindus in India do this. That's crap. I know a lot of Hindus, most of them grew up in India, they think all of that is silly. (Refer to Ted Nugent transcript <g>) A lot of my Hindu friends even eat meat. They try to avoid cow by-products, but will eat most other things. The whole vegan "nonharming" mentality originates from ahimsa, the yogic practice of nonviolence. However, pure ahimsa is not possible, as our bodies are constantly working to kill viruses and bacteria. How far does one go? Ahimsa is not just about action (killing/not killing), but also intention (for what purpose?). The extremist vegan ideal of nonharming reminds me of my "good Christian" parents trying to physically beat "honor thy mother and father" into me. It's just a little counterproductive, not to mention extremely ignorant. And ironic. Stacie _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com