I guess since I'm surrounded by a lot of farms and I drive by them frequently, its hard to imagine that other animals don't live this way...

As I said, I grew up that way and it was a shock to find out what was really going on. The meat industry goes to great lengths to make sure you don't find out, or at least don't have to think about it.

I don't know if you're old enough to remember, but grocery stores used to have an on-site butcher. You could actually see him cutting up carcasses through a window, sometimes the very cut you asked for. It's much easier now, with those little pre-packaged cuts, to never think about the animal it came from.

So right now I'm actively trying to change what I buy for home consumption and at least make a difference in that regard.

That's great! It's much easier to do in small steps than to just swear off meat one day. Maybe just start eating it every other day, then 2-3 days a week, then one, etc. Your local library should have some vegetarian cookbooks you can check out to experiment with on the 'no meat' days. And while you're there, also try reading "Fast Food Nation" and "The Omnivore's Dilemma." Don't worry; they aren't preachy, just educational. Also, you might want to reference a few books or visit a nutritionist to make sure your new diet is balanced. I won't lie to you, it takes some effort at first, but once you get the hang of it it's easy.

I think my hardest part will be changing how I eat fast food as I still do enjoy my McDonalds and Burger King from time to time...

Well, "Fast Food Nation" should cure you of that!

But I guess as long as I do not become active in any real change regarding factory farming, my decreased consumption of meat really isn't going to matter in the end...

No, no, no!!! That is absolutely wrong! We all do what we can and what makes sense for us. If you want to get more involved in changing factory farming, that's great. Maybe you won't decide to give up meat altogether. Maybe you'll just eat it once a week or month. Someone said, "It's better to be a vegetarian 50% of the time than a carnivore 100% of the time." Small changes do help. Do what you're comfortable with, then strive for more when you're ready.

So I usually just say I like to avoid meat when I have other tasty options. People really do get defensive around vegetarians, and I say this as a meat eater.

Yes, they do, even if you don't mention it. Sounds like you're taking the right approach. I don't scowl at friends for ordering meat. If we're ordering in at my place, they're welcome to get burgers or cheesesteaks or whatever else they like. When people ask me, I usually just say, "I don't approve of factory farming practices," then drop it. If they inquire further, well, then, they brought the ensuing discussion on themselves!

You're not fooling anybody by posting a letter to yourself under your other name, "woodviolet." ; )

No, I didn't realize that these smaller farms have to send their animals to the same large slaughterhouses with the factory-farmed ones. That is disappointing to find out. I guess since I'm surrounded by a lot of farms and I drive by them frequently, its hard to imagine that other animals don't live this way, even though I'm very aware of the factory-farm horror stories. I've always been aware of the large chicken operations in Delaware but I see cows, goats and sheep grazing in open fields all of the time around here. Thats why I have been urging my mother to try and buy local meat.

Like I said, I don't buy or eat a whole lot of meat and have considered being vegetarian for years. So right now I'm actively trying to change what I buy for home consumption and at least make a difference in that regard. I'm going to ask the farmer I buy meat from where his animals are slaughtered. He's always been friendly, and although I don't buy weekly, I think he recognizes me when I pass by his stand so maybe he'll realize I'm asking for my own reasons and not to berate him or something.

The pig has always been the toughest one for me as well due to that intelligence thing. I could easily give up beef and chicken completely, but I really do love bacon and pulled pork. I'm not a big fan of the pig roast parties though. I know frying up hamburgers for a picnic is no different, but something about a large gathering of people surrounding one pig on a spit really creeps me out. Like, we're all there just so we can eat this one poor pig.

I think my hardest part will be changing how I eat fast food as I still do enjoy my McDonalds and Burger King from time to time but I mainly avoid meat now due to production methods. But I guess as long as I do not become active in any real change regarding factory farming, my decreased consumption of meat really isn't going to matter in the end except to raise awareness amongst others and maybe give me some health benefits.

When I order the tofu vegetarian options people always ask if I don't eat meat anymore (although no one ever asks this when I order fetticine alfredo). Since they just ordered a chicken dish, I hate to go on and on about the production methods though. Seems kinda rude considering the decision has been already made and they should be able to enjoy their meal without me pontificating. So I usually just say I like to avoid meat when I have other tasty options.

People really do get defensive around vegetarians, and I say this as a meat eater. I really do think its because people don't like to think that they're really eating a once-living thing that may have been just as loving and friendly as their cat or dog.