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Messages from Students, 2004

Read the praise from students all over the United States who were inspired by Gary to convert to an ethical vegan lifestyle

To protect the privacy of students and other non-educators, their names and email addresses have been removed.

Sent: Friday, December 17, 2004 12:02 AM

I was born in the country in Germany and my family had a lot of land with lots of fruit trees and berry bushes as well as a green house where we would grow anything from potatoes to carrots and all kinds of different leafy produce. As a child I would naturally reach for the fruits and even prefer to eat raw potatoes and carrots right out of the ground with the dirt still on them. As an adult that might sound really gross, but as a child I remember eating these foods and being fully sated. I actually despised meat and only ate it after I was a teen and my friends would make fun of me for not liking hamburgers and pizza. I truly believe that if we let our bodies choose what we eat instead of our minds we would be quite surprised as to what we would be putting into our mouths. I am not a vegan right now, but after Yourofsky & Timko's presentation am fully disgusted as to what we are doing to the animals of this planet. The cruelty and non compassion for these animals has left me sore and I have watched my diet more carefully and have almost totally eradicated animal products from my diet. For me it is not so much a question on whether animal products are good or bad for our bodies, but rather an ethical, moral one. What we, as the supposedly superior species, do to these animals is inexcusable and cannot be ignored. I am very glad I was able to be there for the presentation and have started to make other people aware as well, so that we can all take a more responsible path in the future.

Sent: Thursday, December 16, 2004 7:05 PM

You came and spoke at our school a while back and I've been meaning to e-mail you. I really enjoyed your seminar. I've begun to slowly get rid of the animal products in my life. Your information was very motivating for me. Thank you so much.

Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2004 11:47 AM

Monday's lecture really hit me hard. I have not been able to eat meat since seeing that video and hearing them speak, and I really wanted to read more about the topic since we only got into it for 50 minutes. I would like to do my paper on animal rights and how it is not moral to take an animal's life, which is a living being, to benefit someone else. I have been reading about this topic since the lecture Monday and I have really enjoyed looking into it more.

Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2004 6:42 PM

I was at your lecture on Monday night at Eastern Michigan University. I am in our animal rights group, so it strengthened my beliefs. Thank you for that. Anyway, I was just wondering where you two are headed next. I have a lot of friends at the various colleges around Michigan, and I would be sure to tell them to go to your lecture. Let me know when you have time! Thanks so much!

Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2004 10:26 AM

I was at a lecture on being vegan that you gave about this time last year at Lourdes College (OH). I wanted to take the time to tell you what a life changing event your lecture was for me and my family. I had been wrestling for some time with the wrongness of being a carnivore. A week before your lecture, my then 11 year old son asked me if I loved animals. I told that, of course I do, that is why I have the job that I do (as a vet tech) and why I volunteer for a local wildlife rescue and rehab. He then asked me if I loved them, then how could I eat them. I had no answer to that. Laziness, habit, whatever ... none of that was something I could tell him. The following week, I went to your lecture. That night, I went home and was getting ready to eat a bowl of cereal. I got out the milk and set it on the counter, then I gagged. That was a huge changing point for me. A few months later, my son asked if he could be a vegetarian. I am so proud of him, and he is still going strong, which is not easy as a 6th grade boy. He gets a lot of teasing, but stays firm in his convictions. He even got the school to add a vegetarian choice to the lunch menu every day. He is teased a lot, and even got called into the vice-principal's office because she was concerned about his nutrition. Anyhow, I just wanted to thank you. I would like to take my son to hear you speak sometime. I think he would really be inspired.

Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2004 11:26 AM

On behalf of Students for Animal Rights at Eastern Michigan University, I want to thank you so much for speaking at our school on Monday. I think everyone in the audience got a lot out of your lecture. And I know that your talk definitely re-inspired the members of our group to be even more active on behalf of the animals. I wish you safe travels and best of luck at your talks in the next month.

Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2004 2:04 PM

First I'd like to thank you for coming to our class. I was able to learn many things from the presentation and powerful movie. It also helped me to understand more the views of Veganism. It is horrible to stop and actually look at the torture that we put animals through today. Too many animals are treated this way and hopefully the numbers will gradually decrease.

Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2004 3:28 AM

I was just writing to tell you that the presentation in Brad Kelly's class at Va Tech was very well done. It got to all the emotional sides that one can feel. I still eat meat, but you have opened the eyes of someone who didn't think about the animals when I had something from them. I wrote a paper on the ideas that you shared with the class. The overall presentation was good to open my eyes to some issues I didn't think about. Thank you for your time, and have a good day.

Sent: Sunday, December 05, 2004 5:02 AM

I want you to know that I think there was a great amount of controversial uproar [at Muskingum College in OH] because of your great conveyance of knowledge. I really appreciate what you do. I just want you to know that from what I know you definitely had a positive impact on the people of our campus. One girl who was previously veg is going vegan, her roommate is going veg, and of all great things ... my boyfriend is trying a vegan lifestyle. All the people I told you that you affected ... that is only the people that I directly heard about. I mean, I saw a girl crying during your 'Big Red' story. I don't really know what everyone decided about the impact you made on their life. BUT you DID make an IMPACT! Maybe not everyone is veg or vegan, but I know that they at least thought about it at their next meal. I just want you to know that I really appreciate what you are doing.

Sent: Friday, December 03, 2004 8:48 AM

I just wanted to tell you both how impressive and convincing your lecture was on Wednesday at Oakland U. I hadn't expected that you would provide such sound sources for all of your information. (I was the one who had spoken to you before class.) And you were absolutely right, I do want to go vegan. I was also really impressed because one of my friends in that class, who didn't even want to show up and listen, is now considering veganism as well. So thank you for coming to speak to us. I totally admire your dedication to this important cause. Keep up the good work!

Sent: Friday, December 03, 2004 12:38 PM

First off I would like to thank you guys for coming in on Monday to Brad Kelley's morality class (VT). I would like to say that y'alls presentation was informative on why humans should not consume meat and it was very compelling. I think y'all did a very good job and presenting points and appealing to the different areas of the mind. Your presentation did a very good job of appealing to the logos with the presentation of reputable doctors and health facts; to the pathos with the video presentation of the slaughter houses showing how the animals are treated and the little ducks going in to the grinder; and to the ethos again with pointing to the cruel treatment of the animals and how it would be wrong to consciously support that. Once again thank you for your time.

Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 1:17 AM

I'm in Brad Kelley's philosophy class (Virginia Tech) you lectured on Monday morning. Overall I thought the presentation was very well put together and displayed. I think the platforms you guys talked about were strong and valid.

I was impressed with the entire presentation as a whole. Yes I agree the video might have been a bit violent, but it certainly did get the point across! I think the best solution to the problem is to educate the public about why it's good to be vegan and that's exactly what you guys are doing, and kudos for that. Thanks very much for your time.

Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 12:35 AM

Just thought I'd drop you a line and let you know that I haven't eaten a bite of meat since I saw your presentation at UT-Knoxville. I had been thinking about going vegetarian for quite some time, but that video pushed me over the edge. Towards the end there was a pig with this, "why?" look on his face, and I decided right then that raising and killing a sentient being for pure taste satisfaction was immoral, especially when it isn't necessary for survival. Although my wife hasn't completely cut meat from her diet (she had a moment of weakness on Thanksgiving), she's trying her damnedest. Funny, how compassion spreads.

Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 6:43 AM

Thank you so much for coming to my philosophy class on Monday (VT) to discuss the ethics of veganism and how to live a vegan lifestyle. I was completely taken aback by your presentation. In this day and age when I hear that someone will be giving a presentation, I lean back and prepare for the powerpoint slideshow to begin. Your presentation was flawless and had an amazing flow to it. I really appreciate your time and have a great deal of admiration for both you and your cause!

Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 11:34 AM

You spoke in my philosophy class on Monday the 29th at Va Tech about animal rights. I did not have a chance to get to thank you all for speaking and presenting such powerful information! I truly am changed by this and seriously am considering becoming a vegan. My brother and several of my friends already are, and now I really know why! I really appreciated you coming to our class and admire that you travel around informing people of the mistreatment of animals. Thanks!

Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 10:06 PM

I thought that your argument was very compelling. I really enjoyed hearing information about vegan and vegetarianism because I had never been told anything like that before, but was always interested as to what it actually was. I absolutely had no idea that all of those diseases were caused simply because of the fact that we are eating meat which we are not naturally made to consume. I enjoy being healthy and am glad to know that there are lots of changes that I need to start making. I totally agree that the human race is addicted to meat. After watching the video in class I was repulsed. I love animals, and I know it is contradictory to say that because of the fact that I eat meat and other products like that on a daily basis, but seriously, I really do love animals! I could hardly watch the video and it made me feel horrible and almost want to cry. I didn't eat meat that day and told all my friends about what I had seen and heard. The people who eat meat aren't bad guys at all, it's just that a lot of them don't know all of the things that you have told us and don't know what they are doing to all of the animals. If there were more people like you telling morepeople like them all of that information then things would be changing rapidly. I have to put a lot of thought into what you have told me because yes, I admit I am addicted to meat. I am now simply asking myself why wouldn't I want to be healthy and why would I want so many animals to be harmed I don't want to get a disease and I certainly don't want innocent animal's lives to be taken away so I am going to seriously consider going vegan. Thanks for the presentation it was great and I'm glad to be informed!

Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:28 PM

I am a student at Virginia Tech and I wanted to comment on your presentation. I thought it was a fantastic presentation with the both of you avidly knowing the information and presenting it in a logical, organized and interesting manner. I especially liked some of your rhetoric; "concentration camp like conditions" and "walking graveyard." Those two images are something we can all relate to and help with your point. The idea of animal rights is an idea that is not realized by most American's, I would have never guessed or believed the cruel treatment of animal's that you showed in the video. The video made me cringe a parts but I believed it to be my duty to watch every bit to understand, realize and respect what is actually going on.

Sent: Monday, November 29, 2004 1:55 PM

I thought your presentation today was extremely informative and eye-opening. It has defiantly made me contemplate my eating habits. You both said you had eaten meat for over 20 years, what was the turning point for you? Also, did you turn Vegan overnight, or was it gradual? Do you have any suggestions for someone who is thinking about adopting a Vegan Diet? Thank you for your time!

Sent: Monday, November 29, 2004 10:55 PM

I'm a student at Virginia Tech, and I'm responding to the presentation given today to my philosophy class (morality and justice) about cruelty to animals, veganism, etc. I would like to say that even though I could not bring myself to watch the four minute movie that was shown, it still made me contemplate my eating habits now, and the fact I do eat chicken and turkey. Based on the rest of the class's reactions to the film which I simply heard, there's no doubt in my mind it was extremely powerful. I enjoyed the presentation, for it was certainly different, and I appreciate all the knowledge you shared. Thank you again for your time!

Sent: Saturday, November 20, 2004 4:44 AM

I wanted to let you both know that the presentation was a great success. Besides the multiple students who have told me of their choices or plans to go veg, just about everyone in school, faculty and students included, has the lecture on their minds. One person in particular who has consistently opposed AR for the last 3 years came up to me and said that he was deeply moved, and seriously reconsidering his lifestyle. Before today I could never imagine this person being receptive to veganism. There was, of course, some negative reaction, as can only be expected from students struggling to retain misconceptions that are now obviously false. I am sure that with reflection, a good deal of them will realize the truth as well. As for Miss Glissman (the bio teacher), I would not and do not take her seriously. She is renowned throughout the school for her false science, questionable morals, and ineffective, irresponsible teaching. She also holds a personal grudge against my school's vegan club, after I was forced to publicly expel her from the group over a year ago (for reasons you might be able to guess after meeting her). Thank you once again for coming to speak. I have never encountered a more compelling or better presented argument for AR. When I looked down to see the entire row of students in front of me sitting with their heads tilted upwards too conceal their tears I knew that your lecture had awakened the compassion within them. Your message got through to much of the audience, and set in motion the hearts and minds of everyone. When you make your way back around the country to Vegas, perhaps I could help you arrange lectures at UNLV and CCSN.

Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 10:09 AM

I saw you talk for my Politics of Food class at U. of Penn and remembered your email address. First of all, I want to tell you, and have been meaning to tell you, that I haven't eaten any meat since your talk! My dad is a little upset that he'll be eating Tofurky next week but I'm excited about my lifestyle change!

Sent: Thursday, November 18, 2004 8:16 PM

I am a student at USD. Thank you for speaking in my animal law class.

Sent: Thursday, November 18, 2004 2:51 PM

I was just in your lecture in USD's Animal Law Class. Thank you very much for the lecture and information. I sincerely am considering becoming a vegan. This is saying a lot because I am a VERY big meat eater. Is there any way you could please make a copy of that video you showed in class and mail it to me so I can show it to my girlfriend?

Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2004 12:27 PM

Thank you so much. Let Kate know she marked me for life with the milk section. Soy/rice will be my choice [from veg to vegan now]. God bless you for your hard work in the fight for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 3:48 AM

I am a student at Santa Clara University. Your presentation was wonderful and I am writing an essay about it now. I was wondering if your organization has a DVD or videotape of your presentation. If not, I believe that a recorded version of your presentation would be another great tool to spread the cause. Possibly bring copies to classes so that people could take them and show them to their friends and family which is something that I would like to do. Again, everything was great and I am making my contribution. It is not easy but I am trying.

Sent: Monday, November 15, 2004 11:19 PM

I am student and good friend of Professor Kris Short and he gave me your e-mail and an immense amount of information on animal cruelty. In our aesthetics class he showed us a video of fur factories and animal rights and it changed my life completely. I always knew that the treatment of animals is unjust but seeing this video first hand changed and inspired a passion in me to try and make a difference. After meeting with Kris and seeing a video of your lecture I am inspired to contribute to your cause. I attend Rhode Island College and was hoping that you could give me some more insight. You are by far the best resource I can gather. If you could get back to me whenever you can and I hope there is something that I can do to spread the word. Hope everything is well and thank you for your inspiration.

Sent: Saturday, November 13, 2004 7:33 PM

I attended your lecture at Grossmont College last Tuesday and it's been on my mind ever since. To say that it made me mad is a gross understatement. It made me furious; and as someone born and bred in the Southern California "peace, love, and everything's nice" bubble, anger is not an emotion I'm very familiar with. But here I am, sitting in a café with an ocean view on a sunny November morning—and I'm livid. I'm angry at our society for so shamelessly promoting the mass slaughter and consumption of animals as part of a "nutritious diet" and at myself for not seriously questioning it. As an aspiring veterinarian, I have always wanted to do my part to help and protect animals. Even before your lecture, I often flirted with the idea of becoming vegan. I thought about it, talked about it, tried it out for weeks at a time. But, despite the urgings of my conscience, I never committed to it. Your lecture changed all that that and after a two-year battle, my conscience has finally conquered my cravings. In fact, your lecture changed the whole way I think of veganism. I used to think of veganism as a noble lifestyle choice and when the time was right, I would choose to embrace it. Now I realize that becoming vegan is not a noble choice, but a necessary one and the "right" time to choose it has long passed. I used to think that I had a big heart for merely considering giving up eating animals and using animal products. But thinking, talking, and trying are not doing; everyday that I didn't do anything to fight the inexcusable cruelty and violence against animals that occurs in agricultural and animal production, I contributed to it. In fact, as a college student who ate some meat or dairy with at least two meals a day, I gave more monetary support to the cause of animal abuse than to almost anything else in my life. However, as I sat there at your lecture on Tuesday night at Grossmont College, I started crying—crying in the middle of a crowded room, surrounded by strangers, over the deaths of animals I had never met. At that instant, I realized that all the times I'd sat in history class and read of other instances of mass murder and injustice that have occurred and the mass idiocy and ignorance that have allowed to them occur I'd been comforted by one thought: I have only been alive for barely twenty years. Those instances were not a part of my time, not a part of my history. How can I do anything about it? But you brought to my attention that such violence is happening again. And this is my time; it will become a part of my history. How can I not do anything? So, I know I've had a long way of getting to it, but I'm trying to say "thank you". Thank you for taking the time to give people like me the swift kick in the ass we need to realize that we should trust our hearts and do something to combat animal cruelty.

Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2004 10:00 PM

I'm from St. Mary's College. I was in Mr. Alex Green's English class today for your speech on veganism. I greatly appreciate your coming into the classroom and educating us about the cruelty taking place against animals in the food industry. Not to sound cliche or anything but you changed my life forever. I have chosen to give up meat products (both land and marine) and will work towards a totally vegan lifestyle. You inspired me to value life. My perspective on my own life and the lives of animals will forever be changed. I was curious to see if you could possibly copy the footage you showed today in class so I might show my parents. My mom is open to conversion and I wish to kind of nudge her on her way to becoming a healthy non-meat-eating citizen. If your footage is unable to be copied I was hoping you could point me in the direction of finding other, equally compelling footage. Thank you again for teaching me to live a better life.

Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 12:23 AM

I'm a first year student at the Midwestern State University in TX. Although I did not have the privilege of being a part of your recent presentation at the university, I heard all about it from my roommate who did. Just listening to her tell the stories was enough to persuade me to make a change. As a result, I'm now thinking of doing something on the topic for an upcoming persuasive speech presentation. I was wondering if you'd be willing to offer any assistance to me in that regard.

Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 4:21 PM

Thank you so much for coming to speak at Hunter College. Your depth of knowledge on the subject is impressive, as well as convincing. So convincing that I went vegan and am pleasantly surprised with more energy than I normally have.

Sent: Monday, October 25, 2004 10:05 AM

You recently spoke at the University of Tennessee and informed me that ADAPTT would be making a video (a recording of the lecture) in the near future. I was wondering how I should go about ordering a few? Thank you very much!! And God bless :)

Sent: Sunday, October 24, 2004 3:49 PM

Professor Carrie Shea (WSU) suggested I e-mail you and tell you that your lecture last Tuesday night help me to decide to go Vegan. It is hard but I went grocery shopping and found a lot of food to buy and I went to that web site for recipes and made one thing off of it and my 2 boys even enjoyed it. My boyfriend doesn't understand but he is supportive. I was already on a diet where I was already cutting out meats so this shouldn't be that hard for me. Thank you for showing me the truth.

Sent: Friday, October 22, 2004 1:53 PM

I really enjoyed your presentation at Oakland U. last week. There were many things I was unaware of and I have since re-evaluated my diet. We're doing a paper in class and I'm writing mine on vegetarianism.

Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2004 12:30 PM

Dr. Presser and Dr. Cable said that you were wonderful speakers in their classes. I was hoping that you could speak to my Introductory Sociology class sometime in November. I teach on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:15 until 12:05. Do you think that might be possible?

Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2004 1:29 AM

I'd like to sincerely thank you for coming to OCC. Long after you had left, we were still discussing animal abuse and what can be done. Both the video footage and the speech had a profound effect on me and many others in the class. It also put certain things into a new perspective for me, and I've been a vegetarian for almost eight years now. In the past few years, it has become evident that a number of things need to be changed in America. Helping college students and other young adults see the truth and shape their ideals seems to be the only rational method of making change. I've always been more of the preservation-of-environmental-standards persuasion, but working towards improved animal rights is just as important, and I would like to be able to help. What would you suggest I do to get my foot in the door?

Sent: Monday, October 18, 2004 11:44 AM

First I would like to thank you for speaking to my class (Jack Lessenberry's at Wayne State on Thursday.) You delivered a powerful message that I am sure affected many of my classmates as much as it did me.

Sent: Sunday, October 17, 2004 2:04 PM

First off, I would like to say that I highly admire you for dedicating so much of your time to fight for something you believe in. I am from the group at Wayne State University that you spoke to last week. I'm sure you'd be happy to know that all I can think of is that video when I see meat, and haven't eaten any since the presentation. I'm not sure about turning vegan yet, but your lecture had a profound impact on me as I realized what a hypocrite I am for eating the animals I love.

Sent: Saturday, October 16, 2004 10:53 AM

Wow, thank you so much for all that information. I appreciate the time that you took to write all this, it's going to make this process a ton easier. Luckily, most of my favorite foods aren't meat, and I was never big on cheese/eggs to begin with. Again, thanks. I'll let you know in a few weeks how progress is going. I've already cut out milk.

Sent: Friday, October 15, 2004 12:21 PM

Thank you very much ... it has opened my eyes to reality, and I want to get involved in the animal rights movement.

Sent: Friday, October 15, 2004 12:49 AM

I wanted to take this opportunity to once again thank you and your colleague for such an enlightened lecture this morning in Jack Lessenberry's feature writing class. I learned a great deal not only about animal cruelty, but also about the health advantages for a meat and dairy free lifestyle. Your obvious passion and commitment to the protection of animals is commendable. Thank you for your time and dedication to such a worthy cause.

Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2004 2:35 PM

I was in one of your lectures Tuesday night at Oakland University. I was the one who stated that I am just a vegetarian and not vegan. Anyway, I was fascinated with everything you said. I thought that I was doing my part by just eating diary and eggs occasionally, but you opened my eyes to a whole new understanding. I wish there were millions of more people like you.

Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2004 5:13 AM

I attend Oakland Community College, and yesterday, my teacher John Simecek had you come in as a guest speaker to talk to us about veganism. I must tell you, I was among the complete skeptics that you no doubt face daily. I came in thinking that there was no way I could be convinced that eating animals was wrong or unhealthy, and even placed judgment on you before even meeting you. However, about a half an hour into your presentation, I started to understand why you dedicate your life to the freedom of animals. I'm going to copy and paste into this email an entry into my online journal. I hope you read it. "Today has been one of the more interesting days in my life. Very rarely are my beliefs rocked so much that I consider changing my habits. As I've told some of you, in my composition class my teacher randomly was going to have guest speakers about veganism. Going into it, I wasn't happy. I didn't want to feel guilty about eating things that I enjoy, or that I thought were healthy for me. I also didn't want to get lectured on being uncompassionate, or immoral. I thought not hunting and not ever intentionally causing harm to animals was fine for me.

Anyway, I sat down expecting some radical extremists that were going to yell at anyone wearing any animal products, maybe munching on some bamboo as a late snack. Boy was I wrong. Gary and Kate were two normal, likeable people. In fact, they seemed very down to earth, easy going, easy to talk to, etc. The type of people I like. Ok, so some sane people are vegan. I guess it's possible ... I mean, it could just have been a coincidence that every vegetarian/vegan I knew were kinda nuts. Anyway, I was still convinced that I was justified in eating meat, drinking milk, etc. etc. etc. They opened the presentation in a formal matter, with quotes from famous people ... moral things that really weren't going to affect me in my current mind state. Well, as if they were psychic (I guess they were just experienced), all they asked for was an hour of an open mind. Fine, I will have an open mind. They then showed a graphic from various slaughterhouses. That shit is sick. I thought the few vile things I saw in slaughterhouses before were isolated incidents. Wrong. He said he could make hours and hours of tape just like this, but four minutes was enough to get his point across.

Ok, so I started to feel bad. I don't have anything against farm animals, and in the back of my mind, thoughts like "they don't deserve that" start to form. But for 19 years of my life, I've been a proud meat eater, and dammit, it's good eatin'. Again, as if reading my mind, they went into the next part of their presentation, health. All of the things they said had credible medical sources, which was huge. I hate when people go on and on about things without anything to back it up. Things that really stuck out were: Milk doesn't help osteoporosis, it causes it. People who eat meat have a 50% chance of a heart attack from clogged arteries, people who are vegetarian/vegan have a 5% chance. Everything that your body needs can be found in foods from the ground. On and on with factual data, not opinions, on health related issues. Wow, I thought that people who didn't eat animals were harming their bodies. My favorite part of the presentation was Gary's carnivore challenge. I went into the presentation thinking humans naturally eat meat. Man I can be ignorant sometimes. Anyway, the challenge was that if you could go find a living animal, kill it without using any tools, and eat every part of it (fur, eyes, nose, blood, muscles ... you get the idea), then he would pack up his bags and never do another presentation. Man, I hope he never gets taken up on that challenge. Anyway, it got his point across. Humans are naturally herbivores. That's a huge, HUGE fact that I never thought about.

Anyway, after that, the rest of the presentation was on morality and compassion. I've always liked to think of myself as being a tough guy that doesn't care that animals are tortured, as long as I've got good food to eat. But I tried my very best to take off my blinders, and my bias, and have a completely open mind. It's cruel. Everything done to animals is cruel. They aren't here for us, they are their own being. "Animals value their own lives as much as we value our own". We don't own the planet, we aren't on the top of the food chain ... but it's all I've been taught. There was a break for the smokers in the class (just about everyone). Gary came back in fast, saying exactly what I say every time we have a smoke break "As long as I live, I'll never understand smoking". I agreed with him, but without prompt, the word HYPOCRITE flashed before my eyes. Weird. Why? Because I am one. Who am I to preach to people that smoking is bad for you, when I have a BMI of infinity and at 19 years of age, am already at risk for disease caused by obesity? Every time I eat something unhealthy, I might as well be smoking. Anyway, the Q&A session came up, where hunting was discussed (an avid hunter in the class was completely owned by Gary, it was funny). Some other good questions came up, but I'm getting tired and sick of typing. Anyway, moral of the story is ... my beliefs have been challenged. I don't know if what I do on a daily basis is right anymore. I'll let you know, but I'm highly considering something I used to make fun of almost daily: Veganism." You both do a wonderful thing ... it's amazing. I could never dedicate my life to something like this, although I hope that soon I can say that is false. I'd like to say more praise, but it's 5 a.m., and I'm sure you've heard it all before. Again, thank you.

NOTE FROM ME: U. of Central Florida Professor Mark Lanier forwarded 15 comments to me from some of his students:

From: Prof. Mark Lanier [U. of Central Florida]
Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2004 1:53 PM

"I enjoyed listening to the presentation and thought it was very informative. I am a cancer patient, so I was very interested in another way to stay healthy. After listening to this presentation, I'm seriously thinking of cutting out meat, milk and other things out of my diet to stay healthy. I'm glad I heard everything they had to say and they did a wonderful job of speaking."

"I never knew about the cruel treatment of animals in the meat/dairy industry. I took time out and went to the Meet Your Meat website and was disgusted by the inhumane treatment of these farm animals. The figures they gave about the deaths and diseases were eye opening. I think your organization should do more to get the message out. I believe if more of the population knew these facts and figures, things would change."

"I thought the presentation was awesome. It was very insightful, informative and interesting. The video of animals being butchered brought tears to my eyes. I like how they also injected humor into their presentation to lighten it up a bit. I had no idea that animals were treated that cruelly so the presentation really opened my eyes and I think it is horrible what is done to animals just so we can eat meat. I also thought it was disturbing to find that there is pus in my milk. All in all, I loved the presentation and since class on Thursday morning (9/30) when I had my last meat meal at McDonald's, I have not eaten anything made from meat, eggs or dairy products."

"I thought the presentation was informative. As soon as I got home I told all my friends the percentage of pus in their milk and as a result my roommate and I are going to stop drinking milk and eating meat. We aren't going to quit cold turkey but we are going to buy some Boca burgers this weekend."

"I learned a lot about how many animals are killed for our food and the conditions they have to live in and endure. It certainly made me think about what I eat."

"They have factual information about animal rights or the lack thereof. I found the information about free range animals and humans being herbivores to be most interesting."

"Their in depth knowledge of the subject matter was fantastic. It would be nice if other speakers could be as well versed as they are."

"It was nice to see that they had eaten meat almost all of their lives and converted to veganism. That proves that it can be done. I felt the presentation was effective."

"The presentation definitely messed up my appetite. I keep seeing images of the chicks being dumped down the funnel to be grinded. The video was very effective. The images are constantly haunting me during meal time. The presenters gave a wonderful, influential presentation that had great organization. The presentation did decrease the amount of meat I eat. I am motivated to eat more earth-friendly foods such as grains, tofu and vegetables. Soy milk is now replacing my skim milk."

"I really liked the presentation. Some of the best parts were the comments about how eggs are basically a hen's period and that once a year we use a turkey's butt as a pressure cooker for stuffing. They really made me think about what I was eating. Also, a fact that grossed me out was the pus count in milk. I will never look at milk the same again. "

"I thought the presentation was great. It makes me think every time I look at animal products. I am attempting to become a vegetarian. The presentation brought up so many good points such as health reasons, cruelty reasons and biological reasons. I find it remarkable that both speakers have devoted so much to this cause. That more than anything else is making me reconsider animal products. I brought seven friends to hear them speak and two of them have already decided to become vegan. They should keep up the good work. Everyone will see their passion for this cause and hopefully join."

"Filled with statistics and examples, they made a clear case for people to consider going vegan. They did make me rethink my eating habits. Health-wise it is a good move."

"I brought two friends to the presentation and both were equally disturbed with the video. Both were also impressed with the information, stats and facts of the presentation. I am sure Kate and Gary had given the speech countless times but they still acted like it mattered to them and it came off that way in their presentation. Neither of my two friends has touched meat or milk since the presentation so I guess they did a good job."

"I think they both did an awesome job. I did not enjoy the presentation but only because of the topic ... watching animals being abused is not my cup of tea. I will try to eat less meat and I do thank them for informing me."

"After sitting through Gary and Kate's presentation on the vegan lifestyle, I have really stopped to think about just what my family and I are consuming. In fact, I haven't had a drop of milk since I went onto the milksucks.com website. They brought many interesting facts to my attention and proof enough that humans are not meant to eat meat—we are not carnivores. They provided us with additional sources that enabled me to seek answers to the questions I had. I was shocked to find out just how many celebrities follow the vegans!"

Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 9:59 AM

I was at one of your discussions at UCF with Professor Strawser in his philosophy class. I applauded you at the end of the class and shook your hand and thanked you. Your speech was well prepared and well delivered. I'm especially interested in the actual scientific information describing health hazards with the protein found in meat. Thank you for your personal interest in the matter.

Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2004 9:57 PM

I talked to you after and Gary made your presentation in Elysa Koppelman's class. Remember, I'm the one who became a vegetarian at age 11 until my family forced me to eat chicken and turkey in order to "get healthy"? Anyways, I wanted to thank you and Gary for your moving lecture. I hope other people become vegan after witnessing the atrocities that occur at slaughterhouses and also with their new awareness of the frightening statistics related to the consumption of animal products. After listening to you and Gary speak today and with your support, I have new faith that I can become vegan. I went to the two health food stores you told me about today (the Good Food Company and Whole Foods), and I found so many vegan products that I never knew existed. I purchased some vegan items so I could start my new life as a vegan as soon as possible, but when I told my parents, they freaked out. However, I asked them not to criticize me for my decision and explained to them my reasons for doing this, maybe in time they will accept it, but their inability to accept it now won't stop me from doing what I want. I had also talked to you about volunteering at Sasha Farm. I was wondering if you would send me the directions to the farm and let me know about any upcoming events, or how it all works with volunteering there because I'm very interested in it. Thank you so much for the information, advice, and support you gave me today.

Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 10:52 PM

Thank you sooo much for answering my questions. You have definitely clarified a few things for me. Thanks for those recipes too. I'll give them a try. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me. The 'cow's milk is for baby cows' makes sense. I don't know why most people haven't realized that. Thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions.

Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 3:27 PM

I just wanted to thank you for the lecture that you presented today in class. I felt that there were definitely some great points that were brought to light during the presentation. And I do admire the passion and fervor of living out and educating others for what you believe in.

Sent: Friday, October 01, 2004 1:38 PM

I know you won't know who I am, but the two of you visited my Ethical Theory class today (Friday) at UCF and left quite an impression. I had been a vegetarian for seven years before coming to college ... and somehow, I just forgot all those many reasons behind why I had become a vegetarian in the first place. Even when I ate meat and drank milk, knowing what was behind it, I had somehow become displaced from it. With your visit and talk ... I remembered all my previous reasons and found that there were even more now. As I'm growing older (though I have absolutely no plans on having children any, anytime soon) I want my body to be as healthy as possible, to be able to grow and live to its fullest potential. I am sure that people stopped you in the halls or after class to thank you, and I'm sorry that I did not get a chance. However, I wanted both of you to know what an impression you were able to leave.

Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2004 12:38 PM

I am writing because I was one of the students that came to Kate's and your lecture at Eastern Michigan University this past spring. I had been a vegetarian for 10 years, but your lecture was truly eye-opening and I became a vegan the next day. I have since gotten very involved in the animal rights movement. My partner and I started a group on EMU's campus called Students For Animal Rights. Just since September, we've already done tabling events, gotten letters to the editor published and we're trying to veganize the cafeteria. We also have our first demonstration planned for this Saturday. One of the goals of our group is to bring in a speaker. I thought your speech was so powerful last year.

Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2004 9:03 PM

I was in Professor Morris's class at Hunter-CUNY when you gave a lecture on animal rights and veganism. I have to admit that I am a meat-eater but you and Kate have grossed me out from drinking milk. I switched to soy milk. I don't know if I am ready to give up meat just yet even though the images we have seen are pretty tough to swallow, but hey only time will tell.

Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2004 4:41 PM

I met you this afternoon in my 3:30 English class at UCF. I introduced myself and spoke to you shortly. I went into your presentation with a very ignorant mind, as I had been veg for 3 years, and had convinced myself that my body needed to consume meat (and really didn't want to be told otherwise). After watching the video and a bit more lecture, I realized I couldn't come up with one reason why I am eating meat or meat products.

Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2004 11:42 AM

I was at your 9:30 presentation this morning at Seminole Community College. I enjoyed your presentation so much, and you definitely opened my eyes about the truth of the industries in our country. I have chosen to become a vegetarian/vegan. I want to cut meat completely out of my diet, because I want no part in what the world is doing to animals. I would love to receive information about organizations like PETA, so if at all possible please let me know of good websites to visit or petitions that I can sign to help stop the cruelty. Thank you for your time, and thank you for opening my eyes.

Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 1:51 AM

I just want to commend you on the wonderful job you are doing in promoting animal welfare. Your article - "info on Jesus & the Bible" is brilliant! I came to your lecture a couple years ago at the University of MN. When are you coming back?

Sent: Friday, September 10, 2004 10:06 AM

Thank you for your time and again I admire the way you defend with so much passion what you believe in.

Sent: Friday, September 10, 2004 9:50 AM

Hello from Valley Forge Christian College. I just wanted to tell you that I appreciated your coming and speaking with us. As of late, I can't eat most meats or dairy. My stomach no longer has the capacity or ability to digest food properly, mostly meats, dairy, greasy foods, or acidic foods. So I find myself getting frustrated that I am eating them still, when they make me so sick. And though everyone is against me in this, I am really considering veganism as an option. Your presentation was great.

Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2004 2:30 PM

I was at your lecture at Penn State Abington today. That video and the things you said really bothered me, and I am seriously considering changing my diet.

Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 1:04 AM

First of all I want to thank you for your presentation today in my Animal Sciences class at OSU. I think that takes courage, and I think more people need to be exposed to your message. As of today, I've been vegan. Thanks again for coming today.

Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 11:53 PM

I saw your lecture in Dr. Lanier's class at UCF. I will be taking a speech class and I have to write a persuasive paper. I want to write it about being a vegan.

Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 2:02 PM

Your passion for your cause is truly admirable. I thank you for your time and efforts. As you said you usually get "thank you, you really opened my eyes", with eyes already open, every bit of additional information is appreciated. Good luck ... and once again, Thank You!! Both of you!!

Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 5:40 PM

You did a wonderful job at Hunter-CUNY today presenting a lot of controversial and complicated information. I vowed that I would turn vegan after the footage. I will do it gradually. The whole thing takes effort and concentration.

Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 10:40 PM

I am speechless after viewing your website. I thought I was the hugest compassionate animal lover. Then I looked at all that you have done and I feel so insignificant! The mink story brought tears to my eyes and when you wrote about terrorism, I would just like you to know that my faith in humanity is restored by people like you. I really want to be an activist as avid and zealous as you are. I can't wait for the topic of Islam and veganism. God knows how long I have looked for topics pertaining to this so that I can perhaps try and find some points with which I can convert my parents into a vegan lifestyle. I have already turned my brother and sister vegan.

Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2004 9:53 PM

I just wanted to let you know that your presentation at the University of Central Florida for Professor Lanier's class was breathtaking and an eye opener. Walking out of that class I knew I could not eat any meat or meat products anymore (my brother was there for the presentation as well and he agreed with me). The same day I went to the grocery store and bought soy products ... my brother and I decided to become vegans! I am so happy and excited with my decision ... and I could have not done it without you two. Thanks again. I'm talking to my sister and friends about maybe considering veganism too. Take care and keep doing what you're doing!

Sent: Saturday, June 19, 2004 1:49 PM

I just wanted to let you know that my boyfriend and I became vegan after your speech at UCF. For me, I saw your video a year ago and it touched me but didn't affect me. When I saw you speak this year, my whole outlook on things changed. We have been doing really well. You know were not missing anything. So I thank you for opening our eyes, and taking off those stupid blinders. Now we tell people every were we go. Thank you again.

Sent: Saturday, June 19, 2004 6:53 PM

I met you when you came to Wichita Falls, TX, and spoke at Midwestern State University last year. I just wanted you to know that a young student - she's 19 now - heard you speak and became a vegetarian because of hearing you. Just wanted you to know how far-reaching your work was. You can take credit for her "enlightenment." Thanks for what you're doing.

NOTE FROM ME: These are essay excerpts from UTEP Prof. Steve Best's intro to philosophy class:

From: Prof. Steve Best [U. of Texas, El Paso]
Sent: May 17, 2004 5:30 PM

"This was by far the best presentation I have ever been to. Kate started off the presentation by asking all of us to have an open mind. I must say she kicks ass as a public speaker. She knew how to grab our attention right away. She had a great personality and a great attitude towards our class. All she and Gary asked us was to listen to what they had to say. They weren't like annoying Christians who immediately try to convert you. They only stated the facts and showed us the truth. What Gary said in relation to watching the videos really stunned me. He said if you feel you cannot watch certain parts of this video due to its graphic nature you can not watch, but remember that turning a blind eye never solved anything. There were so many points they made about living a vegan life that really pulled me in. I admit I love to eat meat. I am a steak and potatoes kinda girl. After I heard them, watched the video and read the magazine they passed out, I started to think of my diet differently. I went to Subway and got a garden salad and drank a smoothie made with no dairy. It felt really good eating right, actually. For me, I don't think I can become a vegan overnight. It will be a process, but one that I am willing to go through. This is possible for me because the presentation was outstanding. They also did it without offending meat-eaters, just stating the truth, stating the facts. I highly recommend other universities to have them present there."

"Gary & Kate's talk was very moving. They open a person's naïve perspective of what lies on their dinner table. I will never see meat and animal products the way I once did. I realize now that society has made it okay to turn these animals into commodities, stripping them of their God-given character and God-given rights. I admire Kate and Gary for their perseverance in seeking animal liberation. I plan on trying to become a vegetarian."

"They really put things in perspective for me. I have, as of this day, declared myself a vegetarian. When whites traded blacks, everybody thought it was inhumane after a long period of time. And I believe people will sooner or later realize that eating animals is only approved because it creates a profit. The videos just made me sick. I sure would not support the practice by buying or eating animal products."

"Wow, very powerful activists. Big time eye-openers. I think it is very sad how many animals get murdered everyday. America sugarcoats so man facets of cruelty that it is good to get a clear cut, uncensored view of what's really going on. To know that by the time I die - which may be prematurely forced by meat consumption - I would have contributed to 3,000 murders—that had a big impact on me."

"The movie clips they showed us were very graphic, however, they showed the truth. I really found Gary's comparison of humans and carnivores very interesting. We lie to ourselves saying we are meat-eaters. Society has gotten so used to eating meat, they know no different. To think most cancers and other diseases could be eliminated if we only eliminated meat from our diets is mind blowing. When logically breaking down all the aspects of meat-eating, it makes total sense that we shouldn't. I enjoyed being informed about all the aspects and options of becoming vegetarian. I am going to try some soy products. Hopefully, it will lead towards other transitions in my diet."

"This was a wide awakening experience, I must say. It is beyond me how people say animals feel no pain. It is more than evident that they do. People eat bacon for breakfast and never once think about what that poor little pig endured while it lived its short, horrible life. Once I found out I was drinking pus, I haven't touched any milk and don't plan to ever again. I really liked Gary and the way he presents his opinions. He doesn't shove them down your throat. All he wants to do is open our minds to a reality that we are completely blind to. I have dogs and cats and always felt love and compassion for them so I finally made the decision to extend those feelings to other animals through vegetarianism. I eat veggie burgers and will soon be drinking soy milk and just hope that it will rub off on my family."

"I remember seeing Gary last semester. What I did notice was the change up—the additional lecturer. That made the presentation. I am absolutely amazed that no laws exist for animals, but once you think about it, why would a capitalistic society take steps that would stunt a multi-billion dollar industry."

"These two speakers enlightened me on the myths about meat. When we saw the video, it really hit home. Then Kate opened our eyes to what was in milk, which was the grossest thin I have ever heard. PUS! I had heard that vegans were unhealthy, but I found this not to be true. The two speakers looked very healthy and when I think about it, I know they are healthier than me because I have eating meat my entire life. Change is hard but I really hope I find the courage to follow a new path."

"I found the guest speakers very enjoyable to listen to and never got bored with what they had to say. I agreed with what they had to say on the issue about no laws being active for animals. The Animal Welfare Act does not even deserve to be called a law. It excludes all animals that humans use for food. Eating meat and meat by-products cause a lot of different health issues that I was completely unaware of such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. Why would anyone want to kill themselves for a bloody steak? It made really think about altering my diet into becoming a vegan."

"Definitely after hearing Kate and Gary's talk, my jaw was on the floor. I would like to mention that I truly sympathize with what Gary and Kate stand for. I've always looked for a passion, and throughout the years I have found punk rock is my passion. But after hearing Kate and Gary speak, my passion was minimized. Gary is a true example of a radical, someone who would do anything to change people's lives. I really learned a lot from the presentation. Violence towards animals needs to be condemned. Killing animals for consumption is something that we cannot tolerate. This presentation really took off the blinders I had on my eyes. Definitely, it shaped my way of eating. It is going to be hard to change from one day to another, but I think it is worth it for several reasons: My health, for the safety of this planet and the end of violence. I really look forward to continuing this path and giving my life a significant sense."

"Wow. I'm shocked. I'm at a loss for words. I was speechless, motionless throughout the entire presentation. Why am I learning all of this now? Why isn't every American taught all of this grotesque information starting from an early age? Why do they keep this information from us? Money talks. That is pathetic. It is amazing how Gary and Kate were able to give us so much information and open our eyes in a mere 90 minutes. I walked out of class, went to the theatre dept. and told everyone I saw, everything I could remember form the presentation. The arguments Gary made—proving how humans are herbivores—were amazing. I told my family everything I learned, too. The magazine they gave us, I could not put down. The video they shoed us was amazing. I could not believe what I saw. I had to fight back the tears. How could I have been so ignorant? It's also amazing how becoming vegetarian helps out so many aspects of the world: pollution, world hunger, saving the rain forest, health, etc. Gary answered every single question or comment one could possibly think of to oppose becoming vegan. He made his point and made it strong. So I think to myself, I HAVE to make this change. I believe I can do it. Gary and Kate have made a huge impact on my life. God damn."

"I can honestly say this was the most informational and powerful presentation I have seen in my life. Gary and Kate gave an unforgettable and impacting presentation about veganism. Their professionalism and acquired knowledge of the subject leads you to keep up with all the information about vegetarianism. The videos shown were cruel but real. It made me think, every time I eat, where my food had been. It also makes me wonder what I am doing to my body. Basically, we are poisoning our mind, body and soul. Morally, who are we to eat other living creatures in our world? When we can survive eating grains, fruits and vegetables. The presentation was powerful and informative and I will try to stop eating meat. I do not promise to go cold-turkey but I will try day by day to contribute to human kindness."

"All I can say is WOW! Thank you for bringing them to us. After reading Singer's book (Animal Liberation), these two were the perfect follow-up to push you right out of your old ideas and beliefs. And after reading the book, everything I had imagined was brought to life in the most horrific video I have ever seen. This is enough to make you sick when you look at meat. The video is gruesome and shows the unimaginable horrors animals are subjected to by the millions. Gary and Kate put everything out there in plain terms. I don't want to eat blood, flesh, veins, muscles and tendons. That's what meat is. Yuck! They are out there getting their message across and with our help I hope we can see this happen."

"This is the second time I have heard this speech and for some reason this time it has touched a chord deep inside me. This time, maybe because I am older, it really changed me. I know this is something I want to do. I don't know how I am going to give up cheese, but it is a sacrifice I want to do."

"I really enjoyed the lecture. My mother even came with me and she enjoyed the lecture so much she could not stop talking about it. The entire weekend I kept thinking about the lecture and even played the CD several times. The more I listened to it, the more I agreed with it. The lecture was so reasonable and the arguments were very clear. There are more benefits by going vegan than by having a meat-based diet. The most important being that animals will be liberated from their harm and will finally be free."

"I was very impacted by Gary & Kate's visit. I guess we find it easier as humans to simply forget or ignore things we don't like. It is a very sad and cruel reality which I and many others know is wrong. They made me open up my eyes and reinforce my own thoughts. As human beings we are very selfish and self-centered. Our needs come before any others and so we justify that animals are here for us to consume. I think this is completely wrong. I do not promise immediate change, but I promise steps. I have already begun by having an open mind to and accepting new ideas. I realize that sacrificing animals is wrong and I would not like to have anything to do with it."

"I have actually heard Gary before. But this time I came with an open mind and it was different. Besides Kate was hot! I have actually been thinking about being vegetarian. When I have a job and am stable, I think my fridge will be full of soy products. And I am totally serious about this. Back to Gary & Kate, I admire anyone who is dedicated to a cause. I don't know itf it's possible for our society to go non-meat, but with people like Gary & Kate, I think that will help the cause. They were great and I wish more people could hear them talk. I'm serious about becoming a vegetarian in the near future. Thanks for the knowledge."

"This was the third time I've seen Gary give his presentation and it gets better every time I see it. He's just so passionate about his cause that you can't help but be motivated. I haven't researched any of his arguments, but they make logical sense. I still can't get over the video—I forced myself to watch it. We see videos about the atrocities that occurred against Jews and it makes us sick yet we see the same torture happening against animals and we condone it. What is the difference? Hopefully in 20 years from now we will find these kinds of atrocities unacceptable and offensive. The same way Jews were hanged, burned, beaten, shocked and mutilated so too are the animals of our planet. Female animals are exploited as simply a resource. From a feminist standpoint, you could parallel the relationship women have had throughout history, too."

"Never have I heard a speaker so powerful as Gary Yourofsky. Everything he said had a deep impact on me. The videos that started the whole presentation left me with my mouth open. Never had I imagined such horrendous videos showing how they kill what we eat. Another thing that struck me was how animals are mistreated in the circus and other places where animals are exhibited. I would have never thought of a circus being bad—but seeing how the elephants are treated and waking up to the truth of circuses has totally changed my perception. As the presentation went on, I was suddenly exposed to facts and statistics that were truly surprising. And I realized that unconsciously I was being part of a truly insane idea that meat is good for your body. The fact that we are not meat-eating creatures, and that 10 billion animals are killed on factory farms in a way that is totally cruel and legal, will not leave my mind anymore. All the health reasons that were talked about made total sense. I had not been exposed to a reality like this and I honestly feel like I need to change my diet. I am not saying I will stop just like that, but I will little by little reduce my meat-eating until I eat none. The information and everything they had to say had a total effect on me and did what it was supposed to do; "wake me up."

"They talked about how animal rights is ignored. It makes me want to become a vegetarian. I had no idea how much animals suffered to feed me meat and that it is not even good for me."

"A shocking video and shocking introduction into the world of vegetarianism. When growing up I knew that animals were killed for food because I grew up on a small farm and my grandmother had us run after our dinner—go to the corral and run after our dinner, a big fat brown chicken. I never thought animals had feelings. Even though they do because I have a dog and a horse that showed me that they loved me. When I was young I saw [killing] as normal because it was part of my daily life. No one complained about it and actually no one cared. And to tell you the truth, I never cared either until today. The only thing for me now— to put an end to this madness—is to stop eating animal products altogether and to try a different life. I was not planning on becoming a vegetarian until today. Most of us are afraid of changes in our lives especially big changes that involve eating habits. Until today, I was just walking in my world and not thinking about animals. Racism [speciesism] comes into play. I care about eagles, birds, lions and endangered species but never thought about the ones that are used for food. How sad. The impact that lecture had on me was powerful and made me feel guilty about the consumption of animal products."

"There have been many discussions saying that animals cannot have any type of rights since they don't rationally think, and that we cannot compare humans with animals. Yet, I don't have that point of view. Animals do think, I believe, because they know how to solve problems, avoid predators, find a good place to live, find food—and you need to be able to think in order to do that. It is very important to not only defend animals that live on land but also those who live underwater. The guest speaker gave us an example to better understand how fish feel when they are removed from their habitat. Not too many people tell us about these types of things, which is why it is easy to eat animals."

"These two speakers gave me another perspective on the topic. Both speakers have a way with words. Since I know a lot about speaking in public, their tone of voice and delivery was very calm and reassuring. They made me want to listen to what they were saying and have an open mind about it. The parts I found most interesting were all the facts about how our bodies are not set up to digest animal meat. It made a lot of sense. I think I got a sick feeling in my stomach when Gary said that meat is composed of five components: blood, flesh veins, muscles and tendons. It was pretty gross when Kate pointed out that there is pus in milk and I have not had milk since."

"I found the presentation very informative and interesting. But also I respect and admire the work that Gary & Kate do because they travel to lots of places with one purpose; to make us think and persuade us to not eat animals. And that is not a simple thing. The videos they showed caused a lot of reactions. I was observing people around me and we were all pretty much in shock. I am sure a huge percentage of the population has no idea about all the suffering the animals go through so we can eat our roasted chicken or hamburger. I can't believe that humans can be so cruel and don't have at least a little bit of compassion for the animals. When I got home, I couldn't eat what my mom made for dinner. I explained to my family what I learned and they were amazed because they were ignorant about all the injustices and cruelty that animals suffer with every day. Since that day I have been working on changing my diet. With the tips they gave us, I am pretty sure I can do it."

"I really liked the way these two young people presented their topic. I was really impacted with the videos and sad because I never thought animals were tortured in such a way. I wanted to cry. I never thought that milk had pus in it, or that honey is bee vomit, or that the hen's egg is their menstruation. I never thought meat was so contaminated. They gave us an example of taking a piece of meat and throwing it in the toilet. Then washing it and cooking it. It was so disgusting. But that is exactly how chickens live. Full of crap and that is what goes into our stomach. After that I couldn't eat anything that reminded me of animals. I hated the smell of eggs and now I just can't stand dairy products. I have not become a vegan yet, but I started to give it a try with veggie products. And they don't taste bad. It was a great talk and I can surely say that it changed my point of view about humans and their behavior towards nature."

"The presentation began with a general discussion of how people react to ideas that at first seem radical. The most disturbing evidence was contained in the video. Overall, the discussion was well thought out and was met with an open mind by most of the students. It revealed facts and practices that I was unaware of."

"Kate and Gary gave a good presentation. I found Kate to be rather helpful. She is a good asset for supporting the women's side of it all. Since I had already experienced Gary's presentation before, I paid closer attention to what Gary was saying instead of concentrating on what I was seeing. I still agree with the message of vegetarianism. It all sounds real logical. Overall, I recommend the lecture to everyone. Every person needs to remove their "blinders' and step into reality. The brochure and the CD they handed out is packed with helpful information to get new vegans started."

"Before the presentation, I never stopped to think where the meat I consumed came from. Like many other people, I believed my meat just miraculously appeared on my plate. It is so cruel how female pigs are made to be baby machines and how they have no freedom to move whatsoever. We think animals have no emotions whatsoever but that is far from the truth. They feel and hurt just like we do. If this were being done to humans, it would be a whole different story. It is a sad thing to know these animals are being put to death just to feed us, yet we don't even need them to survive. I am going to try becoming vegetarian and then maybe vegan. I also think that if people stopped eating meat, our economy would suffer. Many people would lose their jobs. But at the same time, it would not be fair to the animals. It is time for their suffering to end as well."

"The first thing that comes to mind is selfishness. We are an immensely selfish and greedy society. We do not care who we hurt to get what we want. This is the American Dream—every man for himself. I am no different. I participate in mass killings because I eat meat. It is a completely selfish thing. After seeing the gruesome pictures, you have to sit and wonder why growing up you never heard anything about how animals are treated. I believe the bottom line in all of this is the money. I don't know what I will do about all of this, but I can say my eyes have been opened in a way that they never were before."

"Gary was honestly the most convincing speaker I have ever heard. The way he portrayed animals was a big convincing factor to cease eating meat. He was very open to other suggestions and knew how to counter several possible arguments. The videos he showed truly angered me. I enjoyed the way he made it clear that he was also concerned with our health. He made it clear that meat is cancerous and causes heart diseases. These are things I did not know. This is why I believe he will be successful. The dairy industry needs to be abolished as well. I did not like the fact that animals are treated as breeding machines and tortured when they do not reproduce anymore. Overall, it was a very convincing speech and I appreciate his struggle towards animal rights."

"Let me begin by saying Gary is the best speaker I have ever heard in my life. To make that a valid statement, let me give you a little background on where I come from. I am a Texan. A real one from the panhandle of Texas. My hometown is the #2 producer of beef in Texas and its population is only 8,000. My town, Dalhart, hosts the largest free Bar B-Q in the world. It is obvious I love beef. Gary is such a great speaker that his message broke through to me. The health facts were amazing. I know that it is cruel of me to consider cutting back on meat for MY sake and not the animals, but it is a start."

"They are exceptionally powerful and poignant speakers. They are extremely well informed and have such a passion for this cause that one cannot help but be moved by the speech. The speech prompted me to stop and think about where my taste for meat actually comes from. It never occurred to me that the consumption of meat was so unhealthy for my body. Yourofsky showed undoubtedly the negative effects that meat has upon our body. The fact of the matter is, meat-eaters are slowly killing themselves every time they sit down to a meal. Sadly, I never stopped to think about this issue until I was confronted with the indisputable evidence and graphic videos displaying the atrocities performed on animals so that humans can eat food that their body is not even suited to consume. I am so glad that they were able to speak to our class. After listening to the speech, I decided to research veganism. I think the speech has a very powerful message: if you care about peace and justice, you must reproach animal consumption. Before this speech I believed I was a crusader against oppression and justice. But my beliefs were shot down after hearing Gary's speech. How can I call myself a crusader for these ideas if I continue my prejudice against animals? The truth is, I cannot. But I really want to make the conscious effort to end my prejudices and fight for peace and justice for everyone, and for every animal on this planet."

"When I first entered our classroom on April 21, I thought it would be like any other day where we discuss our course readings and listen to animal rights activists again. Well to my surprise it was not quite like any other day. I have to admit that watching and listening to all the gory details of how animals are tortured and then killed is the hardest thing I had to sit through during the course of my studies. I found this experience astonishing because I work to protect the rights of children in El Paso County. Now I find myself taking my thinking one step further. What about animal rights? What came to my mind is: why I am allowing this to happen to animals? Is this not the same as letting children in this community go unprotected and continue to be abused and neglected? Being exposed to the truth has changed the taste in my mouth for the hunger I have for meat. I understand that we have been taught to eat meat since we were born, but why? Is it because we as humans do not know what we do? Many students including myself have and will continue to take the initiative to change the manner in which we live and take responsibility by being compassionate and respectful to all creatures on this planet. I believe that through education we can accomplish many good deeds such as not eating meat for the sake of the animals and for the sake of our health. I respect Kate and Gary for being the passionate people they are and for educating us about a new way of living."

"Gary and Kate's presentation on animal rights and the cruelty they are subjected to was very moving. Never in my wildest imagination did I envision animals being tortured and slaughtered the way Gary described it. I have eaten meat for 20 years and never thought twice about where it was coming from or whether it was wrong to be eating it. I could not bring myself to watch the video they showed in class and the 10 seconds of it that I did catch, made me cry. Now after hearing about all of the atrocities and the absolute disregard for their well being, I find myself confused. It is difficult to say whether turning vegan will be the answer for me, but ever since the presentation I have this huge guilt looming over me. Now when faced with food, I see what this creature once was and how much it suffered just so I could eat it."

"When Gary and Kate came to class, I thought it was just another talk on why eating meat is bad and becoming vegan was the way to go. But I was wrong. There is no word or phrase that can depict or describe the horrendous treatment the animals went through. Kate compared the factory farms to concentration camps, but I thought it was way worse than any concentration camp. I know the Nazis were dicks but I don't think they constantly performed castrations on their prisoners without anesthetic. Speciesism, a term Gary used, was an appropriate term for what the human monster is doing in this world. I am now trying to deprogram my body from almost 24 years of poisoning. I buy tons of fruits and veggies every time I go to the grocery store and now when I look in my fridge I see more and more soy-based food. At first I just wanted to eat healthy. But now that my mind is more open and wiser, I know that eating healthy is not why I should try to become vegetarian, but to end animal suffering. I don't think any living thing should ever go through that kind of abuse in order to feed humans."

"Well, first of all, Gary and Kate were both very very convincing. Their arguments contain many facts and as soon as class let out, I went to the Web and pulled up the 1966 Animal Welfare Act. It reminded me so much of the USA Patriot Act. So many words on paper yet it does nothing to protect the rights of animals just as the Patriot Act does nothing to protect us, the people of the US. The fact that Gary had been arrested 13 times in the defense of animals is very admirable. When Yourofsky mentioned that Buddhists are vegans, this reminded me of when I was in Taipei, Taiwan, a few years ago. I visited several Buddhists temples and whenever I was able to enter them, the peace I felt was incredible."

"I must start by paying much respect to these individuals for doing the work that they do for the rights of animals and all living things. Finally I have a million cool facts to tell my friends when they ridicule me for being vegetarian. I was so impressed by the amount of valid information they referred to when discussing how we are not carnivores. Don't people realize that animals develop relationships, have families, give birth, play and enjoy life just as humans do? Yet everyday millions of cows, pigs and chickens are being destroyed and massed produced to fuel a never-ending cycle of abuse and murder. The only thing you are left to wonder is how in the hell did we create a society that thinks this behavior is okay and natural. Our humanity has to start with the treatment of our animals."

"As I watched the video, I kept wondering, "What kind of person can do this for a living? Does this violence affect their personal life?" Then I realized that I was also responsible for this cruelty because I am a consumer of the products they send to market. The speech was certainly eye-opening and informative. Both speakers were passionate about their cause. To move from a meat-based diet to a vegan diet makes sense ethically and environmentally. I am glad they gave us a vegetarian starter kit. I am going to try the recipes that are included."

"Understanding that the same nutrients found in meat can be obtained from vegetable matter is critical. I think because Yourofsky looks fit himself, he helps to discredit the idea of the skinny, starving vegetarian. One of the most memorable facts about his lecture is that you will never hear of a plant being the cause of cancer. You will always hear that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits will reduce your risk for any number of illnesses."

"The presentation was very smooth and they seemed ready to defend their views from every angle. I was a heavy milk drinker and meat eater but learned this wasn't exactly the healthiest diet in the world. I have cut out a good amount of meat and am eating more fruits and vegetables. A last note would be that you can't judge a book by its cover. When I think of vegans, I imagine a real skinny dude but Yourofsky seemed pretty buff."

"The lecture today was one of the most informative and helpful lectures I have attended this entire year. I have read about animal issues, but never imagined the seriousness of the problem. The Animal Welfare Act does nothing for animals. The only purpose it serves is to waste paper. The video demonstrates the severity of abuse and cruelty. These types of actions outrage me and anyone who believes that animals are not to be on the dinner table. The best way to go is vegan. Overall the lecture was very informative, convincing and educational."

"The only thing I can say about Kate & Gary's presentation is that it completely stunned me. Up to this point in my life, I had not paid much attention to the idea of veganism. I had a year ago stopped eating any type of meat for Lent and since then I have had a hard time eating the products. I had no idea that drinking milk involved torturing animals. I was not well informed. I now realize that to give up meat is not enough. One must give up all products that come from animals. Gary and Kate have a passion for what they believe in and that alone demands respect. Veganism is definitely something I am thinking about. Both speakers intrigued me and made me think about my way of life and my eating habits. When the time for change will come for me, I am not sure. But I do know it is just a step away and I want to thank them for enlightening me with a new way of living."

"The presentation was very professional and very well organized. The speakers made some very good points, like the one that we are not meant to be carnivores and we never were. I believe it would be best for us as well as our animal brothers to not eat meat and eat more vegetables. I know this will not be an easy task, but if we persist we will succeed. I know I already started. First thing I did after class was go buy some soy milk. And there are so many good soy products it makes it much easier to go vegan. I can't promise to go vegan in a matter of days, but at least now I am aware of the situation and am trying to do something about it. I think we owe it to the animals to at least try to become vegan."

"I have heard Gary before and I think his speech is so powerful. In reality his speech makes a difference in my life every time I hear it. I cannot challenge Gary in any way because everything he has to say is the truth. In my personal opinion I believe that he inspires me to become vegetarian and most important of all vegan. I have been taught to live this way for many years and I cannot change this lifestyle in seconds. But I believe that I can change. And I believe my way of eating has changed drastically but still needs a lot of work. In my life becoming vegetarian or vegan is a process I must accomplish for my own good. I must accomplish this goal in order to make a difference. I know many people will not understand and one person becoming vegetarian will not make a difference but it does make a difference to me because I won't be contributing to an industry of murderers. I am glad every time I hear Gary. He reinforces my thoughts and goals."

"The way they structure their lecture is extremely well done. Instead of just showing us the horrors of what is done to animals, they gave us alternatives and proof of why we should become vegetarians and ultimately vegans. They just bombarded us with pure scientific facts as to why animal consumption is not good for us. They brought with them all the possible answers to any of the questions that might have been raised by the class. Hopefully in the near future I will be able to switch my diet so that I can help animals as well as save my own health. The speech did open my eyes a bit more. And I realized that once there is no longer a market for meat, the animals that are harmed and killed will no longer suffer and maybe one day society will realize that if we stop using all of our crops to feed our future food, then maybe we can stop hunger and end the suffering of everything here on earth."

"The things that I saw in class really made me think about some things. You can't help but re-examine your lifestyle after watching the graphic images. What was even more influential , however, were the words that Gary and Kate used. The horrible treatment of animals that was exhibited on the video definitely makes a person think about the breaches of common decency. Although they are animals, they still feel pain and suffer when they are beaten like elephants in the circus, or pigs that cannot make babies any longer. Gary and Kate's speech is more than animal rights, it is a humanitarian effort."

"I can totally identify with Kate and Gary because I am a vegan. Their speech is very useful and informative. The videos are strong, but that is the reality that animals are living. I am glad that they are trying to educate people about the best way to combat animal cruelty, which is veganism."

"The videos they showed were disgusting and very violent and yes I felt nauseated. I had just eaten a chicken sandwich from Quiznos before class. The statistics and figures they gave us were staggering. We eat meat and think we are not hurting anyone. As Gary said, it all comes down to common decency. I have looked over the PETA Veg Starter Kit and will listen to the CD Gary gave us. I have begun looking over the recipe section of PETACatalog.org as well. I am not ready to become a vegetarian as a way of life yet. One thing I do know, I will choose this lifestyle. Choose to not be one those people that contribute to animal cruelty. One thing I have definitely refused to do since the day of the lecture is drink milk. For 20 years I had enjoyed a cold glass of milk before bed. I can no longer do this. I refuse to drink anything that has pus in it."

"Gary and Kate gave a great speech on becoming vegan. Their speech was motivating and served as a wake-up call to myself. My feelings are that any action one takes in the direction of removing animal products from one's diet is a small step toward liberating animals from consumption. Personally, I hope to one day become vegan. However, currently I am too selfish to cut all those flavorful foods out of my diet. Since I have started exploring vegetarianism as a route to veganism, I have not enjoyed foods derived from animals to the extent I previously did in my unaware and uncaring state. With the help of my boyfriend (who is vegan), I am slowly developing a consciousness of the foods I eat. Now when I slip and eat animal products, which is quite often, I experience an intense sense of guilt. I am pleased to experience this guilt, for this means I know my actions are wrong."

"It's 4 p.m. Just got home and the refrigerator is waiting to be opened for dinner. What should I cook today? The only thought that resounds in my mind are the words that Gary Yourofsky said about the cruelty and uselessness of eating meat. For the rest of the day, I did not cook any meat or animal products. But how about the next day? I did almost the same thing, only that I used cheese on my salad and ate a cheese quesadilla. Sometimes we have all the intentions to live in a world in balance and harmony with nature, but the force of old habits prevail and make us fall into the temptation of eating a wide variety of meat-based foods. By saying this, I feel like I am a person without any will power over her dietary decisions. I agree that being a vegetarian is the best way to be healthy. Personally, I agree we should try to become vegetarians for many reasons, but in my case, it is not going to be overnight. There have been weeks when I have not eaten any meat and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. For that reason, I think my whole process of becoming vegetarian will be a gradual and consciously-planned one."

"Gary and Kate are fantastic speakers. They covered mostly every part of becoming vegan. Everyone in the class seemed pretty receptive to what they had to say. Hopefully, they will actually consider such a lifestyle change and not just dismiss it as another class lecture. It is difficult for me to see those PETA videos. But I think they are the most powerful tools activists have to educate the public. I have heard some people say that PETA fabricated those videos to push their efforts. It is incredible how absurd some people can be to try to continue their comfortable lifestyle. It just gets a bit annoying when people think the animal rights movement has no substance, and it's just meant to make the lives of the majority difficult."

"I would first like to comment on the great organization demonstrated by the speakers. The professionalism demonstrated by them always makes the information clearer and stronger. How do we eliminate meat? The only manner in which this can happen is though a slow process and everyone continues to make an effort to change. I really liked the fact that CDs were handed out. I was able to share it with my family. The presentation was great."

"Fantastic! I never cease to enjoy this presentation and this time it was even better. Gary was his usual self. Presenting without apology the truth about being a vegan. He is awesome. He holds nothing back. The films are still hard to watch. I see useless death and destruction, suffering and murder. It my breaks my heart. The addition of Kate this year added a whole new perspective. She was able to relate to the women in the class. She represented a softer but no less adamant side of becoming vegan and just how important it is to all of us to embrace this thinking or prepare to die. I don't understand how anyone could listen to the information that they bring and not make changes in their lives. How can we still make sick choices? How do people digest the facts and do nothing with it? It makes no sense to me. Gary and Kate made it clear that not only are we killing ourselves but when we eat a meat-based diet, we are killing the planet and we are nothing less than murderers. I am so thankful for the info that Gary and Kate pass on to those who are simply ignorant of what they are doing. I am thankful for people like them, who change so many lives, and thankful that I have heard the word and heeded it. This is how I have come to the understanding, that we must not only hear the word and incorporate it into our lives, we must be in the business of sharing it with others. If I aim to be a child of love—which is I want to be—this requires me to give to others what has been given to me. Things that will change their lives and in turn save every animal we can possibly save. It seems overwhelming, the task we have before us. But if I can lead one or two people a year into the vegan lifestyle, then I will have saved many lives and ended much suffering. I need to be about that and so much more. Thanks for having Kate and Gary here. They were awesome as they presented the truth and expected others to take it as their own. I hope lots were listening."

"The lecture gave me mixed feelings. I believe in treating animals in an ethical manner. I do feel that Gary and Kate made some decent points. I agree we shouldn't eat meat, if at the very least, for ethical reasons. I thought it was great that they cited many doctors and authorities to back up their points. I was surprised the videos weren't more graphic. They got their point across, nonetheless. It never ceases to amaze me how many students gasp in shock while watching these videos. Are there people walking around in a daze? Where do they think there food comes from? Their manner of speaking was very engaging. Almost like watching a televangelist, except they were speaking the truth. Without knowing Yourofsky's background and reputation, this was a pretty good lecture. They made some good factual points. Both seemed to genuinely care about their cause. I think they will grow in wisdom with time."

"No living creature deserves to go through the pain and treatment that these animals experience. Believe it or not, my lifestyle has changed since I have been in your class, especially after the presentation that Gary and Kate gave to us. I really try to not eat meat. I believe it is a start. My wife noticed the change in my diet and was quick to criticize me. I put it to her like this: How would you like for some maniac to come and kick the living hell out of your puppy and then stab him and skin him for supper? I know it sounds cruel and extreme, but I'll tell you what, she got the message. I'm not saying that I am a complete vegan, but you have to start somewhere, right? I'm trying some soy products and I'll have to admit they are not as bad as I heard."

"I really don't know what to say about Gary. He is a younger version of yourself, Dr. Best, with no hair. I don't like to sound like an asshole, but I really did not like the presentation. To cut this short, I understand the cause and am in favor of it. It was the technique I did not like. I really don't know what to say, besides that I just did not get a good vibe from the guy or the girl. Most people did like the presentation, so I only speak for myself. The things I did find useful were the Web sites they had, and the names of some books. I will try to green, but not because of their presentation."

Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 10:22 PM

About two months ago, you made your famous vegan speech at Mrs. Cvejic's English class at Queens College. After hearing your lecture; I went vegan, pretty much, overnight. It was mainly your comment on how cow pus and antibiotics contained in dairy drain calcium from the body that convinced me to go vegan. The thought of muscle atrophy greatly perturbs me and I'm not going to let milk break all my bones. I plan on ordering a recording of your speech so I can commit your incredibly convincing arguments for veganism to memory and help spread the word. Fellow Vegan, Hsing Chen.

Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2004 1:36 PM

Is there any way I could obtain additional copies of the "Vegetarian Starter Kit" that you gave out at Lyndon State College (VT) last Friday? I got a chance to read it over once I got home, and would like to give some to relatives and friends who might be converted. Thanks! And keep up the GREAT work!!

Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 11:33 PM

Thank you so much for coming to Lyndon State College. Both you and Kate were amazing! I heard a lot of people say that they are going vegetarian. What the two of you do is really important and seeing you both in action is very inspirational. Thank you so much.

Sent: May 02, 2004 3:22 PM

I am a sophomore at Roanoke Rapids High School in Roanoke Rapids North Carolina. I was one of the students who heard Kate and you speak. I just wanted to say that, that speech was just amazing. Now that I am 16 yrs old and growing up, I'm making my own decisions about eating. I drink only soy milk or almond milk (which is my favorite). When my friends and I go to Burger King I order a veggie burger. Keep up the great work!!

Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 12:40 AM

I'm from Fresno St.. You did a speech in Dr. Somma's class a while back and turned me and a few of my friends vegan. I, and as far as I know, at least 5 other people that I'm acquainted with from that class are keeping up the vegan-ness. I'm glad to hear that you're making progress so fast and so wide. Thank you soo much for opening my eyes. Please say hi to Kate for me.

Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2004 3:58 PM

I am a field medic for the state of North Carolina. I am 21 yrs old and have seen a lot of disturbing things in my profession so far. But in all, I must say that viewing those clips you had shown the other day in class ... I was very moved by them and your purpose to speak for a creature who cannot. I have been down in NC for the past 4 years now and 1 of them I spent working for Perdue chicken putting myself through school. I have seen these processes close up and must say that those videos are a pretty good depiction of what actually happens. I am putting together a bomber series race car to run out at East Carolina Motor Speedway next season and am looking for sponsors to put on the side of my car . If you or your organization is interested I would love to help u out in anyway I can. Everyone has a role to play in this world and I commend you for standing up for what you believe in.

Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2004 9:43 PM

Thank you so much for coming to our VCU and speaking to us about veganism! I have been vegan for almost a year (I certainly wish it was longer), and I love it. It persuaded several of my friends to attend the presentation tonight, and it was nice to have someone besides me tell them about veganism for a change. I think the footage definitely had an effect on many members of the audience. I never become desensitized to it - I cry every single time I view that video footage. I wanted to extend my thanks to you for all that you've done for animals. It's great to know that there are people like you and Kate out there working to make things better for all animals. I am sure you converted some VCU students to veganism this evening. Again, thank you. I wanted to hug both of you after your presentation, just for being such darn good humans. This e-mail will have to suffice.

Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2004 8:00 PM

I have been meaning to e-mail you for awhile regarding your Eastern Michigan U. presentation. I assume you must get a lot of e-mails regarding your presentations and their effects, so excuse me if this is repetitive. You must feel great! You influence a lot of people, from what I have seen on your Web site. You have definitely influenced me. I believe it was 5 weeks ago you were at EMU. Since then, I have been vegetarian. I plan to dive into veganism as soon as I feel I am ready to make the change. Before the lecture, I had tried vegetarianism a few times but it never stuck. I guess I just needed the motivation. Your lecture brought a huge amount of motivation for me. When I had been vegetarian before, it was for different reasons than now. Before, it was just an experiment, for health and whatnot, but now it is for animal rights AND health.

I feel so great that I have made a change like this in my life. One thing I did do was watch "Meet your Meat" with my boyfriend. We were really affected by it. I think I was more emotionally, but he is really understanding about it. I know it can be hard for a lot of people who are starting the veg lifestyle so that is great. Since I have become a vegetarian, he has too, and is a lot more aware of the issues that you spoke about. It is easy to do with another person. We live together so we eat together and it is nice to have another beginner vegetarian to do it with. I am a huge animal lover. I have no idea why I never did this and stuck with it before. I have two cats (both adopted from a shelter, yay!) and I would never want to see anything happen to them. They are my life, really. I just want to thank you for how much you have influenced me. You are an awesome speaker and person. You have changed my life and it feels so crazy that someone I don't even know has done probably so much for me. I just thought it would be cool to get in touch with you and let you know, although as I said, since you are so influential, many people probably tell you this all of the time. Thank you!

Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 2:12 PM

Just a note to say I saw you on Brooklyn public access TV (NY) and it pushed me over the edge, inspiring me to get back to being vegan after years of slowly devolving to full scale carnivorousness. I've been feeling sicker and sicker and more depressed consuming this shit. Anyways, thanks and I hope you keep up the good work.

Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 2004 11:31 AM

I'm a student at the U. of Delaware who just listened to your speech in Contemporary Moral Problems. I was extremely receptive to your presentation. A lot of things, definitely not to say all though, I already knew from other sources, but none of it had turned me to veganism. I really respect what you're doing. Thanks for your help. I'm off to the dining hall to see if they have anything that isn't tortured to eat.

Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 12:21 PM

I was in your vegan class in Atlanta at Sevananda Natural Foods on the 7th. You and Kate did a superb presentation. It opened my eyes and made me become more sensitive to how we abuse and slaughter animals merely for our pleasure and profit. You are doing a great work. Keep it up!

Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 7:32 PM

I have begun to make headway at my high school. I burned Meet your Meat to lots of CDs and I am passing them out. I am also copying your video to pass out to people. I would also like to tell you that your lecture has made an activist out of me. Before I was content to be vegan, but recently I have been spreading the word, more and more.

Sent: Saturday, April 10, 2004 8:40 PM

Thank YOU (and Kate)!!! I totally agree. The talk went very well and had a profound impact on everyone. Incidentally, I was teaching the chapter on food a few weeks ago (I'm also Spanish teacher) and I showed my students your video. I was called in to the principal's office because a parent complained. Well, I had to agree that I would not show it again since it is not part of the Spanish curriculum, which won't be difficult since I sent in my letter of resignation already for the upcoming year. The most important thing is that all of my students (and also the ones from last semester - before I got "caught") were exposed to the truth about factory farming. I'll take a slap on the wrist for that ANY day! I'm so impressed with your presentation. Your delivery was great, but you're right, Kate adds a lot and creates a nice balance and adds a woman's touch! I hope that we do have the opportunity to work together again sometime. I started a company a few years back called Vegetarian Marketing Consultants and I'm going return to that now that I won't be teaching in order to help these companies better market their meatless meat foods. I love that you and Kate emphasize that you're not against the taste of meat, just the source. If you haven't had a chance, see our nutrition chart at www.vegetariansolutions.org/nutrition.php. Ever since translating Why Vegan to Spanish, we've been getting over 60,000 hits per MONTH to our website and the nutritional comparison chart receives the most requests! All the best on your travels.

Sent: Monday, April 05, 2004 2:47 PM

I heard the presentation you gave today in Valerie Santos' class from 9:30-10:45 at CSULB. Thank you for taking the time to come to our class. I'm not a vegetarian or a vegan, but what you had to say today did have an impact on me. I didn't think it would, but what you and Gary had to say really hit me and has had me thinking all day about animals and what is done to them, just so humans can enjoy their chicken or steak. I have a family history of having high cholesterol and despite what the doctors and I have tried to do, they put me on Lipitor (which you discussed in class). Thank you for speaking to the class today and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 1:40 PM

First off, I wanted to thank you for coming to San Diego State and talking to our social ethics Philosophy class about animal rights. I left class on Tuesday with so many thoughts, questions for myself, and interest. I really feel you both are amazing at what you do. You took a very hard and not so commonly spoken about issue and presented it a class full of college students. I have to admit, walking into class on Tuesday and remembering we were having guest speakers made me want to walk right out—a free lecture to skip. However, I stayed and I am glad I did. I can not say that I will be Vegan overnight or that I am throwing out my leather jacket. Although, I now have more knowledge about animal rights than I did a few days ago, and if anything, I am sharing what I heard and learned that day with my friends. I feel that my first biggest step is being aware. I am going to start to keep a conscious mind of what I eat, buy, and do, but it will take time for me to transition. Thank you for your time and all you do. Like I said, I thought your lecture in class was inspirational.

Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 11:21 PM

I'm a student at Oakland University in John Simecek's rhetoric class. You guys gave an awesome presentation to our class a couple of weeks ago. You definitely got me rethinking my diet. After your presentation, I think I'll be giving up meats. Where on earth do doctors, mine included, get the health statistics for milk? I have read several articles about how bad milk is for your body and I know if I can read about how damaging cow's milk is, surely someone with a PhD can too. You know, I'm reminded of the movie The Matrix when it comes to the commercializing of things like the Atkins diet, which is totally crazy, and how "Milk does a Body Good." The wool is pulled over so many peoples eyes, then there are some like you guys who wake up and see the truth. I truly believe that the U.S. is only in the meat industry for profit, just like cigarettes are strictly for profit. Who cares if it kills you, just keep buying it so we (the U.S.) can make a profit. That's very sad. I respect and commend the two of you for your efforts on telling to truth and getting the public to come out of the "Matrix." God bless you both and please keep in contact with me.

Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 2:13 AM
Subject: Your bad ass presentation

I attended your speech earlier today at Grossmont College. I was very moved by what you had to say. When I got home today, I attempted to pass the knowledge I learned earlier to my roommate, and he told me that I was full of shit. I only wish that he could have been there to see it all. If possible, I would like to get in some way shape or form a copy of your presentation. Not only to teach others, but also to re-educate my self in the future. Thank you for your time and insight.

Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2004 4:33 PM

I am one of the students who had the pleasure to listen to one of your presentations in Dr. Bertaux's class yesterday at SDSU. Thank you so much for sharing all that information with us. I loved your whole presentation because it covered so much ground and because your belief and conviction showed (and convinced) immensely. Your 60 minute speech brought some questions and issues to the surface that have become very easy to suppress in our culture. After watching the few minutes of footage at the beginning of the presentation I had forgotten all about my double-cheese-burger with bacon which I was planning on getting after class. I had to contain myself not to cry or throw up. I would like to thank you again for your efforts (if there were more people like you the world would be a much better place) and second I would like to inform that I am going to try going vegan. Last night I prepared one of the meals ('Fried Chicken') from the brochure and I was pleasantly surprised. Today I am planning a trip to Trader Joe's and Whole Food's to stack up on some good food.

Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2004 8:01 PM

I was in the sociology class you gave the presentation to the other day at SDSU. I wanted to let you know how great your speech was. I was already on the path to being a vegetarian, but like you said, every vegan has an epiphany. For me, my epiphany happened to be when you informed us that humans aren't carnivores, naturally. I had just always assumed that we were! Being a vegan is something that falls right in line with all of my morals, which I take extremely serious. I have been working on a philosophy for the past couple of years that all of our world's problems can be connected to one sole problem of overpopulation. It is my belief that we have already overpopulated earth by as much as 3x the amount of humans ecologically viable. I noticed that you sort of touched on the subject. Thank you so much for your presentation and all of your efforts. I felt that your presentation went beautifully and hope more people turn vegan (as I am attempting to do) as a result. Thank you once again.

Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2004 9:53 AM

I just met you yesterday before you spoke to a group of law students at Cal Western School of Law. Thank you for your thought provoking words on the topic of food animals. I hope to see you over the weekend at the conference in SD and personally thank you, however this is my backup. Take care and keep talking. [I am a 3rd year law student, and Co-chair of the San Diego County Bar Associations Animal Law Section.]

Sent: Tuesday, March 30, 2004 8:13 PM

You really are an amazing man. I wish that your message could be heard by all of my loved ones. I really would love a complete list of vegan foods. Keep your message strong!!!

Sent: Friday, March 26, 2004 9:40 PM

I am a student of Professor Somma, and I was in class today during your speech at Fresno St. I wanted to say thank you for the informative information. Although the video was hard to watch, It helped to understand what is going on. I was completely unaware about the hardships these animals actually face, and I never even thought about it; it was so sad I cried today because of the harsh reality. That is something I and so many other people do not take into consideration when eating those products. I never though twice about eating chicken or anything else until today, after the class. And I wanted the thank you for broadening my perspective.

Sent: Friday, March 26, 2004 5:56 PM

Thank you so much for your presentation and efforts. Today in Mark Somma's class at Fresno St., I have learned everything I wanted to know about vegetarian and vegan ways. I have read a big portion of the Vegetarian Starter Kit, and I'll visit the websites you provided in a minute or so. I have decided to stop eating meat and all the by products. My mom is going to be especially happy and proud, she's been trying to get me to stop eating meat for years now. I'm writing this letter to thank you for presenting me with this information and letting me know of alternatives. With out-most respect and gratitude, thank you. Keep up the awesome job you guys rule.

Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 7:21 PM

I am currently a vegetarian looking to study to help animals in some way. I see that you will be back at UTEP in April. Will your speeches be in an open classroom? I would like to take some close friends to experience the power of your speech (you are responsible for opening my own eyes).

Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 5:44 PM

I was currently an audience member at one of your presentations at Fresno St.. I must say I applaud you for all the effort you and your associates have put forth on the topic of animal cruelty and veganism. I have been a vegetarian from birth, not a strict vegetarian, but I have always rejected the taste of meat. I believe that meat consumption is partly an assimilation because I have avoided as best I can from my young ages of childhood to reject the meat I was fed. I would often spit it out or force-swallow it till all the taste was completely gone.

Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 8:52 AM

[About your talk at the Unity of Livonia Church in Mich.] ... One woman hugged me and said "I'm so glad I came." She was crying. I think some people were too overwhelmed to say anything, but I didn't get any negative vibes. There were lots of hugs and tears! People were overwhelmed. People expressed that you both were excellent. Many liked that Kate did the female reproductive stuff. Of course, all the vegetarians and vegans in attendance thought you both were awesome. Jerry and I are so impressed with your passion and dedication to the animals. Kate is a real Plus. Thank you so much for doing your presentation at Unity of Livonia. I hope we can have you back again! It was funny Jerry and I did a presentation Friday night; and when we compared it to your talk we realized we need a whole lot of work on our talk! It was great how you shared the talk, it seemed very natural. We did a tabling for Earth Day at University of Detroit-Mercy where you both spoke for Prof. Whitty's class a few weeks ago. Several students told us they heard you both talk and how much they learned and wanted lots of our literature. Prof Whitty seems to really admire you both very much. Kelly, one of his students, was very enthusiastic about your talk. Thanks again - you two were GREAT! You're changing lives!

Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 9:47 AM

I just wanted to say thank you for presenting at Eastern Michigan University. Your presentation truly changed my life! Ever since I heard you speak, I have not eaten dairy (or a single animal product for that matter). I had been wanting to go vegan for a long time and was trying very gradually. However, your speech made me realize I needed to stop wasting time and just do it! So I did. :) The next day, I went out shopping and now I have a lot of vegan stuff in my refrigerator (I'm loving the Tofutti Cuties "ice cream" sandwiches). I know you made a big impact on Linda (the director of Women's Studies) as well. We were at the graduate research fair dinner this past week and she said that ever since she saw you, she has given up meat. So thank you very much! I think what you're doing is incredible and I wish you the best of luck on the road.

Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 10:01 PM

Before you came to speak [at the U. of Michigan] I was convinced that drinking organic milk and eating organic eggs was the animal friendly way to get my protein. So, after being unblinded (I really don't know why I thought that, now that I come to think of it, that doesn't really make too much sense) I have started to stop my consumption of these things.

Sent: Friday, March 19, 2004 10:26 PM

I just wanted to say thank you to you for doing what you do, for living and speaking from your heart, sharing with all of us your passion for life! I brought 6 of my housemates along to your talk on Tuesday at the U. of Michigan, and it was really neat to see the range of their reactions and pledges to try to be vegan after you and Kate did your thing! I hope you continue to have wonderful experiences sharing with people around the country. It is *SO* awesome to know you're out there!!

Sent: Friday, March 19, 2004 2:29 PM

Ever since you spoke in my Ethics class, on March 11th, at Oakland University, I have looked at my diet and way of life in a new light. I've always eaten meat and I enjoy it, but now every time I do I just feel physically sick and mad at myself.

Sent: Friday, March 19, 2004 1:41 PM

I just wanted to personally thank both of you for talking to us today. It was very insightful and persuasive. You have personally altered my ideas on vegetarianism and on veganism. Thanks again, and good luck in continuation with your work!

Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2004 2:03 PM

I went to your talk at the U of Michigan on March 16. I stopped eating meat four years ago ... over these years knowing the truth from people like you makes me more determined to stay vegetarian.

Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2004 8:56 AM

I heard the lecture you did last night at my class at Oakland Community College. It really interested me. Thank you for your time!

Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2004 4:37 AM

Thank you!! It was a pleasure having you and Kate this semester at the U of Michigan and we will definitely look into having you two back next fall. It is amazing to look through the surveys and see what an impact your talk has. 13 of the 32 people in attendance said they were going vegetarian or vegan!

Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 9:14 PM

I wanted to thank you for the presentation you offered in my English class this morning at Oakland Community College. I feel the information you and Kate presented me with has changed my view on so many things, things that I have felt very strongly about for a long time, but was to afraid to find out the true devastating facts that you have shown today. I want to know so much more, and I truly want to know what I can do. Though I do not have much money to offer for support, I would like to do all I can, and if possible I would love to offer my services in this battle against such animal cruelty. Please let me know how I can help.

Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 8:34 PM

I attended your lecture last night at UM's Ann Arbor campus. It was great. It was a reminder to me that I'm doing the right thing. It's been awhile since I've heard all the facts and seen the 'shocker' videos. Keep up the wonderful work!

Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 10:10 PM

I attended your lecture on veganism tonight, the 16th of March, at the U. of Michigan. You made wonderful arguments against eating meat. The main thing that hit me is that people claim that humans are carnivores or omnivores when the truth shows nothing but the opposite: we are herbivores. I also liked that you brought bible passages into the argument. I believe that God's intention for humanity was vegan and that the Bible has fault -- you proved it with that Timothy quote about how women should be silent. Anyway, I am wondering how hard it would be for you guys to come to my school to chat with people. If you would be willing to come out I'll bring it up the administration. It's a small school, K-12, with around 500 kids attending also, and nearly all of them are meat eaters. There are many that I've told about veganism, but I've yet to see one person change, and I think your lecture could do that. Thanks for the great lecture.

Sent: Monday, March 15, 2004 10:47 AM

I wanted to let you know that since you gave the speech concerning veganism, I have completely stopped eating red meat and chicken. I don't mention pork because I stopped eating that since I was about 15. At this moment, all I'm eating is seafood along with all the grains as possible. I thank you for opening my eyes and seeing that this animal torture has to come to an end.

Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2004 5:08 PM

I was at your speech for the Crime in America class at UCF. Since your speech I have not eaten meat at all. Your speech was very enlightening. I am very glad I got to hear you speak. I hope your future speeches go just as well.

NOTE FROM ME: A woman who went vegan after the U. of Michigan lecture—and who previously consumed 'organic' milk and eggs—sent me a response she received from Horizon which produces 'organic' milk. Horizon was very open and honest about their cruel, barbaric practices on dairy farms. Thought you might like to see it.

Sent: Sunday, March 14, 2004 6:45 PM
-----Forwarded message from Darlene Campbell at DarleneC@horizonorganic.com-----

"Your concerns about humane treatment are very important, and are a high priority to us as well. The calves are separated from the mothers a few hours after birth. Since they do need to be separated for a dairy farm to run, we feel it is less difficult to do this before bonding happens. Also, the most common way for disease to spread is from the calf, so separating them allows us to monitor the calves' health before she has contact with other cows. Our male calves and the cows that have stopped producing milk have to be sold. We are not aware of any commercial dairy in this country that keeps their bulls and older cows. It isn't easy for us and we wish there was a way to do so, but there is just not enough land to sustain each and every cow or bull that is born in this country until they die a natural death."

Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2004 2:33 PM

I just wanna thank you for your talk. You came into my Nutrition class in South Lake Tahoe a few weeks ago. That day that you came I cried when I watched your video ... and I came home and decided I was a vegan ... I'm 17 and been eating right since you left and I can't even explain how much energy I have ... I mean it's almost hard to get to bed because I'm just so full of energy. I've actually converted a couple of my friends to vegetarianism. Thanks for making me healthy! I've always known that I should eat right and stuff ... all my grandparents have died from cancer and my grandmother that is still alive has cancer ... my dad has high blood pressure, my mom is on the Atkins, so she's on her way there too ... I just figured that I might as well be the first in my family to live past 80! Thanks again.

Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2004 12:33 PM

You gave a speech today in my 10 a.m. class at Oakland U. Thank you for your time and I enjoyed the speech today.

Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 9:38 PM

I heard your presentation today in Sherry Wynn's 2:40 class at Oakland U. I was sitting behind the guy who brought up hunting and was very impressed. In a sense, you were already preaching to the converted but your presentation gave me the extra motivation that I needed to jump into the world of vegetarianism. One of the main reasons that I'm making the change has to do with a job that I used to have. I was a pharmacy tech for two years and meds like Lipitor, Cozaar, Prilosec, and Nexium were some of the biggest sellers. After a while it just seemed like a crime that one set of corporations makes billions from feeding people food that destroys there bodies and another set of corporations makes billions by treating people after its already too late. Anyways, I have a lot of admiration for what you do. So keep up the good work and I wish the best of luck to the both of you.

Sent: Friday, March 05, 2004 11:54 PM

You spoke about animal rights at Queens College. I was there and let me just say great presentation.

Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2004 12:44 AM

I was in Professor Morris' journalism class on Tuesday at Hunter-CUNY. I spoke to you about my grandfather and his diet at the hospital. First off, I want to say that I had heard Gary's lecture before (he came to Hunter last semester) and I had seen a video similar to the one shown on Tuesday. The first time I saw the video and heard the lecture, I basically brushed it off as nothing. For some reason this time, it really hit me what we as a society do to animals and how heartbreaking it really is. I have decided to give a trial period of six months devoted to vegetarianism. Thank you so much for coming. It was really awesome to meet you! And my grandfather came home, and he's on a diet slowly taking him off meat.

Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2004 9:28 AM

I am one of the students that was in your 8 a.m. animal rights presentation today at New Jersey City University. I spoke with you after the class. The video you showed was slightly graphic for me but is it possible to get a copy of it? I want to be able to show my mother, brother, and boyfriend. It will be a lot easier for them to rethink the way that they eat when they see that video and it will be easier for me to avoid having that food in my house if we all change what we buy at the grocery store. I want to thank you both for coming to the class today.

Sent: Monday, February 23, 2004 7:08 PM

I am a student at Lake Tahoe Comm. College, and today you gave a speech to my nutrition class on veganism. I haven't been able to get my mind off it all day. I just want to let you know how incredible that lecture was. It blew my mind away, and left me in awe. At first I was a very upset and uncomfortable with the graphic clips of the slaughter houses you showed on TV, but I was glad you showed it. The thing that makes me upset is the fact that so many meat-eaters are so oblivious to the truth behind their meat. Like you said, they have their blinders on which don't allow them to see the truth. They see what they want to see, and nothing else. You gave a convincing speech, and you definitely knew what you were talking an out. You were brutally honest in exposing what really goes on in these slaughter houses. I am so grateful for people like you. You are going to change the world, I know it. Because just in our small nutrition class, you shone the light on what they were afraid to see. You didn't just tell us that killing animals for meat is wrong, you gave us proof on everything you talked about. You educated us about the truth. Many people are probably thinking twice about how they live and eat. I know I am. Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that I am very grateful and impressed of all the efforts you're making. You are an amazing person. Please don't ever stop what it is you're doing. We need people like you to be bold and stand up and educate the world. I just wish there were more caring individuals like you out there. You just gave me hope that we can change the way we live, and we can help all the animals who are being murdered inhumanly for food. I know I'll be hearing more about you in the future. Just know that there are many people who support you. Good luck!!!

Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 4:11 AM

I am a student at Miami-Ohio University. I attended your speech and am very thankful I did. As you were giving your speech, I had thoughts constantly entering and debating in my mind. Afterward I could only personally thank you for the thought provoking hour. Your speech has helped me realize the moral truth to the meat problem. To me, the strongest part of your speech was your reasoning that expelled common myths of the lies we believe in order to eat meat. Scientific reasons aside, the issue to me hit morally. Your speech has shown me the truth. Such a powerful speech that has changed my opinions will lead me to direct change.

Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2004 7:44 PM

I was at your lecture tonight (Miami-Ohio)and just wanted to say that I thought everything you had to say was absolutely amazing! I originally went to your speech for my Communications class (extra credit) but found myself really agreeing with what you had to say. I admire your dedication and think that what this society really needs is a good dose of morality. You really opened my eyes to how cruel and unjust our society is and how this is something that is not imaginary, as so many people like to convince themselves. I wanted to thank-you for taking off my blinders and I think that listening to you speak was the first step in changing my own habits and way of thinking. Thanks so much for coming and I look forward to your email.

Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2004 4:15 PM

I just attended your lecture at The University of Akron about animal rights and veganism. I wanted to tell you that you really opened up my eyes and showed me that what I have been eating for eighteen years is all wrong. My family was raised on meat every night for dinner and after hearing everything it does to your body, it makes me physically sick. Especially after viewing the video of all the cruel and unethical things that happened to these innocent animals, I have decided to go Vegan. There is no way that I could possibly eat another bite of meat, another sip of milk, without picturing these defenseless animals suffering so that I can have just a sandwich. I am so glad that I attended this today, because I would have probably never opened my eyes to see what I was really putting into my body. Your way of presenting this material couldn't have been better. I greatly appreciate what you are doing and I would like to get more involved. Thank you again and please keep spreading this important knowledge to other ignorant meat eaters like myself. Thank you!

Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 4:34 PM

EXCELLENT talk today!! If I already wasn't vegan, I would have gone vegan today if this was my first time being exposed! You are doing a wonderful job educating and challenging others. Knowing that you are out there educating students across the country, is inspiring and commendable.

Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 12:31 PM

I'm wanting to explore the vegetarian realm more. I was wondering what soy-meat products you recommend.

Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 12:06 PM

I wanted to thank you for speaking yesterday to my Animal Science class at Ohio State (the 4:30PM class). I am currently a vegetarian, and am also planning the transition into becoming a vegan, partly because you shared some things with me that I did not know about completely. Again thank you for speaking to my class, you have been one of the best speakers I have heard.

Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 5:24 AM

I just wanted to write you an email to let you know you changed my life as well as the many others you have talked to. You came to Rollins College (FL) on February 4th and spoke to my class. Since you delivered your speech and presentation, I have changed my lifestyle and am now a vegetarian. Before I listened to you, I never really thought twice about eating meat and/or where it came from. I cannot thank you enough for opening my eyes to the true practices of the meat industry as well as the truth behind the real nutritional needs of humans. I have known several vegetarians and vegans in my life and always thought they were a bit eccentric, but now I see where they are coming from and am only too happy to join them. Thank you very much, I owe it all to you! I have since talked to some of my coworkers, my roommate, and my boyfriend and they are all interested in seeing the video and hearing your speech. My boyfriend has supported me 100% and has since refrained from eating meat, out of respect for my choice. However, I would like him to see the video so he can make an informed decision as well. A couple of my coworkers would like to hear you and see the video as well. If you could please email me and let me know what I need to do in order to obtain a copy I would appreciate it. I would love to pass on your message and hopefully reach a couple more people. I have to say I was really upset and disappointed with my mom when I told her about it and she told me there was nothing anyone could do. I was so upset!! Of course there is something I can do! Even if I am only changing me, at least that is one more person on the animals' side!! Thank you again and I hope to hear from you soon! God bless and best of luck to you in your endeavors!

Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2004 6:08 PM

Thank you for coming and sharing with my ethics class and Dr. Marino's Christian Thought class your views on animal rights. I greatly enjoyed your lecture in the ethics class and found your points challenging. I am not a vegetarian but I do admit you are making me revaluate my views, for that I say thank you. Most of all I admired your passion and dedication to this cause. I do not believe we often see people who are passionate about what they feel and believe, so it was very encouraging to see it. I also wanted to let you know that your lectures made many students think about animal rights beyond what they had before. I have heard many students talking about the issue days after you came. I hope your lectures continue to go well and if possible to have you come back to Valley Forge in the future.

Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2004 1:30 AM

what were the other scripture references that you used about not eating meat? (I heard you speak at Valley Forge Christian College). I am honestly considering becoming vegetarian or vegan... I might as well... I never really liked meat anyway ... and now when I drink milk I gag, thinking mmm... pus... please send me the scriptures that you used in class.

Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2004 8:09 PM

I just wanted to say that my twin sister and I have not eaten meat since we heard your lecture at UCF. I begin to tell how much better we feel already. So, thank you for opening our eyes to a healthier way of living.

Sent: Friday, February 13, 2004 9:21 AM

i heard about you from my son. i am writing you to let you know how wonderful it is that you are speaking to college students and making them aware of the issues. i am a vegan myself for over ten years and have been a vegeterian prior to that. I feel very strongly about eating properly for health and at the same time treating animals in a humane manner. I am sure you are making a difference by speaking out and opening other peoples minds and hearts to see what is really happening in the world. All the issues, environmental and otherwise need to be addressed. As much as my son sees me following through on my beliefs, he was very impressed with hearing it from other sources. I feel you are doing a great job!!

Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2004 9:19 AM

I am a student at PSU who spoke to you about vegan foods. I was hoping that you could send me a list of the foods that you eat or have tried and liked. Thanks for your time, and for coming in to speak with our class. Thanks for everything you do!!!

Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2004 10:12 AM

My sister and I met you at PSU Abington this week. I know you meet with a lot of people, but we sat with you for a while after your 11:00 lecture on Tuesday, and I need to tell you what an incredible impact you have had on me. I had given up red meat a long time ago, and gave up chicken about 2 weeks ago. Now I am trying to stop eating eggs and milk. Thank you so much for your time.

Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2004 10:15 PM

My son attends UCF. I have been trying to get him to eat healthy (vegan) for the past years! One seminar from you and he's a vegan. Thank you.

Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2004 12:26 AM

Man, you were in my Christian Living class tonight at Valley Forge Christian College, and you were freaking convincing. I give you all the props in the world bro. Your cause is worth fighting for. So, I was thinking, and I really do want to get healthier, and heart disease is huge on both sides of my family, so I'm gonna work at it. I mean, I see the moral/ethical reasoning and health reasoning behind this whole issue. God bless you bro.

Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2004 2:24 PM

I attended your presentation on February 5th at UCF. First of all I would like to say that I am not a vegan. I have grown up in a "meat and potatoes" family, but after listening to your presentation I am doing a little research on my own concerning my eating habits. I found your presentation to be very enlightening.

Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2004 2:18 PM

I just wanted to thank you personally for coming to UCF and giving us your time, presence, and information. I had always suspected cruelty at slaughterhouses/factory farms for years because it's overwhelmingly obvious it isn't a day camp for animals, but to have witnessed that sow being bludgeoned in the head with a cinder block keeps rolling back and forth in my head and truly enraged me and my friend, a Muslim, who commented to me how enraged he was at the de-beaking of chickens. I was fascinated and horrified in a way I haven't ever been but thankfully you have given some direction. I want to abstain from meat altogether seeing as I've always enjoyed boca burgers anyways and their chickenless patties are pretty damn good too. Anyway thank you dude, you changed my life.

Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2004 12:39 PM

I am a junior here at Cabrini and just wanted to email you to comment on your speech this morning. First of all, I wanted to commend you on being an activist and let you know that you are a very inspirational speaker. My situation is that I first began to learn about animals and their connection to the food we eat back in the start of middle school. As soon as I found out what hot dogs were made of, I stopped eating them. Soon after, I stopped eating all types of pork, and later beef. I do however eat chicken, turkey, and dairy but would like to become vegan. I am allergic to soy, are there any alternatives for me?? Thank you for you time.

Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2004 10:35 AM

I thought it was important to tell you that I found your speech at PSU informative. I have experienced some of what you spoke about; I have been on a heifer farm before and I also hunt with my family. (We do the butchering ourselves). Well point being I don't turn new experiences away, obviously if I did I would not be in college. I was wondering if you could construct a basic food plan so I could try something new. It does not have to be fancy, probably what you would have eaten in the past week. I feel that what you had to say is more then likely true about meat not being good for you and that it is a learned pleasure. Here is a personal story for you about meat. I distinctly remember when I was young that I did not like to eat steak. Now at age 20 I can not get enough of it. It is strange when someone gives you a different view point on a topic. I would not say it gives people clarity but instead lets us make decisions for ourselves. I always thought of vegetarians being strange as well as vegans, but just by learning a small piece of information about someone's ideals you change your own. Thank you for your time.

Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2004 1:30 AM

I was lucky enough to be able to see your speech last week on veganism ay UCF. My friend was is in the class and he knew I would want to see your speech. I thought you were awesome and I really wish more students had the opportunity to learn the truth! Unfortunately I had to leave the class early and go to work so I missed the end of your speech. I have been a ovo-lacto vegetarian since I was 5 (when I found out that bacon was made from a pig) I am 23 now and haven't touched any meat since and I even turned my parents vegetarian (they are now actually vegan after a trip to the veggie summerfest). I recently turned vegan (after your speech actually), and my friend Jesse who brought me hasn't touched meat or dairy since (he was previously a meat eater). I never realized that these dairy animals suffered so much. I was truly inspired by your speech, and want to know how I can get involved in animal rights. I would love to do something like you are doing and help teach people the truth about this disgusting industry Thank you SO much for coming to UCF and sharing your knowledge!!!!

Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2004 10:08 PM

I'm a student from the Ethics class you spoke to on Monday at Valley Forge Christian College. I just wanted to say thanks for coming and speaking to us. I found the information interesting and it has sparked in me a renewed interest in the mistreatment of animals. Although I would disagree with you in that I do not believe God created animals to be equals with man, I do believe that He created them for us to love and to enjoy their company. I do NOT think that He is pleased with the way many people treat them. I also believe that it was God's intention for humans to be herbivores, but because of our foolish decisions, we contributed to a fallen world. Well, thank you again for your time and for caring. God Bless!

Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2004 10:10 PM

I just want to start off saying that your presentation at PSU today really got through to me. No one has ever touched me like that before. After the first five minutes my mind just opened up to what is really going on here. You were so right about "having blinders on" and not seeing what is really happening. I had no idea these people were treating these animals this way. From that point on I will never be able to eat meat again. I am feeling this incredible force of guilt because of what I have consumed before today. I feel like I should have known about this already but I guess I just needed you to knock some sense into me. I know you already know this but I want to tell you that you are doing such a great thing in bringing this cruelty to everyone's attention. Anyway, after I was finished with my classes today, I went to the grocery store and purchased non-dairy, dairy products and other random items that will qualify as part of a vegan's diet. It's going to be rough at first but it is worth it. I can honestly say that I want to be a vegan. You changed my life and the way I view the lives of others. Thank you for that. There is no way I was the only one who was moved by your speech. You did a wonderful job.

Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2004 1:23 PM

I'm a student at Penn State Abington. I was very fortunate to hear what you had to say about the whole animal cruelty thing and going vegan and I very much agree with you. After seeing the videos and your presentation i don't think i can ever eat meet again (which is a good thing). I would greatly appreciate it if you can email me a list of some vegan food. THANKS!!

Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2004 6:31 PM

I watched your presentation this morning in Dr. Seesholtz's 8:00 a.m class at PSU. I don't think it's a problem of people not knowing what happens to animals on factory farms. I always knew what happened I just never really put much thought into it. Your presentation forced the truth to the forefront. Out of sight, out of mind is not a good philosophy for life. My friends and family are convinced that vegans are crazy hippie people with long hair who don't shower. I want to show them your lecture and make them understand that there are completely logical and sane reasons to change your diet.

Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 12:41 PM

I was at one of your lectures at UCF. I just wanted to thank you so much for coming and talking to us. I was very much a carnivore before I heard you talk but I was so disturbed by what I saw and heard that day that I have decided to become a vegan. My girlfriend who was also at the lecture (it was actually her class that she brought me to, and I'm so glad she did) has decided to become a vegetarian and then ease into veganism. I really can't thank you enough. We are also going to start going to the BARC meetings, which is UCF's animal rights group. I just wanted to say thank you and see if you had any tips to aid in the transition. Thanks again!

Sent: Saturday, February 07, 2004 12:46 AM

I was present for your speech about animal rights and the benefits of 'going vegan' on Friday in Dr. Strawser's Philosophy class at UCF. It was actually quite a coincidence that you spoke that day because in one of my other classes we have been discussing the transatlantic slave trade and about a week before you came I was thinking about the possible comparisons one could make regarding human rights violated then and animal rights we continue to violate. I was still trying to make up my mind when you came to speak and I think that you did a considerable job helping me make a decision. My main problem is helping my friends and family understand my change in heart. I used to think that vegetarians were part of a trend, and that veggie people were weird. I now recognize that I was wrong and judgmental, but some people have a hard time accepting that I am considering making such a huge change. Specifically, my girlfriend thinks I am being somewhat of a hypocrite for making fun of vegans in the past and now want to be one. I could talk about animal rights with her for hours and for the most part, I think she would agree with me. Still she has difficulty accepting my change. To get to the point, I was wondering if you have any advice to help me explain to those close to me why I am now going through this hypocritical conversion and becoming what I made fun of in the past, apparently I lack the eloquence to adequately explain this to my friends and family. Thank you for your time.

Sent: Friday, February 06, 2004 2:30 PM

You gave a lectured today in my intro to philosophy class and I came up to you at the end of class and asked you a few questions. You said you had written something about the Bible and Veganism and I was just wondering if you could send that to me. I was moved at least a little by your lecture and am interested in learning more about what you think the Bible has to say about it. So if you could please send me that info, that would be great. Thank you for your time and your efforts in what you do.

Sent: Friday, February 06, 2004 12:58 PM

I heard your speech today on veganism. I thought it was very interesting. I've grown up a meat eater and I've never even had second thoughts as to where the meat came from. Nor did I even care. I was one of those people that told everyone "Give me the knife and i'll cut the cows throat, I had no problem killing for food." I always assumed that eating meat was part of the human biological nature, and that by eating meat, I was following my nature. Your presentation opened up my eyes. It made a whole lot of sense. I don't know if I could ever become a vegan and give up meat and meat by-products, but I'm willing to give it an honest try. Thank you for your presentation today.

Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 10:59 PM

I was in the english class you spoke to on Tuesday at UCF. I want to first say how wonderful a job you did on presenting your knowledge about animal rights and vegan lifestyle. I learned a lot from you and have really become interested in taking the first steps into maintaining a more health-conscious and animal-friendly lifestyle. I am writing a rhetorical analysis on your speech for an assignment and I would also like to know if you have a title for your speech that I may reference in my analysis. Thank you so much for your visit and I hope to hear from you very soon.

Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 3:02 PM

I was in Steve Etheridge's English class yesterday at UCF when you spoke about animal rights and becoming a vegan. I am writing an analysis on your lecture and I want to do a really good job because I really was completely changed by your speech to us. I now never want to eat meat ever again. Thank you very much for everything and being so informative.

Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2004 4:47 PM

I just wanted to thank you again for reminding me why I it was so important being vegan and vegetarian. I'm going back to being vegetarian then vegan and eventually (hopefully) raw vegan. So thank you again.

Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 2:53 PM

Well, I have been a vegetarian for 7 or more years now but finally decided to become vegan 6 months ago after watching "Meet your Meat" but most even more so by watching your speech on a video that a new friend of mine from ADAPTT gave me. What a life altering experience. I think you can change anyone who gave you an hour to talk. I thought being a vegan would be hard but it is a lot easier than I thought. Once you know what you can and can't eat it is easy. Just takes a little time to educate yourself but it is so worth it. Not only have I lost tons of weight but I feel better. Not only physically but mentally. I am now talking to everyone I know about it and educating whenever I can. I am in the process of saving money to make copies of your tape so I can spread the word to everyone and hopefully get many people to go vegan. Anyway I am very proud of myself and do everything I can to get the word out. God Bless you all, Keep up the life changing work.

Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2004 4:20 PM

Just writing to tell you that you did an awesome job! You touched a bunch of people's lives. People have been coming up to me and telling me how much they liked you, and you've made at least five vegans. People went to lunch after your presentation and gave all of their food away because it was meat or animal product. The majority of the students that came to hear you speak were touched and changed forever. Thank you very much, you are an excellent speaker and our school needed somewhat of a reality check.


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