VEGGIES

Colman Andrews’ response to Barbara Wong’s letter entitled, “Vegetarianism: the Meat of the Matter,” has several flaws (Restaurant Notebook, Nov. 30).

Individuals that opt for a meat-free diet do not do so on “whim,” as Andrews stated. Whim involves an emotional response to an issue, unguided by rational thought.

Most vegetarians have based their dietary decision on a complex system of values and observations, which perhaps involves more critical thinking than our meat-eating counterparts have invested.

Andrews also stated that vegetarianism is “silly.” Is it silly that an individual make an effort to improve his or her health and mitigate animal suffering?

I encourage Andrews to become more aware of the issues behind vegetarianism and its individual and social rewards.

STEVEN M. GREEN

Long Beach