Editor:

I am writing in response to Chris Parker’s column (“Fighting animal cruelty? Eat meat,” March 28).

Hmmm, all of a sudden it’s animals and animal rights. We can argue all day about the best way to help animals and the nutritional value of vegetarianism vs. the occasional carnivorous indulgence.

My take on this is much easier to understand: Beef, pork, fish and poultry products taste good, and that’s all there is to it. Anyone can show me pictures of animal cruelty happening in slaughterhouses (seen them), argue that I’m not getting enough fiber (had that argument), etc.

But it isn’t going to stop me from enjoying a medium-finish barbequed tenderloin, a salmon sushi roll or a good portion of roast turkey or honey-cured ham. Sorry, it’s just not going to happen. I like the taste of meat, and I’m not going to stop eating the things I like.

Don’t get me wrong here, I like animals too. But I also enjoy the benefits of being the top of the food chain. No, I’m not a strict carnivore. There are plenty of fruits, grains and vegetables that I enjoy eating as well.

I’m not going to write this and give a speech on what I think other people should be eating and why because I don’t care what other people eat. I’m simply saying that I don’t think you should tell me that I should go vegetarian.

Now, in the noble vegetable’s defense, I will admit that I like corn, asparagus, orange juice, green apples, sweet potatoes and yams, just about any kind of squash, rice?well, you get the idea.

I don’t think that vegetarianism is healthier because I’m in excellent health and more active than most vegetarians I know (and I know many), and I eat various meats in good moderation.

You won’t convince me I am going to die of a heart attack because I have high cholesterol due to my red meat intake, because I don’t have high cholesterol, nor am I obese. You can’t tell me I should not eat the tuna fish simply because dolphins are getting caught in the nets. Apparently those of you who say this don’t have any regard for the tuna.

So pretty please with unrefined sugar and an organic cherry on top, stop haggling me over my porterhouse steak, and let me eat in peace.

Jon Young?Freshman, history