I agree that I don't take PETA too seriously... they do not operate with the goal of stopping animal cruelty and protecting the planet so much as staying in business (why they are so "out there"). I guess they are a good example of the stewardship model in non-profits because while they may have some good positions on some things, yet they can be so extreme on things that no one really cares about (the president killing a fly). I had to spray a hornets nest that formed under my back door and my mom said, "If PETA found out, they would have a fit," to which I said, "F*** PETA!" (See epically bad day post under life problems for story)
Anyway, there are viable groups out there. I agree with Redneck Fur about the ASPCA... they are one of the best. Defenders of Wildlife is also a good one, and don't forget about local animal rescues and shelters... they are really the best because they are grassroots and the money is spent on addressing the problem at hand rather than just administration and fund raising.
What I don't think this particular forum should become is a place to bash vegetarians and vegans. For many people, these are the best diets for them. For example, people with fibromyalgia often feel much better on a vegan diet. And, as much as most of us don't want to admit this, we know that a vegan or a vegetarian diet puts less strain on our resources than a diet that includes meat (you can yield more soybeans off of an acre of land than you can beef).
I had been vegetarian for several years... I only made it for 4 months as a vegan, but that was back in the early '90s in a rural area, in a cold climate, so my options were pretty limited. I eat meat now, but opt for free-range and organic. People ask me why I went back to eating meat, and I don't often explain it, but I will mention it here. A few years back, I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis, which means there is a long list of foods to avoid. In addition, I have several food allergies. If you have read Michael Pollan's book The Omnivore's Dilemma, then you know that it is best if we, as omnivores, eat a large variety of food. For me, that was not possible without eating meat, but that is not the case for most people. The list of
"okay" fruits for someone with IC, for example, includes pears and blueberries... that is pretty much it. And then there is the "to avoid" list that contains most types of beans and nuts.
So, the point is, some diets are better for some people. I can personally say that the people I have known personally who are in the best shape (the fittest and healthiest) are vegetarian. I know many avid martial arts enthusiasts who wouldn't dare eat meat and they are quite capable of kicking yours or my a**. I also know many people who bulk up on meat protein and stay away from carbohydrates who can barely lift themselves off of the couch.
If you want to be healthy, remember everything in moderation.
Peace
