I read Andrew Hanelly's column expecting something intelligent from him, but instead I found some of the most ignorant, backward thinking I've ever encountered from a young person on the subject of vegetarianism and animal suffering ("Campus 'meatout' supports full of baloney," March 21).

Arguing that the suffering of animals is valid based on good old American tradition is ridiculous. Slavery was an American tradition -- tradition is what we make it. Barbecues will continue on just fine, featuring a variety of nonmeat items on the grill. They already are, with vegan friendly options becoming common at these events as the compassionate lifestyle grows more widespread.

Many of the jobs Hanelly claims would be lost to a meat-free society belong to uneducated and/or migrant workers who suffer greatly at the hands of an industry that makes sweatshops look like union strongholds.

Finally, Hanelly's assertion that products are tested on animals completely ignores the fact that many excellent alternative products exist for the same hygienic purposes. The toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant and other products I use are not tested on animals, and can be found at a national grocery store you may have heard of: Whole Foods Markets.