From: jjohnson@convex.com (Jennifer L. Johnson)
Subject: LEATHER
Originator: jjohnson@muse.convex.com
Organization:  CONVEX Computer Corp., Richardson, TX, USA
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1992 01:35:29 GMT
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
              Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
              not necessarily those of CONVEX.

In message <92096.150354IO91549@MAINE.MAINE.EDU>, Barry Knowles writes:
>
>I am curious as to whether vegetarians wear leather shoes, jackets,
>have leather upholstered car interiors, etc. I understand that people
>who are vegetarian for health reasons only would have no problem with
>this, but what about those who detest meat for animal's sake? I have
>seen some 'animal rights' vegetarians wear leather, saying "Someone
>else ate the meat, I'm just using what would go to waste".
>
>Not being a vegetarian myself, I am asking for curiosity only.

I've been a vegetarian for moral reasons for almost 15 years, 
so I guess I'm as qualified to answer as anyone...

While I agree somewhat with the stance, "Someone else ate the meat..."
I don't wear leather because

 1) the thought of wearing another animal's skin is disgusting
 2) I want to be consistent in every way I can.

I feel it would be inconsistent for me to refuse to eat animal flesh
while wearing animal skin.  If the car I really wanted to buy was
only available with leather seats, I'd find another car.

I've participated in many anti-fur demonstrations where passersby
have shouted, "But you wear leather shoes, don't you?!"  I only
wish they'd stop so I could show them the label inside my shoe that
says "All man-made material."

Animal rights activists are under alot of scrutiny by the anti-animal
rights public, so I feel we must strive to be as consistent as
possible or we'll look like hypocrits and lose credibility.  To this end, 

I don't 
  . wear leather, fur, silk, wool, bone, shell, pearls
  . eat any part of any animal
  . use personal care or household cleaning products that either
      contain animal products or were tested on animals
  . give money to any organization that uses animals in research
      (American Cancer Society, etc.)
  . attend rodeos, zoos, circuses (bull fights....)
  . shop at stores that sell live animals (most pet stores)
  . add to the market for pedigreed animals
  . allow my companion animals to reproduce

I do
  . give all I can afford (and sometimes more) to animal protection groups
  . adopt lots of strays and shelter-animals
  . write letters to manufacturers of cosmetic and household products asking
      them to stop animal testing, and to congress-critters in support of
      animal protection legislation
  . participate in local and national animal rights demonstrations
  . attend animal rights conferences and symposiums (to stay informed)

That goes a bit beyond your question, but if I'm correct in
assuming your question is really about consistency, then I've attempted
to show how at least one "vegetarian of the heart" tries to be consistent.


-- 
Jennifer L. Johnson |   "While we ourselves are the living graves of murdered 
jjohnson@convex.com |    beasts, how can we expect any ideal conditions on 
                    |    this earth?" 		--George Bernard Shaw