The Value Of Freedom by Freya Dinsha Freya Dinshah Vice president of the American Vegan Society. In this country and throughout the world, we value Freedom. It is on this subject that I want to share some thoughts with you, in whose company I am happy to be today. For us Freedom has a broad meaning, and with it many obligations. Freedom cannot just be viewed from a personal standpoint, for we will upset others by selfishly pursuing our own desires.
Freedom IS freedom from bondage and exploitation.
It is a state in which we may grow and learn, be nourished, and in which we may develop our talents, and explore life and the world in its many dimensions. Freedom is an ideal that in the minds of a growing number of people should be extended to the animals. We are saddened at the plight of so many of our fellow creatures, shamed that they are imprisoned and slaughtered to provide food for the table, dismayed at their loss of habitat caused by the expanding demands of the human population, and distraught at the many other abuses inflicted upon them in the name of science, entertainment, and so forth. This ideal exists in some traditions, or may spring forth spontaneously in the hearts of individuals. To change the appalling conditions that exist for the animals requires changes in our lifestyles.