Dearest readers,

Possum LivingGreat thread yesterday on the varying viewpoints surrounding issues of independence, financial culpability, the 9-to-5 rat race, and being possessed by our possessions—all inspired by Dolly Freed’s Possum Living circa 1978.

For today’s starting point, I thought we’d delve into the blood and guts—literally—as in raising, killing, cleaning, and eating your own meat like Freed and her father did during their five years of living off the land. Do you think it’s possible to lead this type of subsistence lifestyle without eating animals? What do you see as the difference between killing your own meat and buying it? Is it ethical to eat meat if you wouldn’t kill the animal yourself?

My stomach admittedly lurched a tad at the thought of creamed catfish, fried grasshoppers, and snapper (as in turtle) soup. What are your thoughts on meat eaters who draw the line beyond standard fare like cows, chickens, and pigs?

Grist thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Let your reflections spill forth in the comments below. I’ll be checking in shortly.

Fishballsily,
Umbra