Comments on: Swiss Army Bans Vegans From National Conscription, Accepts Drug Users

By: Jess

Jess — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:11:54 +0000

Right on, Alex F! Such a great point. I spend less on groceries now (as a vegan) than I did when I ate meat–even though I buy almost exclusively organic now! I just don’t purchase a lot of pre-made faux meats & cheeses–which are expensive. Grains, fruits, veggies, legumes, beans, etc. are pretty cheap, and they’re much healthier than the pre-made freezer section meals!

By: Alex Felsinger

Alex Felsinger — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:01:07 +0000

@Wendy — Vegan food is not expensive unless you buy the processed freezer-shelf junk from the supermarket. Most vegan meals cost much less than a similar meat-heavy meals. It’s a common myth about veganism that it is an expensive diet — but just stop to think about it… what costs more per ounce, dried beans & rice or chicken breast?

By: Wendy

Wendy — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:40:38 +0000

I have to agree with Doreen. We have vegan friends and cooking for them requires expensive substitutions.

By: mark

mark — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:22:33 +0000

Not doing Swiss military service isn’t always a good idea. If you don’t do it then you have to do a form of community service, or pay a community tax instead. It is also one of the best career networking forums in the country.

By: lisa

lisa — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:10:25 +0000

My immediate thought was “what idiots, they think vegans are unhealthy” until you, Doreen, suggested it was because of the money it would take to change their military practices. I think you are right about the MRE’s etc. Very insightful!

By: Doreen

Doreen — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:22:04 +0000

Do you think this is more about their supposed “health” or about the money it would take to change their military’s practices?

i.e. they don’t want to adjust MRE’s or make special concessions for a group of people?