Commentary #1: Vegetarianism as a “Gateway” to Veganism?


In this first Commentary, Prof. Gary L. Francione discusses whether we should promote vegetarianism as a “gateway” to veganism.
His response:
“I conclude that the answer is ‘no.’
The bottom line: if you are a vegetarian, you are still complicit in animal suffering; you are still complicit in animal killing.
If you regard animals as nonhuman moral persons, why would you be complicit in animal suffering and death?
I hope that you find this Commentary and our future efforts useful for your thinking about animal ethics.”

~ Gary L. Francione

Commentary #2: “Pets”


In this second Abolitionist Approach Commentary, Prof. Francione explores the issue of “pets,” and addresses the following question:
Does the institution of pet ownership violate animals’ basic right not to be regarded as things?
This question is also found in the Appendix of Introduction to Animal Rights: Your Child or the Dog?

Commentary #3: On Michael Vick


In this Commentary, Prof. Gary L. Francione explains why he thinks the Michael Vick matter is not really about Michael Vick or dog fighting. It is about fundamental moral principles that we claim as a society to accept.

Commentary #4: Follow up to “Pets” Commentary: Non-Vegan Cats


In this Commentary, Prof. Gary L. Francione discusses the issue of non-vegan cats. He maintains that many cats can live healthy lives on a vegan diet. However, he addresses the question: what if there are cats who absolutely need to consume animal products?

Commentary #5: On Violence


In this Commentary, Prof. Gary L. Francione discusses the issue of violence. He regards violence as inherently immoral and has discussed that issue often, including in the following essays:
http://www.abolitionistapproach.com/a…
http://www.abolitionistapproach.com/m…

Commentary #6: Aspects of the Vegetarian/Vegan Debate


Prof. Gary L. Francione’s first Commentary about vegetarianism as a “gateway” to veganism provoked continuing controversy, and in this Commentary he responds to questions he received and elaborates further on the topic.

Commentary #7: An Up-Close and Personal Encounter with Moral Schizophrenia


Prof. Gary L. Francione refers to the delusional and confused way in which we think about animals from a moral and social standpoint as “moral schizophrenia.”
In this Commentary, he describes and discusses a situation that exemplifies moral schizophrenia, which involved dealing with a deer who had been hit by a car and the hunters who stopped to help the deer.

Commentary #8: A Discussion of Abolitionist Principles


In this Commentary, Prof. Gary L. Francione explains why welfare reform and violence are not compatible with the abolitionist approach.

Commentary #9: Using Sexism to Promote Animal Rights


In this Commentary, Prof. Gary L. Francione discusses why animal advocates must recognize that sexist campaigns trivialize the issue of animal rights and give people yet another reason to dismiss the animal rights issue.

Commentary #10: World Vegan Day- Nov 1, 2009


In this Commentary, Prof. Francione reflects on the state of the vegan movement. The bad news: the large welfare corporations have done a great deal to marginalize veganism. The good news: we have seen the growth of the abolitionist movement, which views veganism as the moral baseline, rejects welfare reform and single-issue campaigns, and considers veganism as essential to any coherent theory of nonviolence.