Actually many plants have evolved responses to dangerous situations.
Some close up or fold in response to cold and heat, some curl when cut,

and many move in reaction to sunlight or darkness. Those are responses

to stimuli that in some cases are akin to what we generalize as pain.


An opinion. Maybe a good one, but an opinion nonetheless. Pain is not
generalized - pain is pain.

So again, why are you concerned only about animals experiencing pain
when it is clear that plant life responds to dangerous or painful
situations too.

You misread me. I am concerned about all living things, down to
microbes.

I think you should exhibit the same level of
compassion for the carrot that you have for the sheepshead. Don't you?


As I said before, I will eat and live my life so as to avoid as much as
possible causing grief to other living things. For now, and until I am
shown something like proof (internet assertions do not fill this void),
I am going to have to assume that animals have the most developed
nervous systems and greatest potential for feeling pain...and that they
will get first consideration. That represents the best information I
have.

All of life is a compromise...it is unavoidable. What we can avoid is
doing any more damage than we must to survive. That is what I do when
I choose not to harm animals. I also try to use products with minimal
packaging, recycle as much as possible, work to preserve natural areas
and give other living things the best shot I can. You can argue it any
way you want - but when it comes down to it, I am acting on my
conscience and the best information I have. As one who apparently
requires not as much from yourself, you may wish to consider whether
you have a leg to stand upon when lecturing someone else when he is
trying to do what is morally right.

Bruce Jensen