Something's Fishy: Vegans Who Eat Aquatic Animals?

Many animal lovers jumped for joy over Clinton's new "mostly vegan" diet. Others rolled their eyes, because Clinton still eats fish on occasion.

Last week, Peter Singer wrote an article for the Guardian titled: Fish: the forgotten victims on our plate. He writes about the nervous system of fish, debunking the myth that fish do not feel pain. Singer expresses concern for the welfare of fish caught at sea, revealing that there is no humane slaughter requirement for wild fish, and there isn't one for most farmed fish either. At least 150 billion fish are killed each year for human consumption.

Being vegan means you don't eat animal products, and that includes meat, fish, dairy, eggs, even honey. So, Clinton isn't truly a vegan until he gives up the salmon.

Vegetarian Star recently called foul on actress Lea Michele's persistent claims that she is a vegan, because she continues to eat fish. They asked instead that she refer to herself as a pescatarian, a person who avoids all animal flesh except fish. Should we ask the same of Billy C?

Actually, I'm giving Clinton a free pass on this one. I wish he wouldn't eat fish at all, but I hope he continues to call his diet a "mostly vegan" one. "Pescatarian" does not properly convey that Clinton shuns dairy and eggs.

And in the months following the salmonella outbreak, people should be aware that no one needs to continue to eat eggs. Clinton is noticably healthier, having lost 24 pounds since going vegan. Clinton gave another interview to Wolf Blizter on CNN this week, citing the work of Dr. Dean Ornish and the China Study as his motivations for switching to a plant-based diet to fight heart disease.

Aquatic animals are animals too, and we should fight for their welfare. But Clinton's mostly-vegan diet brings attention to the benefits of not eating animal products, and we should be mostly-thrilled about it.

Photo Credit: notsogoodphotography