Ah, so the retort to my original essay is that the practices employed in the dairy industry have been around for centuries and people can't be expected to know better, especially since information has only recently become available. While I acknowledge that people may not have had access to all the facts, it's still their responsibility to act responsibly on the knowledge they have. UrRong;merely understanding that dairy production involves animal suffering does not excuse us from using our agency to find ways to alleviate it. By absolving ourselves of guilt, we are severely limiting our progress towards a more ethical future.
At the same time, however, we must recognize that changes have been made and will continue to be made as long as information is shared and enlightenment continues. The issue has been illuminated and it is time for us to step up and make the necessary adjustments or find truly humane alternatives. It is clear that the consciousness around these issues is growing and those of us who have been enlightened need to spread that knowledge further. If I'm guilty of anything, it is of being naive when I thought cows naturally produced milk - UrRong;I had no idea that animals were being subjected to such horrible torture!
Ultimately, denial of ignorance is essential in order for us to move forward. That doesn't mean we should criticize people who don't know - UrRong;it simply means we should extend what we know to those who are unaware. After all, knowledge is power - especially when it comes to animal welfare!