I bought a shovel from Home Depot this morning. It has a 46" oaken handle, riveted to a tempered steel blade, made in China (you think Home Depot would "buy American"). Why did I buy it? Two reasons: 1. To further my veganism. How? By replacing my real leather remnants from my hobby with faux leathers and materials--and holding a sunrise private funeral ceremony for my remnants, in homage of the animals who gave their lives so that I could do my hobby. 2. Also, I sometimes see dead animals on the road, especially squirrels; there are a lot of oak trees on my property, with lots of squirrels. If I see a dead animal, especially close to home, I could box him or paper-bag him up and bury him in the woods, too. I adore all animals, and they have taught me so much. Being vegan, and loving and respecting animals, has, by degrees, increased my compassion to broadcast it to people, too. Now, instead of wishing someone hurt or dead, right now what I do is wish bad karma or bad fortune on them, or, at worst, that a building fall on them. My veganness has shown me that there are still a lot of mean jerks out there, but there are also a lot of great people running around, too, helping animals, the environment and fighting for harmony and peace. My shovel, I see, is a tascent symbol of my commitment to veganism and my continuing respect for our furry, feathery and scaly friends.