Why is fake meat so expensive?

Why are things like Lick's burgers and Tofurky sausages so bloody expensive? They are more expensive than real meat burgers and sausages. (Not to be preachy, but I think if more people knew what was in real sausages and wieners, they wouldn't call them "real meat.") Vegetarians already have to endure people making fun of them for eating fake meat. They have to endure "You eat that shit?" at family barbecues. Why do they have to pay more to do so? Nobody's being paid at the slaughterhouse. I'm sure a farmer makes less on soybeans than a real cow or pig. This might be something for Mike to investigate.

An Embarrassed Vegetarian

I belong to a large local Toronto area vegetarian group. I've enjoyed this as the group is mainly there to educate and support. However, there's a wing for people in their 20s that became overrun by self-righteous vegans closely linked with those total animal liberationists in PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). There was a planned run of the CN Tower stairs as a benefit for the World Wildlife Fund. The event was subsequently canceled with an explanation being a link to PETA's Web site called wickedwildlifefund.com. PETA as a rival organization looking for people's donation in a tight economy accuses WWF of things such as supporting culls in some instances and not supporting a ban on laboratory testing of animals.

Look, I support the rights of animals, and though I don't judge others, see eating meat as morally wrong. But we have to be realistic here. If you have a real alternative, give it to us. I was also highly offended at PETA's exploitation of the holocaust and of the poor kid beheaded on the Greyhound in Manitoba last year. PETA needs to get real and stop making a joke of itself to the mainstream, while only offering up endorsements from clueless celebrities. In spite of the self-righteous vegetarians out there, I almost feel like eating meat, but know I won't.