People of cruel societies have opposable thumbs, the ability to make weapons, and rise up against their tyrants. The revolutionary war, among others, proves that it can be done, and it is done routinely. More recent we had East Timor - The local people rose up against UN Forces, and WON. Talk about a weak-sided victory.
The "We should help the human condition as well, or better, than we fight the animal condition" raises two points, both stated in an anti-liberal voice:
Liberals are the ones that say things like this. We, as a country, ARE freeing oppressed people. We have done so in Afghanistan and are doing so in Iraq. Next, through bloodless attempts, we hope to see the same from Iran and Syria. Whenever the people cried for democracy, the US was first on land to ensure their pleas were heard - In the Phillippines, Germany, Italy, South Africa (Still being waged, bloodless) Numerous African countries, and in the Middle East - Offering support to Iran, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Albania and Macedonia.
Look through history, we are the ONLY ones doing this.
Then they immediately want to turn attention to livestock conditions. Fortunately, the US Military can't (Well... Shouldn't..) turn it's weapons on US Citizens and Civilians. (Unlike Waco, Ruby Ridge, and stand offs with the Funicellos of Wyoming). So, they must try to convince farmers to not farm this way. But the farmer, through greed or need, Asks for money to replace the lost profits of any kind of PETA act. The result: More Farm subsidy money that always gets shot down by.. You guessed it.. the Democrats in Congress.
A Stalemate is reached, and things go on without effect.
The best way you can do this is to stop buying from huge markets. It's the huge markets that support this kind of slaughter. Smaller delis and meat markets buy locally, and you can be ensured that the meat you eat is coming from the farms you can see and tour.
If you want to stop the cruel conditions, Place your support in non-cruel people. That is always the answer.
-> Steve