colorfulwonder on Go vegetarian

i've been vegetarian for a little over a year, and i always told myself i could never go without meat (i love ribs, chicken, five guys (but not 'fast food'), etc) but i feel awesome about my decision.
i did it because i hate how the meat industry is treating its animals. the recent abuse of downer cows in meat processing facilities is outrageous. not only is it unsafe for humans to eat meat that is produced from downer cows, it is disgusting that people can treat living animals that way.
humans were made to eat meat - we have the teeth and we need the protein. but with all of our intelligence and riches, how is it that we can't find a way to raise animals for meat consumption in a way that isn't miles beyond the border of animal cruelty?