The USDA is also literally former meat industry CEOs, so our health information gets skewed accordingly. Government subsidies are given to the meat industry so they are better able to provide meat at a lower cost than plant-based food--especially organic foods. This drives it into the food market as the main dish. Until recently, it was impossible for vegans to order anything but garden salad at almost every restaurant.
Lack of empathy, tough identity, greed, finances, ignorance, and availability are why North Americans easy more meat.