Depends a lot on brand and quality, but I'd guess the average is somewhat close to yours, at $3.00 US. Beans are a major source of protein for most people, where I live. Doesn't help me, though - I don't much mind the flavor, but they make me incredibly nauseous.

Right... let's check his comment point by point, shall we?

A person does not need to eat meat.

I believe you'll agree with this without the need to further explain it.

People absolutely do need to eat meat

This is strictly true, in our current context. The food production chain simply cannot cope with the abrupt loss of a main source of nutrients in most places. Particularly when 'muricans are throwing away up to half of their food.

specifically cooked meat in order to be intelligent.

Non-statement statement of dubious quality. Should be rewritten.

It’s what made cavemen smarter than other animals.

That's invariably the most accepted explanation to homo sapiens evolution

Also the recent rise in average height and IQ from good nutrition is in part directly related to cheap meat from factory farming.

Meat provides very dense nutritional value, I'm sure you'll agree - it's why carnivores exist to begin with. We know, factually, that nutritional quality directly correlates with better health, both in body and mind. We also know that meat can be VERY cheap, as long as you're not looking for "grade A elite baby wagyuu" stuff.

Where, exactly, is your point explicit?