Insightful email, from a reader:

Subject: Missing the Point, Motherf****r
Jonah,
I’m exhausted from jumping up and down, but wanted to point out that you may have missed the point of the Live Earth debacle.
The organizer, Kevin Wall, also was involved in the logistics of Live 8. After Live 8, he saw that he had established a logistical operation that could put on a global music event. So this was an organization of music and television logistics looking for a cause, not the other way around.
This one, however, lacked the imagination, creativity, and perverse charm of Bob Geldof and substituted it with . . . , well, . . Al Gore. The results were predictable. Add to this the lack of planning and/or hubris that caused them to schedule the event against Formula 1 racing and Wimbeldon, and the result is that our planet is doomed. Alas, we were so close to saving it.
M**********r!
[Name withheld]
P.S. If they were serious about this event, they could have done something really cool. How about big stars performing acoustic sets from wherever they were at that time. Home, a local coffee house, a small venue, a park, etc. Big star exclusives all day long broadcast on the interent. No jets flying people around, no plastic beer cup litter, etc. Missed opportunity.