July 12, 2007

Before and after the final songs played, hundreds of Live Earth watchers stopped to share their view, including Ronald of Yorba Linda, Calif. His response is as in tune with the mission of the concert as organizers had hoped:

"Hey, MSN. Thanks for hosting the Live Earth concert! In my opinion, these concerts are going to be the spark to a world of change. People will become responsive to the problems of global warming, and will finally begin to act upon the solutions that people such as Al Gore have already proposed. This is like Woodstock (without the drugs)!"

Just as it takes a lot to put on nine concerts on seven continents, so does it take to integrate the online experience – not to mention turn words into actions. The July 7 concerts collectively drew more than 8 million online viewers, Microsoft reports. That's a sign that the pairing of music and message strikes a chord, though not necessarily a harmonious one.

Not everyone offering feedback believes in global warming or the concerts, with detractors decrying the "bologna" (Charlie of Fitchburg, Mass), "bunk" (Mike of Shaver Lake, Calif.), "boondoggle" (Ken of Birmingham, Ala.), "blowhards" (John of Joshua, Texas) and "bogus-ness" (Bill of Palm City, Fla.). Frank, weighing in from Delmont, Pa., even provided a link to an active current events message board doubting global warming (Mark Palowsky, MSN's Live Earth editorial director, further addresses environmental news in his column).

Many people see the issue as one cast in a liberal dose of blue light, with a hue deepened by the presence of chief spokesman Al Gore. "What an awesome Democratic experience," writes Richard, of Middlebury, Conn., "uniting so many people all over the world with a common theme – the care of our common habitat. The music and performers were an inspiration that I hope will continue long after July 7, 2007. Now let's see if we can actually implement the small changes promoted as well as teach others to do the same and carry the message forward."

For now, let's look past positioning the issue within a GOP-Democrat prism. Regarding the concerts themselves, even global warming believers took issue with the bright lights at the venues and other elements of getting the musicians on stages across the world. Clare, a New Jersey resident who is a "Woodstock generation person," admitted to being "perplexed about all the natural resources that are being used for event."

Yes, the concerts used intense lights and concessionaires sold beverages in non-refillable recyclables. But even ardent conservationists don't advocate a return to ox and carts or a candlelight existence. A chief goal of concert organizers was to trumpet an international call to live smarter and expend wisely.

From San Antonio, Mario writes, "I believe the event will have a far-reaching and immeasurable impact on our global community. Regardless of political allegiance, nationality, ethnicity, or religious convictions; everyone can agree that the consequences of our actions, both now and past generations, have adversely affected our planet. However, fortunately for us, the innovation and enterprise that created the situation can resolve it. If we could find a way for industrial America to profit from the "clean-up" effort, we would already be well on our way to healing the planet. However, in the meantime, it's refreshing to see that there are other idealists and individuals who share in the convictions of the whole above the one."

Speaking of idealists, perhaps we should have enlisted Joyce of Boston to write a column about Live Earth's highlights, as she effused about the concerts: "Amazing, fantastic, timely, eye-opening, loving, consciousness-raising, empowering, connecting, life-changing, community-building, hopeful, energizing, revitalizing, revolutionary and spiritual. It is a take-action push toward taking responsibility for the future in an active and conscious way."

Indeed, the music and message may have spurred Matt, in Naples, Fla., to re-embrace the treble clef fane evoke  change through music. "I loved it!" he declared about Live Earth, before backtracking with an explanation. "I wrote a song a few years ago, 'The Right Thing.' It is a song about taking care of each other, our old ones, our brothers and sisters, the guy down the road, the old lady across the street – picking up trash on the side of the road, people of different countries, colors – (a song whose message is) 'Let's all take care of our Earth.' I quit writing, but after today, my blood is flowing, my energy is flowing. I get the message and will do everything I can to do the right thing."

Discussion continues in message boards and on the Live Earth blog, and we continue to welcome your feedback in the box atop this page.