Speaking of blood boil... I could barely make it to the end of Chris Fell's column on Earth Hour. 

 I don't read your column, so I don't know if this is typical but your self-absorption in this matter disgusts me.  Our generation - yours and mine - are supposed to exemplify a new consciousness.  

Earth Hour is a great opportunity for environmental awareness, advocacy and education.  Yes, it is only for an hour, but it not only raises consciousness about the importance of the issue, it provides a learning opportunity for all of us to make small but incremental change.  Earth Hour has affected me beyond the effect of the hour itself. 

Today makes me remember and pay respect to the footprint that my behaviour is leaving on this earth.  Those fancy numbers that you are referring to (the equivalent of 50,000 cars off the road) only attempt to make the magnitude of our consumption tangible.  I also have done some research today in preparation and learned a few ways that I could change a few things in the house to save more energy. 

We also took the opportunity to talk to our children about the importance of the environment, and all of the small ways that they can make a difference.  For us and as for others maybe the hour will have positive trickle-down effects.  Can't hurt - might help.  Only actions like writing your editorial could make our consumption increase.

You claim your entitlement to consume energy because you have paid for it.  Well, guess what - I guess you don't read the news or pay too much attention because it is commonly known that the prices that we pay for gas and electricity do not include the costs of externalities (look it up) - the external costs of our consumption such as Greenhouse Gas emissions. 

This is why our government among others across the planet are turning to carbon taxes or carbon trading as a means of accounting for the damage we are doing.  Don't assume that these policies once implemented aren't going to make your gas and hydro prices skyrocket. 

In the meantime, our governments are hoping that they can induce some consciousness and conservation with voluntary measures such as an Earth Hour to impress upon us that we have been getting off easy until now.   

I am so saddened that you have taken your important role as a community voice and chosen to perpetuate such ignorance.  The least you could do is blast your stereo in private.  Your voice unfortunately carries some weight because people in the community may assume your opinions are educated ones. 

I am assuming you don't have children or maybe you would try to learn more about the issue. 

Generations from now, when opinions like yours lead to a worldwide environmental crisis - don't worry. My children's children will still lend your descendants a helping hand since they have been taught the importance of small acts of selflessness.

Hope you enjoyed your movie.